Crossword Genius

Transportation north to Virginia (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

van

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'transportation' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'north to virginia' is the wordplay.
'north' becomes 'N' (abbreviation).
'to' means one lot of letters go next to another (I've seen this in other clues).
'virginia' becomes 'va' (US state abbreviation).
'n' put after 'va' is 'VAN'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for van that I've seen before include "Front of an advancing army" , "Commercial vehicle at head of army" , "Business vehicles or army front" , "Army front or business vehicle" , "... Morrison (singer)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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