DRPT's mission is to serve as the catalyst to connect and improve the quality of life for all Virginians with innovative transportation solutions. 

DRPT's vision is a connected Commonwealth with an integrated multimodal network that serves every person, every business, and every need. 

Knowledge: We respect expertise and have the skills and attributes to successfully perform our jobs. We believe in seeking out and sharing knowledge as well as providing opportunities for everyone to learn and grown as technical experts.



Professionalism: We communicate effectively and appropriately and are respectful of others. We are productive and disciplined, caring about every aspect of our jobs and our partners.



Stewardship: We provide an environment where we are engaged and can thrive. We are transparent and earn public trust by ensuring the efficient and effective use of resources to drive results.



Innovation: We anticipate needs and challenge the status quo when necessary. We encourage curiosity while exploring new ideas and learning from mistakes to continuously improve.



Collaboration: We believe in the synergy of diverse thoughts and ideas. We are forthcoming with information and proactively convene with our stakeholders and colleagues to improve process, generate new ideas, and find solutions. 

The General Assembly created the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) as a separate agency from the Virginia Department of Transportation in 1992. DRPT focuses on moving people and goods via public transportation, rail, and transportation demand management. The agency provides support for projects and programs by allocating state and federal funding; conducting statewide rail and public transportation studies; planning and programming new services and capital improvement projects; and providing leadership, advocacy, technical assistance, and funding oversight.



DRPT's stakeholders include 40 transit systems, 82 human service providers, 17 transportation demand management agencies, 15 metropolitan planning organizations, nine shortline railroads, two Class I freight railroads (CSX and Norfolk Southern), one intercity passenger rail operator (Amtrak), and one intercity bus operator (Virginia Breeze).   

DRPT marked its 30th anniversary in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, and the agency celebrated not just by looking back on accomplishments but looking forward to the progress to come.



DRPT updated its mission and vision to reflect the agency’s goals and priorities: to connect and improve the quality of life for all Virginians through an integrated multimodal network that serves every person, every business, and every need. The agency also completed work on this strategic plan, which will serve as a map for how to improve rail and public transportation in the Commonwealth. DRPT is committed to working with its rail and public transportation stakeholders to meet these goals.



The Commonwealth sees a return on its investments in rail and public transportation. In FY23, DRPT created a positive impact on the Commonwealth by investing $1.04 billion in state, federal, and local resources toward improving rail and public transportation capacity and service across the Commonwealth. Additionally, DRPT and transit agencies have brought back to Virginia millions of dollars in federal funding.



The COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on ridership continue to be a factor, particularly with telework still being a common practice with companies. However, transit agencies have innovated and adapted to attract passengers. Transit ridership in Virginia has increased, with more than 105 million passengers on transit in FY23, an increase of 128 percent since FY21, when ridership hit its lowest because of the pandemic. The Virginia Breeze, the DRPT-managed intercity bus program, set record-breaking ridership on all four of its routes in FY23. Virginia’s commuter assistance programs reduced 2.7 million vehicle trips and 93.4 million vehicle miles traveled in FY23, a 136 percent increase and 116 percent increase, respectively, over the previous fiscal year. And DRPT’s rail programs are moving more and more trucks from Virginia’s highways by diverting goods to trains, with 14 million trucks diverted in FY23.



Rail and public transportation partners have delivered improved service in FY23. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) opened the Potomac Yard Metro Station, which served as a key factor in the decision to locate the new Virginia Tech Innovation campus, slated to open in 2024, and Amazon’s HQ2, in Alexandria. It also completed the final phase of the 23-mile expansion of the Silver Line to Washington Dulles International Airport, drawing two million trips since it opened in November 2022. DRPT’s mission focuses on working toward public transportation accessible to all Virginians, no matter where they live. The agency has supported organizations bringing public transit options to rural communities through microtransit. It has also funded and assisted with the testing of transit services in the Town of Bedford and Shenandoah County, which now have transit service for the first time.



New legislation went into effect that changes the funding mechanism for the Virginia Railway Express as well as improves oversight to WMATA, two systems that have faced ridership challenges due to the federal workforce not returning to offices full time.



DRPT completed its update to the Statewide Rail Plan in 2022, which provides long-term guidance for Virginia’s transportation leadership to ensure that the Commonwealth’s rail needs for people, communities, and commerce are addressed. Continued investment in rail infrastructure will ensure the mission and vision of the Commonwealth’s transportation network is achieved.



A record number of businesses have sought investments to move their goods on the rail network, easing the strain on highway infrastructure and reducing congestion. DRPT is also fostering innovative practical solutions by developing a bold plan to identify technology, equipment, and infrastructure enhancements to maximize the capacity and efficiency of Virginia’s transportation network by increasing the percentage of goods moving in and out of the Port of Virginia by rail.



DRPT is always leading by convening. The agency has started a study on an east-west Virginia Breeze route. It is also in the middle of a year-long process to create a guide for Virginia’s transit agencies to transition their fleets to low- and zero-emission vehicles, a document that will be most useful to smaller, rural transit agencies with limited resources that want to pursue a more cost-efficient way to move people.

The number of rail and public transportation projects managed by or otherwise requiring DRPT involvement has increased steadily over the years. Improved IT systems are necessary for program managers to carry out their oversight more effectively and for the agency to maintain its goal of being a sustainable well-managed organization. DRPT currently uses several agency-specific applications, all of which were developed internally. DRPT depends on this body of software to support and enable virtually all its day-to-day operations. Two of these software applications, Symphony and OLGA, are in the process of being replaced as they no longer meet agency needs for prioritization, project evaluation, and tracking.



Bobcat



An internally developed financial management and procurement system that interfaces with Cardinal, the application allows for detailed project accounting and budgeting for DRPT’s numerous grants and managed projects and allows for automated requisitioning. Additionally, the system provides real-time financial information that is essential to our grant management process. This application does not currently interface with eVA.



Webgrants



A grants management application which allows DRPT staff – primarily program managers – to work with our transit partners to financially administer the grants made to these entities.



This system is the primary tool used by external transit agencies to manage their accounts with DRPT and supply the required administrative data. Partners can apply for their grants, sign contracts, request extensions to projects, draw down funds, and review payment history.

DRPT’s authorized FTE level is 72 full-time employees. DRPT has offices in Richmond and Alexandria. The majority of DRPT’s employees are in the Richmond headquarters’ office. Nine positions are based in the Alexandria office.DRPT’s employee presence in Northern Virginia provides better oversight and support services and fosters collaboration to this critical transportation project area.



DRPT is focused on developing and maintaining a high level of employee engagement and is working to provide relevant professional growth and opportunities for its employees.



CURRENT AS OF DECEMBER 2023. 

DRPT maintains offices in Richmond and Alexandria, Virginia. The majority of the agency's employees work from the downtown Richmond office. 

Transit and Rail Ridership Recovery



Transit agencies across the Commonwealth continue to recover from the ridership declines caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recovery of ridership is critical for Virginia’s economy through access to jobs, education, and health care, as well as mitigation of highway congestion. Beginning in March 2020, many transit agencies reduced vehicle capacities and encouraged riders to use transit for essential trips only in an effort to promote social distancing, protect riders, and the transit workforce. As a result, transit agencies experienced ridership declines upwards of 94% in the final months of Fiscal Year 2020.



Statewide transit ridership has been trending up since reaching its low point in April 2020. Statewide transit ridership, excluding the Virginia Railway Express and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, reached 89 percent of pre-pandemic levels by August 2023. DRPT anticipates this growth to continue in calendar year 2024 with the goal of reaching pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2025.



The impact of COVID-19 on transit ridership has varied by agency. Transit agencies offering commuter transit services, including both commuter rail and commuter bus, have experienced greater declines in ridership while riders have continued to telework. Although VRE and WMATA have experienced tremendous growth since the low point of April 2020, they are only at 36 percent and 68 percent of pre-pandemic levels in August 2023.



DRPT is assisting transit agencies across the Commonwealth with marketing assistance to return riders to the systems. DRPT is running statewide campaigns with advertising on radio, television, streaming services, and podcasts. Additionally, in rural areas, DRPT has sent out direct mail and inserts in electric bills all encouraging people to return to using transit.



Virginia Passenger Rail Authority



The General Assembly created the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority in 2020. While the Authority started operations and hired staff, DRPT aided through its rail, finance, and communications department. Now that the Authority is fully staffed, it no longer needs assistance with its day-to-day operations. By the end of fiscal year 2024, DRPT will have completed it work to transfer various legal agreements between the agency and its rail partners, such as VRE, over to the Authority.



Staff Turnover



In calendar year 2022, DRPT’s turnover rate was almost 30 percent. This number reduced slightly to approximately 20 percent in 2023. This high rate is partially because of many individuals leaving the agency due to the creation of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority and others retiring after many years of state service. In calendar year 2024, DRPT will continue to analyze the turnover rate and search for ways to retain staff and lower the turnover rate to the industry standard of 15 percent and be a sustainable and well managed organization.

Federal and state funding



At its core, DPRT is a funding agency. With the continuing uncertainty at the congressional level and the possibility of a recession, DRPT will need to be prepared for a decrease in federal and state funding and its impact on its rail and transit partners.

DRPT’s funding mix is comprised of the following: state transportation trust funds (69%), federal funds (8%), dedicated capital funds (17%), and toll funds (6%). Most of the transportation trust funds ($700.0 million) come from the Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund (CMTF).



Public Transportation



The state funding for Public Transportation is comprised of revenues from the Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund (CMTF) and the Commonwealth Transit Capital Fund (CTCF).



Effective July 1, 2020, Chapter 1230 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly adopted numerous structural changes to the transportation funding system in the Commonwealth and minimized financing and funding complexities. Most state transportation revenues are directed to the Commonwealth Transportation Fund and the Highway Maintenance and Operating Fund, which are administered by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). Revenues are then disbursed from the Commonwealth Transportation Fund to the Transportation Trust Fund and then distributed to meet the varying transportation needs of different modes of transportation. The CMTF receives 23% of the Transportation Trust Fund. This structure allocates the net impact of upturns and downturns in specific revenues so no one mode is adversely affected.



Chapter 854 of the 2018 Acts of Assembly established a separate allocation for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and set allocation percentages for transit operating, capital, and special programs. Beginning in FY 2021, these funds were distributed in accordance with the Code of Virginia as well as specific Appropriations Act language as follows:

• Up to 5.0% of the CMTF is dedicated to support the costs of project development, project administration, and project compliance.  


• $2.0 million of the CMTF for state safety oversight.


• $1.5 million of the CMTF for paratransit capital projects and enhanced transportation services for the elderly and disabled.


• $50.0 million to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority for the Commonwealth’s match for the federal Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIIA) funding.

The remaining funds are allocated pursuant to Code of Virginia §33.2-1526.1 with a minimum of 27.0% for state operating assistance grants, 18.0% awarded as capital assistance grants, 46.5% for distribution to WMATA for capital and operating assistance, 6.0% for the Transit Ridership Incentive Program, which was created during the 2020 General Assembly, and the balance of up to 2.5% awarded as special projects grants, subject to CTB approval. HB 1496 of the 2023 Legislative Assembly has made changes to Code of Virginia §33.2-1526.1 for FY25 and beyond to create a separate category of funds for the Virginia Railway Express of up to 3.5% and decrease state operating assistance grants to a minimum of 24.5% and capital grants to 17.0%.



Most of the federal revenues are allocated to DRPT’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5310 and FTA 5311 programs which fund Human Service and Rural Transit programs, respectively. Finally, DRPT administers some projects that are funded by the Federal Highway Administration through VDOT.



The implementation of new travel choices in the Northern Virginia region in the form of High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes and toll express lanes have provided transit agencies in that region with new funding to expand and increase services. While the I-395 Express Lanes, I-66 Inside the Beltway, and I-66 Outside the Beltway projects will result in major improvements through these corridors, these programs will ensure a steady stream of toll revenues to enhance transit and transportation demand management services. These enhanced services will provide low-cost and reliable travel options to commuters, remove vehicles from congested roadways, and help to optimize the transportation network by moving more people.



The I-66 Inside the Beltway program provides $10 million annually for transit, TDM, bicycle, pedestrian, and roadway options to improve throughput while the I-66 Outside the Beltway provides an annual investment over the next 50 years to support enhanced transit and commuter rail service. Additionally, there is an annual transit investment of $15 million for 66 years to fund new and improved choices for the I-395/95 Express Lane corridor as well as funding for transit across the American Legion Bridge through the I-495 NEXT project.

WMATA



Chapters 854 and 856 of the 2018 Acts of Assembly created the WMATA Capital Fund and provided dedicated funds from multiple funding sources including: 1/3 motor vehicle rental tax, $20 million of NVTD local recordation tax, 2% NVTC regional fuel tax, $27.1 million of NVTA local taxes, 2% NVTC occupancy tax, and $0.15 of $100 NVTC grantor’s tax.



This Fund is estimated to provide an additional $154.5 million in capital funds to WMATA annually, representing Virginia’s share of the $500 million annual regional commitment to support capital state of good repair needs of WMATA.  Some of these funds are restricted for capital needs and the remainder can be used for capital needs and debt service.



Rail Transportation



Effective July 1, 2020, the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and the Commonwealth Rail Fund came into existence pursuant to §33.2-1526.4 of the Code of Virginia. The new legislation implemented numerous structural changes to the transportation funding system in the Commonwealth. Most state transportation revenues are directed to the Commonwealth Transportation Fund and the Highway Maintenance and Operating Fund. Revenues are then disbursed from the Commonwealth Transportation Fund to the Transportation Trust Fund and then distributed to meet the varying transportation needs of different modes of transportation. The Commonwealth Rail Fund receives 7.5% of the Transportation Trust Fund. This structure consolidates the net impact of upturns and downturns in specific revenues. This serves to mitigate the year-to-year impacts on the revenue streams of the various modes of transportation.



Starting in FY 2021, the Commonwealth Rail Fund replaced the IPROC and Rail Enhancement programs. Of the Commonwealth Rail Fund, 93% of the funds support passenger rail managed by VPRA with 7% of the funds retained by DRPT to support freight and rail planning projects. The $4.0 million available in the Rail Preservation Fund is funded through the Highway Construction Fund. The Department of Rail and Public Transportation may use up to $4 million of the 7% share of the Commonwealth Rail Fund for the purposes of the Shortline Railway Preservation and Development Fund pursuant to §33.2-1526.4.  A small amount of funding is received from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) as well.  Most of the funding from the FRA is now received by the VPRA.

Most of the State revenues for transit programs come from the Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund which represents DRPT's 23.0% share of the Transportation Trust Fund. Most of the State revenues for rail programs come from the Commonwealth Rail Fund which represents DRPT’s 7.5% share of the Transportation Trust Fund. Most Federal revenues come from the Federal Transit Administration and the Federal Highway Administration (through VDOT) for transit funding and the Federal Railroad Administration for rail funding. In addition, WMATA Dedicated Capital funds of $154.5 million come from local recordation taxes, statewide motor vehicle rental taxes, regional gas taxes, grantor’s tax, transient occupancy taxes, local taxes, and other contributions from Northern Virginia local jurisdictions.  Finally, DRPT receives tolling revenues that are used for transportation projects in Northern Virginia.

One of DRPT's primary purposes is to allocate funding to public transportation and rail partners throughout the Commonwealth. The below stats demonstrate the large number of grants that the agency administers and the cost in doing so.  As part of the agency’s goal to be a sustainable well-managed organization, it sets out to minimize the percentage of the agency’s annual budget that is dedicated to administrative costs.  

Virginia's Population



The population is expected to grow by one-third to approximately 10.9 million people by 2035, and almost 2 million of those residents will be 65 years of age or older. The resulting increase in travel needs will create much greater demand for public transportation services, including commuter assistance programs and human service transportation services, throughout Virginia. Demographic changes in Virginia’s population, such as the increasing proportion of elderly and disabled people, as well as the influx of new residents and businesses in the state, will require greater awareness efforts to promote access to and use of reliable public transportation, vanpooling, carpooling, telework, freight and passenger rail, and other transportation choices within the state.

Virginia's Workforce



As more businesses locate to the Commonwealth, public transportation is essential to meet employees’ travel needs. DRPT leverages Virginia’s transportation network to promote economic vitality and development. Major employers seek out locations with strong public transportation options, as evidenced by the decision to locate Amazon HQ2 at National Landing. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more employers, especially in the Washington D.C. Metro area, are offering individuals the opportunity to work from home on a more regular basis. DRPT and its partners are adjusting their services to reflect this change in travel patterns.



Virginia Cities and Counties



To reach Virginians who do not have access to public transportation services, the number of counties and cities that operate or sponsor public transportation and commuter assistance services will have to grow to meet the increasing mobility needs of the public. DRPT will collaborate with these partners to expand access to reliable transportation. Also, localities must pass a resolution in support of projects before they may apply for Rail Industrial Access grant funds. As shortline railroads expand their footprints and the Commonwealth Transportation Board passes more rail industrial access projects, cities and counties must continue to foster relationships with the railroads.



Virginia Public Transportation Systems



DRPT anticipates that the number of public transportation systems will remain stable. The state must maintain its investment in public transportation to ensure that vital services remain in place and grow, where appropriate.



Human Service Transportation Agencies



As Virginia’s population ages, human transportation services will increase in demand. As such, the number of organizations providing these services is expected to increase. Additionally, coordination among operators to share best practices and create a seamless network of services must improve. The number of agencies that coordinate transportation services and take advantage of DRPT programs is increasing with the implementation of statewide coordination plans and interagency consultation led by DRPT.



Virginia Commuter Assistance Programs



As Virginia experiences growth in commuters with many returning to the office full-time since before the COVID-19 pandemic, so will the need for more services from commuter assistance programs to help residents, employers and employees with commute options information and ride matching. Commuter assistance programs are needed to help manage the ever-increasing strain on Virginia’s transportation system.



Virginia Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs)



The planning responsibilities of MPOs expanded with the enactment of the federal surface transportation program reauthorization bill, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) in 2012. Additional emphasis has been and will continue to be placed on the interface of land use and transportation, climate change, pedestrian and transit-oriented development, the coordination and improvement of human service agency transportation programs, and performance measurement. DRPT will continue to collaborate proactively with the MPOs.



Business and Industry Using Rail Service



Business and industry in the Commonwealth will continue to expand or locate their services to meet the increasing demand for industrial and commercial development. The Rail Industrial Access Fund provides incentives for businesses and industries to prioritize rail shipments over trucks. In the initial phases of project development, this fund can also serve as an incentive for businesses and industries to locate in Virginia when sites outside of the Commonwealth are under consideration. This program strengthens the ability of the Commonwealth to compete for new jobs.



Virginia Railroads



Currently, there are two class I railroads and nine Shortline Railroads operating in Virginia. Class I and Shortline Railroads are familiar with DRPT's programs and form partnerships with potential industrial or commercial clients and DRPT to utilize the Rail Industrial Access, Rail Preservation Fund, and the FREIGHT Fund to strengthen the railroads’ customer base. 



DRPT Employees



The expectations of employees have increased as DRPT expanded its program of projects with new activities, including implementation of a statewide transit capital prioritization process and additional oversight of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, that required administrative, financial, procurement, human resources, and communications support. Further, DRPT has developed innovative programs, such as microtransit service in rural areas, which require staff with specialized, technical skill sets in innovation/technology, strategic planning, project development, and program administration. 

DRPT focuses on serving as the catalyst to connect and improve the quality of life for all Virginians through innovative transportation solutions. In addition to having backgrounds in public transportation, rail, and transportation demand management, DRPT employees have experience in administration, communications, finance, government and legislative affairs, human resources, and public relations. DRPT staff provides support for projects and programs using an interdisciplinary approach. Everything DRPT does as an agency is to meet its four main goals: i) create a positive impact on the Commonwealth; ii) foster innovative practical solutions; iii) convene with partners and stakeholders; and iv) cultivate a sustainable well-managed organization.



DRPT administers statewide freight and passenger rail planning, funding to large freight projects, shortline preservation, and rail industrial access programs. In FY21, the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority began overseeing passenger rail projects, including intercity passenger service. DRPT also works with public transportation systems and commuter assistance agencies in Virginia to help manage traffic congestion and provide transportation choices while also safely transporting people to destinations across the Commonwealth. These projects and programs are funded primarily through the Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund.



Besides removing vehicles from the highway, the presence of transit and rail as a travel option in communities throughout Virginia has a large impact on the state’s economy and brings an impressive number of additional benefits. For example, DRPT partners with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Virginia Port Authority on rail and transit projects to promote factors driving the Commonwealth’s economic vitality and development.



MERIT (Making Efficient and Responsible Investments in Transit) provides transparency and accountability to public transportation funding. MERIT has the following components: statewide capital prioritization, statewide performance-based operating assistance, urban transit strategic plans, technical assistance, demonstration project assistance, the public transportation intern program, commuter assistance, and human service transportation. All programs have a technical prioritization and scoring method.



In addition to MERIT, SMART SCALE provides transportation funding through a prioritization process that evaluates projects based on improvements to safety, congestion, accessibility, land use, economic development, and the environment. DRPT, VDOT, and the Office of Intermodal Planning Investment oversee the development and implementation of the SMART SCALE process.



In the 1960s, Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia jointly established an interstate compact creating the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA). The compact members include the District of Columbia and Maryland as well as the Virginia jurisdictions of Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties and the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church. With almost 100 million riders in Virginia annually pre-pandemic, Metro is the largest transit provider in the Commonwealth. DRPT, through the Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund and the WMATA Capital Fund, provides funding assistance to the agency and the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission for operating and capital projects, Also, the General Assembly passed legislation in 2018 and 2023 that provides state oversight of WMATA’s board members, strategic plan, capital improvement programs, and growth in annual operating assistance. 



The General Assembly created the Transit Ridership Incentive Program in 2020 to improve the regional connectivity of urban areas with population more than 100,000, to reduce barriers to transit use among low-income communities, and to improve accessibility at bus shelters and overall public safety. As of Fall 2023, DRPT has allocated $60.4 million in TRIP funds with $67.8 million in matching funds. Eight zero-fare or reduced-fare projects and eleven regional connectivity projects have received funding. In late 2023, DRPT awarded funding to a new set of projects, including improving bus shelters and bus stop improvements, and adding security cameras to buses.



DRPT and its partners also work together on several programs and projects that reduce single occupant vehicle travel on highways. Within the greater Northern Virginia Express Lanes network, there are three segments that provide funding for multimodal projects to further improve throughput in the corridors. Toll revenues from the I-66 Inside the Beltway HOT (High-Occupancy Toll) Lanes, the I-66 Outside the Beltway Express Lanes, and the I-395 Express Lanes currently provide funding for multimodal projects that benefit the users of those corridors. These enhanced services will provide low-cost and reliable travel options to commuters, remove cars from congested roadways, and help to optimize the transportation network by moving more people and increasing the throughput of people and goods.



Intercity bus service provides limited service between two or more areas not in proximity, and it operates on a regularly scheduled fixed-route service. DRPT’s intercity bus system, the Virginia Breeze, operates on four routes: Valley Flyer (Christiansburg-Washington), Highlands Rhythm (Bristol-Washington), Piedmont Express (Danville-Washington), and Capital Connector (Martinsville-Richmond-Washington). Its goal is to connect underserved communities, such as households without vehicles, students, the elderly, and the disabled, to interregional bus, rail, and air travel. It also provides travel options in corridors where alternatives to the personal vehicle are limited or do not exist as well as supplement service or private providers.



Additionally, DRPT provides funding through a private-public partnership to local governments, transit agencies, and other local agencies to form new vanpools and assist existing vanpools. Vanpools are owned and operated by private entities, and the drivers are commuter volunteers. The full cost of vanpool operations is paid for by the riders. Public funds are only used to help start a vanpool, to assist a vanpool when it loses riders, and to provide a monthly stipend to collect operating data from the private vanpool company which increases the allocation of federal transit funding to the Commonwealth.



DRPT collaborates with its partners to improve services through the application of technology and integrated mobility. Across the country, public transit is rapidly transforming due to the emergence of innovative technologies and service models. New alternative transportation services, such as microtransit, continue to evolve, providing travelers with greater convenience in requesting, tracking, and paying for trips. Data is used to analyze how people move in and around our communities, and the advancement of new technologies such as electric buses, driver assistance systems, and autonomous vehicles are giving transit agencies the ability to provide cleaner, safer, and more cost-efficient service and additional mobility options. The emergence of these services and technologies is drastically changing the mobility landscape. Projects in this area include autonomous vehicle pilots, the Relay autonomous vehicle shuttle pilot, electric bus purchases, rural microtransit programs, and driver assistance systems.



DRPT also collaborates with rail partners to strengthen Virginia’s freight rail network. Through the FREIGHT program (DRPT’s seven percent share of the Commonwealth Rail Fund), DRPT works with the Port of Virginia, Norfolk Southern, and CSX on several projects, such as improving the connections between Class I railroads to the Port of Virginia.



DRPT also provides funding of up to $8 million annually through the Shortline Railway Preservation Fund to Virginia’s nine shortline railroads for state of good repair projects, including track and surface improvements, bridge upgrades, tunnel upgrades, and rail and tie replacements.



Through the Rail Industrial Access Fund, DRPT works with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the local economic development departments to support economic development and to ensure that companies are aware of opportunities to utilize rail to meet their business needs. In FY23, DRPT awarded funding for seven projects. Additionally, DRPT is an active member of the Freight Advisory Committee.



During this Administration, DRPT’s rail program has taken a lead in pursuing federal funds for rail projects throughout the Commonwealth. In FY23, DRPT received $3.2 million from the federal Rail Crossing Elimination Program to install double gates along the I-95 corridor in Hanover, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties. The agency anticipates submitting at least two applications to this program in FY24 and FY25.



Lastly, DRPT continues to play a significant role in long-term planning for passenger rail in the Commonwealth. DRPT has submitted two applications for the federal passenger rail Corridor Identification Program: Bristol-Washington, DC, and the Commonwealth Corridor (an east-west connection between Hampton Roads and the New River Valley). DRPT also completed the 2022 Virginia Statewide Rail Plan, which is a federally required document that outlines long-term freight and passenger rail projects.



DRPT is also the state agency responsible for distributing federal and state funding allocations to enhance human service transportation. The purpose of this program is to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation services and expanding the transportation options. The program provides funding for the following: i) accessible vehicles for public agencies and private non-profit agencies that are transporting seniors or individuals with disabilities, and ii) operating expenditures to enhance paratransit beyond the minimum requirement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This includes expansion of service hours, days, and areas, alternatives to public transportation, and voucher programs.



DRPT provides oversight of public transportation safety and is the designated Rail State Safety Oversight Agency (SSOA) for the Commonwealth. The SSOA’s core mission is to continuously verify that a rail transit agency is executing the documented programs in place to ensure the safety of its passengers and employees. The rail fixed guideway system DRPT oversees is the Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) Tide light rail system in Norfolk.



Since the end of the pandemic, DRPT has taken a lead role in promoting a compelling and comprehensive message to encourage individuals to use public transportation. Through its Discover Transit campaign, DRPT has partnered with transit agencies across the Commonwealth on television, streaming, podcast, and radio ads. Additionally, DRPT has reached out to individuals in rural areas with direct mail and inserts in electric bills. In FY24, DRPT will partner with transportation demand management agencies to reach out to businesses with its “DRPT Connects Businesses” campaign and to encourage individuals to download the agency’s reward app, ConnectingVA, with its “Connect Your Spots” campaign. Lastly, for the first time, DRPT will promote its rail programs and all that they do for the Commonwealth with the “Creating Connections” campaign. 



The agency is looking to Fiscal Year 2025 and beyond. DRPT leads and participates in various transit and rail planning initiatives at the state, regional, local, and operator level to ensure that the investment of public funds delivers the intended benefit. These initiatives range from statewide planning and corridor studies, to transit strategic plans and local feasibility studies. While DRPT’s planning activities range in scope, all work to the same end goal – increasing the efficiency of Virginia’s existing transit systems and helping plan future expansion to meet the anticipated increase in demand.  These planning efforts are also necessary to fulfill requirements of the Federal Transit Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, and the Code of Virginia.

DRPT has steadily transitioned to a business model that enables the agency to better serve as stewards of Commonwealth funding and as advocates of our programs. This approach will ensure that transit and rail projects deliver a substantial return on investment of state funds.



Over the last decade, transportation funding has increased, from both federal and state sources, to ensure a multimodal approach to addressing transportation issues in the Commonwealth. The nature of the large-scale projects that DRPT now manages is highly diverse in their scope and service, changing dramatically over the last 15 years. Examples of these projects include, Dulles Corridor Metrorail, I-66 and I-95/1-395 toll funding programs, studies examining equity and modernizing transit throughout the Commonwealth, applying for federal discretionary funding for bus electrification, rail crossing elimination programs, and passenger rail corridor identification programs; and managing four daily Virginia intercity bus routes across the Commonwealth.



Public Transportation



As the funding has increased, new programs like the Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) were created, and demands for accountability increased, including performance-based transit allocations through MERIT and SMART SCALE prioritization. Transit reform legislation passed in 2018 changed the way DRPT evaluated capital projects, allocated operating assistance, and supported planning for Virginia’s large transit systems. The adoption of MERIT emphasized the importance of prioritization of capital investments based on state of good repair needs and thorough evaluation of major capital investments, along with the allocation of operating assistance based on performance measures. DRPT also issued guidance for the development of Transit Strategic Plans by larger transit systems every five years, ensuring regular evaluation and improvement of urban transit systems.



Additionally, with passage of legislation in 2018 and 2023, DRPT’s oversight of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and the Virginia Railway Express has increased. Both entities are required to submit annual documentation to avoid the loss of funds, and DRPT staff must review for compliance and then present findings to the Commonwealth Transportation Board.



DRPT also manages the Virginia Breeze intercity bus service. With annual ridership of nearly 60,000, the Virginia Breeze provides daily service along four routes. Through a private-public partnership with MegaBus, DRPT staff manages the day-to-day operations of the service while MegaBus runs the service.



In FY 2023, transit agencies across the Commonwealth continued to recover from the ridership declines caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Statewide transit ridership has been slowly trending up since reaching its low point in April 2020. In August 2023, transit agencies across the Commonwealth provided 10 million trips for the first time since February 2020. DRPT and its transit partners hope to return bus ridership to pre-pandemic levels by the close of calendar year 2025.  Over the last two years, DRPT has worked closely with its transit partners to increase ridership, including leading and funding statewide marketing campaigns.



The impact of COVID-19 on transit ridership has varied by agency. Transit agencies that offer commuter transit services, including both commuter rail and commuter bus, experienced catastrophic declines in ridership due to the increase in teleworking opportunities across the Commonwealth.



Some agencies and services, however, weathered the pandemic better than others. For example, complementary paratransit, which is a requirement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides service to individuals with disabilities, experienced declines in ridership, but those declines were nowhere near the levels of other modes. This may be explained because many paratransit riders use transit as a lifeline and have no other means of transportation to work, medical appointments or to grocery stores. Additionally, transit agencies with high volumes of transit dependent riders and essential workers, and those that implemented zero-fare policies, did not experience significant reductions in ridership.



Rail Transportation



Investment in the freight rail network allows for increased goods movement with alleviated cost on the publicly operated highway network, including pavement maintenance savings, congestion relief, increased safety, and reduced emissions. Benefits are specifically measured in trucks diverted because of rail investment.



The Commonwealth Rail Fund (The Freight Fund) is designed to support rail infrastructure investments to expand the Virginia freight rail network. Funding awards require a performance period once the project has been completed to ensure the investment brings lasting benefits to the economy and transportation network in Virginia. Supported projects and improvements include: railways, railroad equipment, rolling stock, rights-of-way, rail facilities, engineering, and design, environmental, and 30 percent design completion.



The Rail Preservation Grant Program (RPF) is a state of good repair program for Shortline Railroads. RPF is intended to provide shortline railroads the ability to acquire or improve railways or railroad equipment, rolling stock, rights-of way, and facilities directly related to servicing rolling stock. The goal of RPF is to achieve Class 2 Track Safety Standards for freight and Class 3 Track Safety Standards for lines which also carry passenger rail. Funding will be at a maximum of 70% state contribution and a minimum of 30% cash or in-kind matching contribution from a local source. RPF receives $4 million in dedicated funding each fiscal year and can withdraw up to another $4 million from the Commonwealth Rail Fund.



Major initiatives and projects include:

• Tie and Rail upgrade and replacement


• Bridge repairs and upgrades


• Transload sites


• Signal systems, switch heaters, crossing upgrades, and sidings.

The Rail Industrial Access Program (RIA) is an economic vitality and development tool for the Commonwealth and local governments to attract and retain industry and jobs. It encourages industries to use an alternative transportation network, which reduces reliance on truck travel and promotes the continued viability of the Commonwealth’s freight railroad network. Applicants can request a grant up to $450,000 based on a 70% Commonwealth / 30% applicant match funding split. These funds must be spent directly on rail related costs to rehabilitate an existing spur or for construction of a new spur.



RIA shares a $5.5 million appropriation with the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Economic Development Access Program. These projects divert a significant number of trucks from roads and highways across the Commonwealth, which is especially significant in the congested Hampton Roads area as well as along Interstate 81.

DRPT will provide support and solutions to positively impact the lives of Virginians, the economy, and the environment.

• Expand the marketing plan to return transit and commuter service ridership to pre-pandemic levels.

• Promote economic development as outlined in the Virginia Statewide Rail Plan.

• Assist transit agencies with the conversion to clean energy fleets and infrastructure.

• Promote economic development as outlined in the Virginia Statewide Rail Plan.

• Streamline the process to repair and construct bus shelters and amenities.

• Improve the connection to underserved and underrepresented localities via piloting zero-fare transit programs and expanding statewide microtransit contracts.

• Assist agencies with the evaluation of their fare collection policies and procedures.

DRPT challenges the status quo, creating solutions while sharing new ideas and innovative practices that contribute to better transportation outcomes.

• Research and share best practices by developing and implementing a suggestion program for use by staff and external customers, implementing Webgrants, buidling a repository for best practices, and supporting partners by providing easy access for innovative ideas, practices, and solutions.

• Equip employees, partners, and grantees to challenge the status quo and solve tough problems.

• Evaluate policies and procedures to ensure they promote innovation.

• Engage staff in in implementation of DRPT's strategic plan.

• Equip employees and partners to challenge the status quo and solve tough problems.

• Evaluate policies and procedures to ensure they promote innovation.

DRPT brings together the right people at the right time to leverage resources, address important transportation issues, and create the best solutions collaboratively.

• Adopt a standardized engagement model to define levels of engagement and roles.

• Promote DRPT through meaningful engagement opportunities at local, state, and national levels.

• Participate in national and state organizations.

• Provide relevant, meaningful learning and networking opportunities for partners and stakeholders.

• Improve consistency of communication with grantees about projects and DRPT activities.

• Work with transit partners to identify issues and find reasonable solutions.

• Develop a flexible grant process for projects to promote better year-round planning.

DRPT delivers exceptional service with an engaged workforce that effectively manages public assets and promotes transparency.

• Ensure leadership continuity through programs that prepare staff for leadership positions.

• Establish a data initiative workgroup.

• Expand the promotion of DRPT's story.

• Develop the systems, structures, and processes to successfully implement DRPT's strategic plan.

• Document policies and procedures.

• Establish a data initiative workgroup.

• Conduct an employee engagement survey.

• Ensure leadership continuity through programs that prepare staff for leadership positions.

This service area implements several programs related to rail and public transportation planning, regulation, and safety in the Commonwealth.

This area directly aligns with the Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s mission to connect and improve the quality of life for Virginians by improving the throughput of people and goods while expanding transportation access in the Commonwealth by supporting planning, regulatory, and safety activities necessary to achieve this mission.

Safety

·Preparing and updating DRPT’s Enterprise Continuity Plan to provide planning and program guidance for the continued performance of core agency business processes during a plan activation within the established recovery time objectives until normal operations can be resumed.

·Developing and implementing transit rail safety oversight programs for Hampton Roads Transit’s (HRT) Tide light rail system under the oversight of DRPT’s State Safety Oversight (SSO) program in accordance with the regulations of FTA.

·Provide on-going support to the Metrorail Safety Commission, in accordance with FTA requirements.

·Developing and maintaining Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans for urban transit agencies in accordance with FTA requirements.

Planning

·Reviewing public transportation and rail components of regional transportation plans prepared by Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) that are supported by appropriate land use plans and financial plans. These plans must meet the requirements set out in federal transportation planning regulations.

·Producing statewide rail, public transportation, and congestion management plans prepared by DRPT as directed by the Governor, Commonwealth Transportation Board, and General Assembly.

·Collaborating with the Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment, VDOT and other state transportation agencies on VTrans, the Commonwealth’s multimodal transportation plan.

·Completing the statewide rail plan in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration requirements.

·Completing the statewide Coordinated Human Services Mobility (CHSM) in accordance with Federal Transit Administration requirements.

·Producing Transit Development Plans or Transit Strategic Plans in collaboration with the transit agencies to design routes and services and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of transit operations, in compliance with the Code of Virginia.

·Producing plans in collaboration with the specific rail and public transportation projects to include network improvement studies, environmental studies, site development plans, plans for the construction or renovation of rail and public transportation facilities, and congestion management plans at major transportation project constructions sites and at choke points in transportation systems.

·Preparing studies by DRPT on topics such as economic impacts of transportation investments, needs analyses, cost/benefit analysis of proposed projects, the feasibility of new rail, public transportation and congestion management services, coordination of transportation services, the needs of rail, public transportation, congestion management and human service transportation industries, emerging technologies, best industry practices, and safety and security issues for rail and public transportation industries.

·Presenting rail, public transportation, and congestion management needs, plans, and programs to the public and solicitation of public input for the planning and programming process.

·Producing of feasibility studies; corridor, regional, and statewide planning studies; and environmental studies as required to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for major new rail and public transportation services in the Commonwealth.

·Collaborating with VDOT and OIPI on Project Pipeline and other corridor plans and studies.

·Producing Commuter Assistance Strategic Plans, in collaboration with agencies that offer commuter assistance programs, to improve services, efficiency and results.

·Conducting studies and research to collect data to determine the number and usage of vanpools and carpools, and mode split.

·Coordinating with surrounding states on issues related to rail planning through organizations like the Southeast Rail Corridor Commission and the Virginia-North Carolina Rail Commission.

This service area is supported by federal and state transportation funds. The federal funds are provided by the FTA and are apportioned annually to DRPT. The state funds are provided from the Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund. 

Under this program, the Commonwealth of Virginia through DRPT provides $154.5 million, its share of the $500 million in regional dedicated funding for the capital maintenance and State of Good Repair (SGR) needs of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Maryland and the District of Columbia also provide proportional shares. WMATA is the third most heavily used rail transit system in the United States with more than 600,000 average weekday passenger trips pre-COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will improve the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of the service to the Virginians who use it daily for commuting and other purposes.

This area directly aligns with the Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s (DRPT) mission of connecting and improving the quality of life in the Commonwealth by providing direct financial assistance to WMATA, the third largest heavy rail system in the United States.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Capital Fund



Chapters 854 and 856 of the 2018 General Assembly made significant changes to the allocation of funding to WMATA. It created the WMATA Capital Fund and provided dedicated funds from multiple funding sources including: 1/3 motor vehicle rental tax, $20 million of NVTD local recordation tax, 2% Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) regional fuel tax, $27.1 million in FY 2019 of regional local taxes, 2% regional occupancy tax, and $0.15 of $100 regional grantor’s tax. This Fund is estimated to provide $154.5 million in capital funds to WMATA annually for SGR needs.



Commonwealth Transportation Board Oversight



Chapters 854 and 856 of the 2018 Acts of Assembly directs the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to provide oversight of WMATA and, in certain instances, withhold funding for non-compliance with legislative requirements. DRPT and OAG annually review information submitted by WMATA and certify WMATA’s compliance with legislative and CTB policy requirements. Through the first five years of funding (FY19-23), DRPT has not recommended that any funding be withheld from WMATA. With regard to statutory compliance, specifically, the seventh enactment clause requires the CTB to withhold 20% of the funds available if (i) any alternate directors participate or take action at an official WMATA Board meeting or committee meeting as Board directors for a WMATA compact member when both directors appointed by that same WMATA Compact member are present at the WMATA Board meeting or committee meeting or (ii) the WMATA Board of Directors has not adopted bylaws that would prohibit such participation by alternate directors. The WMATA Board adopted the required changes to its bylaws in June 2019.



The eighth enactment requires that, beginning July 1, 2019, the CTB shall withhold 20% of the funds available each year unless (i) WMATA has adopted a detailed capital improvement program covering the current fiscal year and, at a minimum, the next five fiscal years, and at least one public hearing on such capital improvement program has been held in a locality embraced by the NVTC; and (ii) WMATA has adopted or updated a strategic plan within the preceding 36 months, and at least one public hearing on such plan or updated plan has been held in a locality embraced by the NVTC. The first strategic plan adopted to comply with such requirements shall include a plan to align services with demand and to satisfy the other recommendations included in the report submitted pursuant to Item 436 R of Chapter 836 of the Acts of Assembly of 2017.



The first enactment requires that, in any year that the total Virginia operating assistance in the approved WMATA budget increases by more than 3% from the total operating assistance in the prior year's approved WMATA budget, the Board shall withhold an amount equal to 35% of the Commonwealth funds available. The following items shall not be included in the calculation of any WMATA budget increase: (i) any service, equipment, or facility that is required by any applicable law, rule, or regulation, (ii) any major capital project approved by the WMATA Board before or after the effective date of this provision, (iii) any payments or obligations of any kind arising from or related to legal disputes or proceedings between or among WMATA and any other person or entity, (iv) service increases approved by the WMATA board, (v) operating subsidies funded in whole by one or more member jurisdictions, and (vi) regularly scheduled adjustments to the regional subsidy allocation formula.



The 2023 General Assembly approved HB 1496 and SB 1079, adding additional provisions which the CTB can use to withhold funds from WMATA. Section 33.2-1526.1(N) requires that the CTB shall withhold 20 percent of the funds available each year unless (i) WMATA has prepared and submitted a detailed proposed annual operating budget and any proposed capital expenditures and projects for the following fiscal year to the CTB by April 1; and (ii) the Commonwealth’s and NVTC’s principal representatives to the WMATA Board and the WMATA General Manager annually address the CTB regarding the WMATA budget, system performance, and utilization of the Commonwealth’s investment in the WMATA system.



Northern Virginia Transportation Commission Oversight



Chapter 854 and 856 of the Acts of Assembly requires the NVTC to report yearly on December 15th the performance and condition of WMATA.

The Commonwealth allocates 46.5% of the Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund for operating and capital expenses for WMATA. This funding is provided to the NVTC to assist its local member jurisdictions with their capital and operating subsidy commitments to WMATA. It is also from this funding to NVTC that the CTB may withhold funds for non-compliance with legislative requirements.



Additionally, Virginia distributes $154.5 million annually to the agency through the WMATA Capital Fund. This dollar amount is Virginia’s proportional share of the $500 million in unmet capital needs for WMATA that former Secretary Ray LaHood noted in his 2017 review of WMATA. The additional funds come from the District of Columbia and Maryland.



Lastly, Virginia provides $50 million annually from the Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund to match $150 million of federal funding from PRIIA. Maryland and the District of Columbia also each provide an additional $50 million to match PRIIA funding.

Under this service area, DRPT will connect and improve the quality of life for all Virginians and work to reduce traffic congestion in our urban areas. There are 40 public transportation operators in Virginia. Services include bus transit, commuter rail (Virginia Railway Express), heavy rail (WMATA Metrorail), light rail (The Tide), and passenger ferry services. Virginia’s public transportation service providers range from some of the largest and fastest growing in the country, which are essential to mobility and clean air in urban areas, to very small systems that are often the only mode of transportation available to some residents in rural areas. Public transportation services are operated by local governments, regional transportation authorities, and private nonprofit agencies that use funding provided by DRPT to provide improved mobility and transportation choices for Virginians.



These services are reaching areas of Virginia where people do not have alternatives to the private automobile and often find themselves without mobility options. Major new initiatives are also underway to expand services in our major metropolitan areas where transit services already play a critical role in addressing growing traffic congestion and must continue to do so.

This area aligns with DRPT’s mission by providing financial and technical assistance, and advocacy services to support public transportation service providers. Through this service area, providers can maintain and expand services that improve mobility and provide more transportation choices to the public.

Public Transportation Operating Grants



Financial assistance to support the operations of public transportation services across the Commonwealth. Federal and state aid is provided to supplement revenues collected from fares, local funds, and other sources (i.e., advertising) provided in support of public transportation operations.



Public Transportation Capital Grants



Financial assistance to support the procurement of vehicles and equipment operated in public transportation service. Financial assistance to support the construction and equipping of facilities for system administration, vehicle maintenance and storage including facility repairs and expansions, or new facilities. Financial assistance to support construction of facilities for passengers such as transfer centers, multimodal facilities, transit stations, and shelters. Financial assistance to support the procurement of new technology for the improvement of passenger services and system performance, such as Intelligent Transportation System equipment.



Public Transportation Special Projects Grants



Financial assistance to support demonstration projects for new public transportation services or techniques in service delivery. Financial assistance to provide technical assistance for studies, plans, research, and implementation of new services or tools to assist with service delivery. Financial assistance to support training for drivers, mechanics, and professionals working for Virginia’s public transportation systems. Financial assistance to assist public transportation with the hiring of interns/apprentices to grow Virginia’s future transit workforce. Financial assistance to promote increased ridership in large urban transit systems and to reduce barriers to transit use for low-income individuals.



Transit Ridership Incentive Program



The 2020 General Assembly established the Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) in Code of Virginia §33.2-1526.3. TRIP was created with two distinct goals: to improve the regional connectivity of urban areas with population in excess of 100,000 and to reduce barriers to transit use among low-income communities.- In 2023, the Virginia General Assembly approved HB 2338/SB 1326 identifying two new eligible project categories: TRIP Public Safety and TRIP Passenger Amenities. These two project categories help to fulfill DRPT’s goal of increasing transit ridership through improvements to infrastructure accessibility, and safety for riders and the public transit workforce.

This service area is supported by federal and state transportation funds and local matching funds. The federal funds are provided by FTA and are apportioned annually to DRPT. The state funds are provided from the restructured Commonwealth Transportation Fund (CTF). Local funds are provided by the local government or entity that serves as the partner for the federal and/or state funds.



Legislation approved during the 2018 and 2020 General Assembly sessions significantly transformed the way the Commonwealth funds public transportation. Chapter 854 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly restructured the CTF and now directs funding to the following state transit programs with the Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund each year at the levels specified:

• Statewide transit operating assistance – 24.5%


• Transit Capital program – 17%


• Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) – 46.5%


• Virginia Railway Express – 3.5%


• Transit Ridership Incentive Program – 6%


• Special Projects (TDM programs, technical assistance, demonstration projects, Interns, etc.) – 2.5%

Chapters 854 and 856 of the 2018 Acts of Assembly required DRPT to apply performance-based funding for state transit operating assistance for 100% of revenues generated by the MTTF beginning in FY 2020. The sizing metrics to determine transit operating assistance amounts for state transit providers were permanently adjusted to operating costs (50%), ridership (30%), revenue vehicle hours (10%) and revenue vehicle miles (10%).



Regarding the state transit capital program, Chapter 854 of the 2018 Acts of Assembly required DRPT to develop a prioritization process for the award of state funds, with separate prioritization processes for state of good repair projects and major expansion projects. The prioritization process for state of good repair projects is based upon transit asset management principles, including federal requirements. The prioritization process for major expansion projects is based on an objective and quantifiable analysis that considers the following factors relative to the cost of the project: congestion mitigation, economic development, accessibility, safety, environmental quality, and land use.

This service area describes DRPT’s efforts to implement programs and services directed towards mitigating traffic congestion and air pollution by maintaining or increasing the number of people who use transit, carpool, vanpool, bike, and walk travel modes for commuting to work and all other purposes. This service area is also called Transportation Demand Management (TDM) or Commuter Programs, where the goal is to optimize the performance of the transportation system by providing programs, services, and policies that reduce vehicle demand on the transportation network, by eliminating or shifting single occupant vehicle trips to transit, vanpool, carpool, or bicycle, and move more people, not just vehicles. 

This area directly aligns with DRPT’s mission to connect and improve the quality of life for all Virginians with innovative transportation solutions. A focus of this area is on improving mobility by promoting transportation options to the public, assisting the public with finding and using transit, vanpool, carpool, bicycling and walking transportation modes, and assisting businesses with encouraging employees to use commute modes other than driving alone and implementing successful hybrid work schedules that remove auto trips.

ConnectingVA



DRPT provides a statewide program called ConnectingVA that offers real-time multimodal ride matching for carpools, vanpools and transit, trip planning, information on all types of transit services, rewards, and incentives to the public via a website and mobile application. 



Commuter Assistance Program Grants



DRPT administers a grant program called the Commuter Assistance Program (CAP) to fund regional and jurisdictional commuter assistance programs and TDM projects throughout Virginia. CAP grants fund programs and projects for the public that encourage and increase the use of transit, vanpooling, carpooling, and the statewide ConnectingVA system.



There are seventeen (17) agencies that operate a commuter assistance program in partnership with DRPT’s ConnectingVA program.  Services provided by the regional and jurisdictional commuter assistance programs include:

• Ride matching that provides multi-modal travel mode options in real-time using DRPT’s ConnectingVA system.


• Providing information on commute options and benefits of using those options.


• Employer assistance to develop employee transit, vanpool, carpool, and bicycle assistance programs.


• Guaranteed/emergency ride home services (GRH/ERH).


• Carpool and vanpool formation assistance.


• Incentives to try transit, vanpool, or carpool.


• Marketing and promotion of carpooling, vanpooling, transit, GRH/ERH programs, commuter benefits, park-and-ride lots, and existing rewards and incentives for transit riders, vanpoolers, and carpoolers.

This service area is supported by federal and state transportation funds and local matching funds. The federal funds are provided by the Federal Highway Administration and are programmed annually to DRPT. The state matching funds to these federal funds are provided from the highway portion of the Transportation Trust Fund and are appropriated annually to DRPT. State funding to support the Commuter Assistance Program are provided by the Special Projects allocation (2.5%) from the Commonwealth Mass Transit Trust Fund. Local matching funds are provided by the recipients of CAP grants from DRPT.

This service area describes the Department of Rail and Public Transportation's initiatives to improve and expand human service transportation programs in the Commonwealth. Human service transportation programs are operated by local governments, social service agencies, and private non-profit human service agencies for the benefit of their clients. These clients include seniors and people with disabilities of any age. Human service transportation differs from public transportation in that it is designed to serve the very specific needs of human service agency clients, and in most cases, service is restricted to the clients of those agencies who often have no other transportation service available to them.

This area directly aligns with DRPT’s mission by improving the quality of human service transportation operations. The coordination and procurement services provided by DRPT help human service transportation providers offer a safe, dependable, and reliable transportation choice that improves the mobility of their clients.

Human Service Agency Grants



The purpose of FTA Section 5310 program is to enhance mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities by providing funds for programs to serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services.



State financial assistance allows for transit systems and human service providers to apply for grants that provide more services for seniors, ages 65 and older, including extra hours, days of service, and types of trips. Grants also support travel training programs that teach seniors how to use public transportation, as well as for mobility management programs, such as one-call, one-click centers.



Public Transportation Paratransit Capital Grants



DRPT administers federal funds for the procurement of vans and small buses used for the demand response transport of seniors, disabled, and economically disadvantaged members of the public. DRPT provides oversight of federal funding for paratransit vehicles, including procuring vehicles on behalf of human services agencies. DRPT retains a lien on all 5310 vehicle titles and holds the titles for the agencies until the vehicles reach their useful life.

Planning



DRPT recently finalized an updated Coordinated Human Services Mobility (CHSM) Plan, and the plan is federally required to be updated at least once every three years. This integrated statewide plan is developed with the input and support of other state agencies, planning organizations, human service transportation providers, riders, and other stakeholders.



Training, Expert Advice, and Assistance



DRPT provides support for training for operators of human service transportation, including defensive driving; wheelchair lift operation and wheelchair securement; vehicle and lift preventative maintenance; and working with people with disabilities. DRPT continually examines Virginia’s policies, as part of a team of state agencies, to ensure compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court decision called the Olmstead Decision Act as the lead agency to comply with federal laws as resources permit. DRPT helps provide training for Transportation Solutions Coordinators/Mobility Managers to provide operators with the information and training they need to help match individuals with the appropriate transportation supports. DRPT also supports training for the Passenger Service and Safety (PASS) Driver Certification Program, which ensures that community transportation drivers have current expertise in passenger assistance techniques and sensitivity skills appropriate for serving people with disabilities.

The Commonwealth’s Biennial Budget allocates funding from the Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund for “paratransit” capital projects and enhanced transportation services for the elderly and disabled. DRPT also allocates federal funding for this program.

See Distribution of Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Capital Fund Revenues [60708]

The Rail Industrial Access program serves as an economic development tool for the Commonwealth and local governments to attract and retain industry and jobs. It encourages the development of industry through utilization of an alternative transportation network, which reduces reliance on truck travel and promotes the continued viability of the Commonwealth’s freight railroad network.

This service area directly aligns with the Department of Rail and Public Transportation's mission by promoting and connecting goods to and from Virginia’s industries. The program spurs economic development and vitality for localities as well as the railroads. It offers a safe, dependable, and reliable transportation choice for businesses and helps reduce truck traffic, which improves mobility for the public. Program policy and procedures require an endorsing resolution from the local governing body in accordance with local land use options.

Project Development and Grants



DRPT provides technical assistance to railroads, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), localities, and other grant partners to educate them on program policies and procedures and to develop eligible applications for projects with the most benefit to the Commonwealth. DRPT staff provides technical assistance from sharing information to actual input on solutions to complex infrastructural and operational issues. Staff maintains continued correspondence with Grant program stakeholders during the pre-application and application process and throughout project authorization, implementation, completion, and performance.

The Rail Industrial Access program is currently funded in the Appropriations Act with Highway Construction funds and local and/or private matching funds. This program has been a partner in creating and expanding industrial rail services in Virginia since the late 1980s. The Virginia General Assembly codified the Rail Industrial Access Fund as § 33.2-1600.

This service area implements the Rail Preservation Program. This program provides funding for the preservation and continuation of existing rail service to increase productivity, safety, and efficiency of shortline railway transportation logistics in Virginia. Projects funded by the Rail Preservation Program provide a transportation alternative to business and industry in areas of the Commonwealth that may not have this opportunity otherwise. This program has become a key component of the Governor's initiative to attract and maintain business in the Commonwealth.

This service area directly aligns with DRPT’s mission to connect and improve the quality of life for all Virginians by preserving rail service on the shortline railroads operating in the Commonwealth. These railroads offer a safe, dependable, and reliable transportation choice for businesses. It also aides in reducing truck traffic, increasing throughput of people and goods, and promoting economic vitality and development.

Project Development and Grants



DRPT provides technical assistance to shortline railroads by working to maximize the greatest infrastructural output with limited capital resources.



Grant development involves participating or conducting feasibility strategy sessions with prospective shortline business ventures and main line railroad companies, local and state economic development as well as agencies or departments that may assist in the strategic plan leading to the preservation and development of shortline rail service in the Commonwealth. The agency provides grant assistance to shortline railroads to defray the costs of capital infrastructural projects that assist in the preservation of rail service to areas of the Commonwealth that otherwise would not have this service. While the grant process is underway, DRPT staff provides technical assistance from sharing information to actual input on solutions to complex infrastructural and operational issues. DRPT frequently meets with local businesses and local governments along the shortline railroads to assist in understanding the benefits of the program for both rail safety and economic development opportunities.

The rail preservation program is currently funded in the Appropriations Act with Highway Construction funds, local and/or private matching funds and a transfer from the Commonwealth Rail Fund. Although this program has been a partner in creating and continuing shortline rail services in Virginia since the early 1990s, the Virginia General Assembly, in its 2005 session, realized the importance of this program and codified the Shortline Railway Preservation and Development Fund. The code section is §33.2-1602.

This service area provides for the planning and implementation of freight rail projects in the Commonwealth. This includes projects that are funded through the Commonwealth Rail Fund and other state and federal funding programs that may become available, including discretionary federal funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

This service area directly aligns with the DRPT's mission by funding capital projects that improve freight rail services for businesses and the public. These services are in high demand as a transportation choice and network redundancy improves the mobility of goods, increases economic competitiveness, and strengthen resiliency throughout the Commonwealth and the country.

Implement Freight Rail Projects under the FREIGHT Program



DRPT provides technical assistance to railroads and applicants to educate them on the Grant program policies and procedures as well as develop eligible applications. DRPT staff provides technical assistance from sharing information to actual input on solutions to complex infrastructural and operational issues. Staff maintains continued correspondence with Grant program stakeholders during the pre-application and application process, as well as during project authorization, implementation, completion, and performance.

This service area is supported by state transportation funds and local, federal, and/or private matching funds. DRPT Rail Programs provide dedicated state funding for acquiring, leasing, and/or improving railways or railroad equipment, rolling stock, rights of way, or facilities for freight rail transportation purposes whenever the Commonwealth Transportation Board determines that it is for the good of a region of the Commonwealth or the Commonwealth as a whole. The Commonwealth Rail Fund includes 7.5% of the Commonwealth Transportation Fund, which is subsequently split between the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and DRPT. DRPT receives 7% of the Commonwealth Rail Fund, which is used to fund projects within Rail Planning, Rail Preservation, and the FREIGHT Program.

Program no longer used.

See Program 69901

This service area provides the financial management, human resources, information technology, procurement, facilities management, and administrative support functions for DRPT to effectively manage and direct its other service areas.

The Administrative and Financial Services area supports the agency's mission by providing direction, operational consistency, and compliance, allowing program staff to focus on improving economic opportunity and expand transportation choices in the Commonwealth. Programmatic staff require high-quality administrative and financial support to successfully meet the goals and objectives of the agency.

Financial management services



Safeguards the agency’s resources and manages its assets to maximize the funding available for DRPT’s grant programs through best practices and ensure the public’s resources are used responsibly. This includes providing financial information to assist the operational grant managers in their job performance as well as payroll and travel reimbursement processing for all DRPT employees. Partners are provided timely processing of their grant drawdown requests.



Human Resources



Implements an effective workforce plan utilizing accurate and timely workforce data. Attracts, develops and retains a qualified workforce by strategically using existing human resource management flexibilities, pay practices, and benefits, to cultivate a culture of One DRPT. Plans, develops, implements, and manages all recruitment and selection activities. Administers the agency’s employee performance management program. Provides opportunities and plans for employee development. Ensures agency compliance with state and federal directives such as: Conflict of Interest, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO), and Compensation. Handles all grievance and administrative compliance activities. Provides agency-wide training as needed.



Information Technology



Provides both hardware and software as well as maintenance and development services to all DRPT employees. Maintains agency applications such as Bobcat, Webgrants as well as the DRPT Intranet and Public Internet Sites. Serves as the primary liaison with the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) to ensure agency compliance with Commonwealth Security standards. Looks for opportunities to innovate and minimize complexities through automation and pragmatic solutions.



Procurement



Manages DRPT’s procurement of goods and services and ensures good stewardship of public resources, as follows: determines appropriate procurement method through the review of technical specifications, delivery requirements, availability, and cost; reviews and approves emergency and sole source procurements within established limitations; establishes and monitors term contracts; prepares and issues bid requests; conducts contract negotiations; ensures proper posting and publication of solicitations and awards; schedules and conducts prebid/proposal conferences and determines need for solicitation modifications; presides over sealed bid/proposal openings; evaluates bids/proposals for determination of responsiveness and responsibility; awards purchase orders, contracts and agreements; continually reviews procurement activities to streamline methods and negotiate better prices; and prepares written policies and procedures. Maintains and reviews procurement activities to assess the feasibility of contract development. Establishes and administers term contracts for goods and services using appropriate procurement methods. Monitors purchase order status, and initiates measures to expedite delivery, as necessary. Coordinates and maintains agency small purchase charge card program. Works to increase the number of procurements awarded to certified small, women and minority (SWaM)-owned and Micro businesses. Tracks progress toward achieving agency SWaM goals. Acquires vehicles for the Human Services Transportation Program as well as vehicles for the Public Transportation Program. 



Facilities, Fleet Management, and Emergency Management



Services are provided to ensure that facilities are available and in good condition for DRPT employees and that vehicles are available to meet their travel requirements. Security monitoring services are provided to keep the Governor, state agencies, customers and stakeholders informed on security threats and incidents related to rail and public transportation. DRPT customers receive assistance in finding funding for security measures and technical assistance. A Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) is maintained and updated regularly for DRPT facilities.



Project and Program Management



Services are provided for all the other DRPT service areas. DRPT manages projects and programs directly (such as freight rail projects and the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project) and administers 22 state and federal grant programs. DRPT serves as the ‘go-to’ organization for best practices, and grant managers provide partners (public transportation systems, commuter assistance agencies, human service transportation agencies, railroads, business and industry) with project management services, technical assistance, and expert advice. Grant managers also review applications for funding, monitor partner agency performance and provide programmatic and financial oversight.



Performance Management



Services are provided to measure the performance of DRPT programs, including the development of performance targets and measures, methodology, data validation programs, performance monitoring and performance reporting. Reports include historical, national average, and other comparisons to evaluate program performance.



Communications



DRPT policy and communications handle a wide variety of external communications on the agency’s behalf. These duties include: respond to media requests in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation’s office; aggregate national, state, and local news stories and distribute daily to email list; draft and respond to citizen inquiries received by the agency, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Governor’s office; respond to all FOIA requests within five business days as required by Virginia law; prepare talking points and PowerPoint Presentations for the Agency Director; review and edit all presentations to the Commonwealth Transportation Board; provide technical support for the streaming of agency webinars, the Transit and Rail Subcommittee, and the Transit Service Delivery Advisory Committee; draft press releases, quarterly updates to the public, all email distributions; manage and draft the DRPT Annual Report; and maintain all DRPT websites and social media accounts.



Marketing



DRPT policy and communications department is responsible for overseeing the marketing programs for the Virginia Breeze intercity bus service, Discover Transit and other yearly rail and transportation demand management programs.



Government Relations



DRPT policy and communications department manages the agency’s legislative agenda and serves as the agency’s legislative liaison to elected officials, including members of the General Assembly and United States Congress. Duties in this area include: ensure that the agency’s actions, such as providing proper meeting notice, comply with the Code of Virginia; serve as the Agency’s Regulatory Coordinator; track and submit legislative reports; track federal regulations and legislation; and represent the agency before the General Assembly, including drafting and tracking legislation and budget amendments, meeting with legislators, and drafting legislative action summaries.

Pursuant to Code of Virginia 33.2-1604, the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) may approve up to 3.5% per year of the Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund, the Commonwealth Rail Fund, and the Rail Preservation Fund to support these efforts. Additionally, Appropriation Act language allows the CTB to allocate up to 5% of the above funds toward these efforts.