TRANSPORTATION
Air Transportation
The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport ( https://www.flyroa.com/; 540-362-1999) is located in Roanoke, approximately 64 km (40 miles) from Blacksburg. Transportation between Blacksburg and the airport is provided by the Smart Way Bus ( http://www.smartwaybus.com/).
Transportation Within Blacksburg
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Public transportation within the Town of Blacksburg is provided by the Blacksburg Transit System (BT). For routes, schedules, and fares, contact BT (http://www.btransit.org). Fares are prepaid for Virginia Tech students. Just show your "Hokie Passport." Transportation to Christiansburg, including Walmart, Uptown Mall, Market Place, and Spradlin Farm, is available through the BT system.
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There are also taxis available through private companies. And there is Uber which extends outside Blacksburg.
Transportation Outside Blacksburg
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Smart Way Bus ( link) provides transportation between Blacksburg and Roanoke (stops at airport)
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Greyhound Bus Lines (http://www.greyhound.com ) has a local terminal in Roanoke (https://www.greyhound.com/en-us/bus-station-330980).
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An Amtrak Railroad station is located in Roanoke (https://www.amtrak.com/stations/rnk). The Smart Way Bus goes to the station.
Buying a Car - Things to Consider
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Consider all of the costs,including purchase price, maintenance, registration, license, and insurance.
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Look at "blue books," which list suggested prices for used cars ( http://www.kbb.com). Consider mileage and repair history.
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Look at Consumer Reports, a magazine (in the library) that provides information on the reliability of various used cars.
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Test drive the car under various driving conditions.
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Have the car inspected by a professional mechanic (other than the car dealer's mechanic) prior to purchasing.
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Bargaining is normal when purchasing a car.
Car (Automobile) Insurance
A minimum amount of insurance is required by DMV (see DMV web page). Contact auto insurance agents or companies to help determine the coverage you need. Prices will vary, so shop around. "Liability insurance" is required. "Collision insurance" is optional but is recommended if your car is valuable.
Vehicle Registration & Driver's License
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See https://www.dmv.virginia.gov for information. Contact the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), 385 Arbor Drive, Christiansburg. You will need "proof of identity" and "proof of residency" to apply for a license (see web page for details). You will also need to take a knowledge exam (based on the Driver's Manual), road skills test, and vision screening.