Norfolk Portsmouth Newport News, VA, October 5, 2026 — A new initiative in Southwest Virginia is addressing critical transportation challenges faced by residents in coalfield counties, aiming to improve access to employment opportunities. The program, known as “Cars to Work,” specifically targets individuals in areas like Russell and Tazewell counties who experience barriers due to a lack of reliable personal transportation.

The core mission of Cars to Work is to provide participants with affordable used vehicles. This service directly tackles the issue of transportation as an obstacle to securing and maintaining employment, a common concern in many rural regions. By ensuring residents have a means to commute, the program seeks to foster economic stability and independence.

Funding for the Cars to Work initiative includes support from a state opioid abatement grant, indicating a broader strategy to address community needs that may be linked to economic development and public health. This funding model highlights a multi-faceted approach to supporting residents.

A key component of the program’s design is its participant repayment structure. Individuals who receive a vehicle through Cars to Work are required to repay only half of its cost. This repayment is structured as a manageable monthly plan, making the cost of acquiring reliable transportation more accessible for low-income residents and those facing economic hardship. The details regarding the specific amount of the total cost and the duration of the monthly plans were not provided.

While the program is noted to be operational in Russell and Tazewell counties, the full extent of its reach within Southwest Virginia and the specific number of vehicles provided to date were not detailed in the summary. The contractor responsible for vehicle acquisition and refurbishment was also not identified.


Story summarized from the original created by Anna Rubenstein on cardinalnews.org, see more information here.

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