Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association
Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association (GVF) Founded in 1990, GVF is a not-for-profit organization created to advocate and promote a viable transportation network for the region’s economic vitality. To maximize awareness and develop sustainable support, we partner with public and private entities. GVF's mission is to achieve a desirable quality of life and a healthy, competitive economic environment by developing multi-faceted transportation strategies.
Advocacy
Construction Projects
GVF has partnered with several local municipalities and agencies on several transportation projects across parts of Montgomery County. The TMA has partnered with the following road projects:
- U.S Route 202 (Sections 300,500 and 600)
- PA Route 309 Improvement Project
- U.S 422 River Crossing Complex
Sustainability
Climate Change Task Force
GVF’s Climate Change Task Force is an advocate for our partners by taking proactive measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy costs, protect air quality and public health and improve the environment throughout our region. The task force provides continuous and up to date information on global warming and climate change issues that are affecting our partners and assist with identifying the appropriate steps of action.The goal is to work collaboratively, with a panel of experts, such as DEP, EPA, DVRPC and other participants, on a variety of issues that will inform partners on the necessary action items to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Bike To Work Challenge
With a commitment to reducing congestion and providing transportation alternatives throughout the region, GVF has created the Bike to Work Challenge to encourage commuters to bike to work. The program encourages employees to ditch their cars and track their number of bicycle commuting miles. The ultimate goal is to see which company can make the biggest environmental impact by keeping vehicles off the roadways while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
In 2009, over 100 riders logged over 40,000 miles, which translated to a savings of 1,929 gallons of gasoline and 37,430 pounds of CO2 emissions prevented. Local bike shops generously donated several bike related items to be raffled off each week to those who rode. In 2010, GVF had 151 riders that rode 2,150 days and logged 40,273.32 miles.
Partnerships
GVF coalitions
- The Southeastern Montgomery County Transportation Coalition (SMTC): The SMTC offers a forum in which the business community and municipal, county and state officials can cooperatively address traffic related probable s affecting the Southeastern Montgomery County area.
- The Route 309 Coalition: The Route 309 Coalition was formed in conjunction with the PA 309 improvement project and brings together all of the municipalities and agencies affected by the project to address and resolve issues.
- The Schuylkill Valley Transportation Coalition (SVTC): The Schuylkill Valley Transportation Coalition seeks to reduce congestion, increase labor force access, encourage smart growth/land use and increase the visibility of the public transportation in Central Montgomery County.
- The U.S 422 Corridor Coalition: The U.S 422 Corridor Coalition is an open forum where transportation and planning organizations, corporations, municipal governments and elected officials meet to discuss transportation issues relevant to the US 422 Corridor.
Shuttle Management
GVF operates numerous shuttles throughout the Greater Valley Forge region. These shuttles provide job access, community mobility and reduce congestion in the most heavily traveled areas in the region. GVF partners with local municipalities, corporations and government agencies to provide transit to their employees and residents.
- The Rambler: A number of municipalities need transportation services for their residents. GVF has already implemented a residential shuttle in Upper Merion Township and Conshohocken Borough servicing residents during off-peak hours. GVF is working to initiate similar programs in other municipalities.
- Montgomery County Community College Shuttle: GVF has partnered with Montgomery County Community College to help students and faculty commute between the Blue Bell and Pottstown campuses. The campus shuttle managed by GVF is a free shuttle for fall 2010 and spring 2011.The 14 passenger, fully wrapped shuttle runs Monday thru Friday.
- Cruise Line: GVF has managed numerous employer-sponsored shuttles that provide transportation for employees of different companies to and from area train stations or other areas designated by the employer. Each corporate shuttle, including the route and schedule, is developed to meet the commuting needs of its employee population. Specifically, the Cruise Line transports employees to and from the Norristown Transportation Center to their employer location in Chesterbrook and Malvern. This shuttle allows employees to use public transit easily and efficiently, as the Cruise Line schedule is based on the SEPTA Regional Rail schedules.
- Valley Forge National Historical Park Shuttle: In order to enhance the visitor experience at Valley Forge National Historical Park, GVF again partnered with the park in 2010 to implement a free shuttle service to keep cars out of the park and in the parking lots. The Revolutionary Shuttle ran from May through September of 2010 and provided free transportation to all park visitors. Service is expected to return in May 2011.