eastern panhandle transit authority
Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority, founded 1976, operates public fixed-route bus, demand-response, and non-emergency medical transit services across Berkeley and Jefferson Counties, West Virginia, serving commuters, seniors, students, and medical-transit riders.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1976
- HeadquartersMartinsburg, United States
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What eastern panhandle transit authority does
Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority (EPTA) is a non-profit public transit authority founded in 1976 that operates mass transit services across Berkeley and Jefferson Counties in West Virginia, anchored in Martinsburg. The agency runs a 12-route deviated fixed-route bus network serving Martinsburg, Inwood, Charles Town, Harpers Ferry, and surrounding areas, supplemented by demand-response (dial-a-ride), non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), MARC Train connector service to Maryland commuter rail, and free Shepherd University campus circulators during the academic year. The fleet is ADA-compliant with wheelchair lifts and ramps, and the agency holds Title VI compliance and a Language Assistance Plan.
EPTA's revenue model is a hybrid of small farebox receipts (zone-based fares from $2.00 to $3.50, monthly passes, $10 fare cards, $5 all-day passes, with 50% half-fare discounts for seniors, Medicare cardholders, and persons with disabilities, and 25% student discounts) and primary funding from federal FTA grants and state appropriations, including a WVDoHS grant for the State Opioid Response program and a $4.5M 2018 capital grant for a transit center that was approximately 30% complete by 2022. Technology is delivered through third-party platforms — Passio GO for real-time bus tracking, Token Transit for mobile ticketing, and GTFS for schedule data — rather than proprietary systems. The customer base is fragmented across general commuters, seniors and disabled riders, students, medical-transit users, and partner institutions, while service distribution is direct via physical routes, a dispatch office, and the Token Transit and Passio GO apps.
eastern panhandle transit authority firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- eastern panhandle transit authority
- Legal name
- Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority
- Website
- https://eptawv.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1976
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority, founded 1976, operates public fixed-route bus, demand-response, and non-emergency medical transit services across Berkeley and Jefferson Counties, West Virginia, serving commuters, seniors, students, and medical-transit riders.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
eastern panhandle transit authority industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Transit Services
- NAICS
- Bus and Other Motor Vehicle Transit Systems (485113), Special Needs Transportation (485991)
- SIC
- Local & Suburban Transit & Interurban Hwy Passenger Trans (4100)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public Transit Bus Operator Authorities & Agencies (Planning/Fare/Admin) (TLAFAGAL)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Public Transit Agencies (Bus, Rail, Metro, Paratransit) (BPAIALAB)
Keywords
Where eastern panhandle transit authority is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Martinsburg
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
eastern panhandle transit authority business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Public Transit Fares: EPTA generates revenue through zone-based fares ranging from $2.00 to $3.50 per one-way trip, monthly passes, $10 fare cards, and $5 all-day passes. Half-fare discounts (50%) are available for eligible seniors, Medicare cardholders, and persons with disabilities.
- Government Grants and Subsidies: EPTA receives federal funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and state funding from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services (WVDoHS) for the State Opioid Response (SOR) program. The agency received $4.5 million in 2018 for a transit center project.
- Token Transit Transaction Fees: Credit card purchases of passes through Token Transit app are subject to a processing fee not set by EPTA.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Standard One-Way Fares |
| Subscription | Monthly | Monthly Pass |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | $10 Fare Cards |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | $5 All Day Pass |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Half-Fare Program |
| Subscription | Monthly | Student Discount |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
eastern panhandle transit authority product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority (EPTA) operates a zone-based public transportation system serving Berkeley and Jefferson Counties in West Virginia. The agency provides deviated fixed-route bus service, demand response (dial-a-ride), non-emergency medical transportation, MARC Train commuter connections, and Shepherd University campus circulators, with fare collection supported by cash, mobile ticketing, and reduced-fare programs.
Product overview
Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority operates a zone-based public transportation system offering fixed-route bus services (Routes 10-40), demand response (Dial-a-Ride), and non-emergency medical transportation in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties, West Virginia. The service portfolio includes commuter connections to MARC Train and Shepherd University circulators. Supporting programs include Half-Fare Cards for seniors and disabled riders, Student Discount passes, the Get a Job Get a Ride corporate partnership program, and mobile ticketing via Token Transit. Real-time bus tracking is available through the Passio GO app.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Fixed Route Bus Service Deviated fixed route bus service operating multiple routes (Routes 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40) across Martinsburg, Inwood, Charles Town, Harpers Ferry, and Jefferson County for the general public and commuters.
- Demand Response / Dial-a-Ride Door-to-door service for passengers unable to access traditional bus routes, operating 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday-Friday in select areas of Berkeley and Jefferson Counties. Scheduling must be completed the business day before the desired trip.
- Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) Transportation service for non-emergency medical appointments, with drivers operating transit vans and smaller buses following scheduled manifests. Includes rides for State Opioid Response (SOR) program participants.
- Shepherd University Circulator Service Two campus circulator buses (Ram Force One and Ram Express) serving Shepherd University students during Fall and Spring semesters. Students with valid Rambler Card ride free of charge.
- MARC Train Connector EPTA buses meet MARC Trains 870 and 883, providing connecting service between Martinsburg, WV and Maryland's MARC Brunswick Line for commuter rail passengers.
Quantifiable outcome
- Maximum one-way fare of $3.50 provides affordable transit option compared to private transportation costs
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use eastern panhandle transit authority
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
eastern panhandle transit authority technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature3 records
eastern panhandle transit authority partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (HEPMPO)minorEPTA and HEPMPO investigated the feasibility of implementing commuter bus service connecting Martinsburg and Ranson/Charles Town areas to the Silver Line Metro Station in Ashburn, VA. A transit market analysis was completed including proposed routes, sample schedules, cost estimates, and performance measures. The commuter bus line was deemed too costly in 2025.
- City of MartinsburgminorPartnered with EPTA, Berkeley County Council, and West Virginia Division of Transit on the Bus Transfer Point Study to identify a new site for a bus transfer station in the City of Martinsburg. The study examined nine potential sites providing detailed analysis, traffic flow assessment, proposed route adjustments, cost estimates, and implementation strategy.
- West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services (WVDoHS)coreEPTA is a proud transportation provider for the State Opioid Response (SOR) program. This program provides transportation to individuals seeking recovery from opioid addiction, with financial assistance provided as a grant from WVDoHS.
- Shepherd UniversitycoreEPTA operates two campus circulator buses (Ram Force One and Ram Express) for Shepherd University students. Students with valid Rambler Card ride free of charge. Routes operate during Fall and Spring semesters serving campus locations including Frank Arts Center, Moler Hall, Potomac Place, Thacher/Shaw, Snyder Hall, Gardiner Circle, and Student Center.
- Maryland Transit Administration (MARC Train)coreEPTA buses meet MARC Trains 870 and 883, providing connecting service between Martinsburg, WV and Maryland's MARC Brunswick Line. This integration allows commuters to use EPTA for first/last mile connections to commuter rail service.
- Berkeley County CouncilminorCollaborated with EPTA, City of Martinsburg, and West Virginia Division of Transit on the Bus Transfer Point Study for a new bus transfer station.
- West Virginia Division of TransitminorPartnered with EPTA, City of Martinsburg, and Berkeley County Council on the Bus Transfer Point Study to address transit ridership growth and identify optimal transfer station location.
- Token TransitcoreToken Transit mobile ticketing partnership allowing passengers to purchase bus tickets and passes directly from their phones. EPTA riders can download the app and receive 50% off their first purchase. Supports Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
- Passio GO (Passio Technology)corePassio GO real-time bus location app partnership allowing riders to favorite routes, see buses approaching in real-time, and enable notifications for route updates and service interruptions.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
eastern panhandle transit authority competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Maryland Transit Administration (MARC Train): Statewide transit operator running the MARC commuter rail system that EPTA's buses connect to. Comparable as the regional multimodal anchor with whom EPTA maintains a connector partnership, and as a broader incumbent in the Eastern Panhandle mobility ecosystem.
- Loudoun County Transit: Virginia local government transit operator providing fixed-route bus service in Loudoun County, including commuter connections to Metrorail stations. Comparable as a peer county-level transit agency on the opposite (Virginia) side of EPTA's studied Ashburn commuter corridor.
Others
- Passio Technologies: Provider of the Passio GO real-time bus tracking platform used by EPTA and many other small/mid-size transit agencies. Comparable as the technology vendor enabling EPTA's rider-facing real-time tracking capabilities, and as a benchmark for the broader transit-tech ecosystem serving agencies like EPTA.
Regional players
- Shenandoah Valley Airport Commission / BRITE Transit: Public transit provider serving the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia across multiple counties. Comparable as a peer regional rural transit authority operating demand-response and fixed-route services in a small-market environment with overlapping customer demographics.
Direct peers
- Frederick Transit (TransIT Services of Frederick County): Maryland county-operated transit system providing fixed-route bus and demand-response services in Frederick County. Directly comparable as a peer small-to-mid-size county transit agency operating adjacent to West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle with similar service portfolio.
- Potomac Valley Transit Authority: West Virginia public transit authority operating fixed-route and demand-response bus services in the Potomac Highlands region. Directly comparable as a small, federally funded rural transit agency delivering overlapping service types (fixed-route, demand-response, NEMT) to a similar two-county catchment area.
- Washington County Transit (MD): Public transit operator serving Washington County, Maryland, immediately north of EPTA's Berkeley County catchment. Comparable as a neighboring rural-adjacent transit authority with fixed-route and demand-response service delivery and FTA grant funding.
- Tri-County Transit Authority (WV): Public transit operator serving Calhoun, Gilmer, and Ritchie Counties in rural West Virginia. Comparable as a small rural multi-county transit authority dependent on FTA funding for fixed-route and demand-response services.
- Mountain Line Transit Authority (Monongalia County): West Virginia public transit agency operating fixed-route bus service in Morgantown and surrounding Monongalia County. Comparable as a state-level small urban transit authority serving a similar rural-urban interface with FTA grant funding and university ridership.
- Greater Roanoke Transit Authority (Valley Metro): Virginia public transit authority operating fixed-route bus, paratransit, and demand-response services in the Roanoke Valley. Comparable as a small-to-mid-size public transit agency with multi-service portfolio and FTA-funded operations in an Appalachian-region catchment.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
eastern panhandle transit authority social profiles
Digital presenceeastern panhandle transit authority compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
eastern panhandle transit authority financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
eastern panhandle transit authority leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
eastern panhandle transit authority funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
eastern panhandle transit authority M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about eastern panhandle transit authority
What does eastern panhandle transit authority do?
Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority (EPTA) operates a zone-based public transportation system serving Berkeley and Jefferson Counties in West Virginia. The agency provides deviated fixed-route bus service, demand response (dial-a-ride), non-emergency medical transportation, MARC Train commuter connections, and Shepherd University campus circulators, with fare collection supported by cash, mobile ticketing, and reduced-fare programs.
Is eastern panhandle transit authority a public or private company?
eastern panhandle transit authority is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was eastern panhandle transit authority founded?
eastern panhandle transit authority was founded in 1976.
Where is eastern panhandle transit authority based?
eastern panhandle transit authority is headquartered in Martinsburg, United States, in the North America region.
How does eastern panhandle transit authority make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Public Transit Fares are the primary driver. The others are government Grants and Subsidies and token Transit Transaction Fees.
Who are eastern panhandle transit authority's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Maryland Transit Administration (MARC Train) and Loudoun County Transit. Passio Technologies is listed as an others. Shenandoah Valley Airport Commission / BRITE Transit is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Frederick Transit (TransIT Services of Frederick County), Potomac Valley Transit Authority, Washington County Transit (MD), Tri-County Transit Authority (WV), Mountain Line Transit Authority (Monongalia County) and Greater Roanoke Transit Authority (Valley Metro).
Does eastern panhandle transit authority have an API?
No public API is recorded for eastern panhandle transit authority.
What industry is eastern panhandle transit authority in?
eastern panhandle transit authority's product category is Public Transit Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAFAGAL, Public Transit Bus Operator Authorities & Agencies (Planning/Fare/Admin), with a secondary code of BPAIALAB, Public Transit Agencies (Bus, Rail, Metro, Paratransit). Its NAICS code is 485113 and its SIC code is 4100.