The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) has approved a six-year improvement plan, committing over $7 billion to enhance public transit and rail projects throughout Virginia. The program, slated to run through until 2031, will upgrade services ranging from local buses to expanded Amtrak routes, aiming to reshape how Virginians travel, ease congestion, and boost economic mobility.
Key investments under the plan include funding for low- and no-emission buses. The plan also seeks to alleviate highway congestion and improve transit access for both urban and rural communities across the state. The Commonwealth is set to commence the rollout of these improvements in 2026, with some projects already in early development phases. All approved funding will become available to local agencies and partners starting July 1, marking the start of the next fiscal year.
Specific allocations in the plan include over $1.7 billion for the Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRIV) initiative, focused on acquiring and developing key rail corridors to improve passenger service efficiency and reduce road congestion. Nearly $2.4 billion is earmarked for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to support improvements in service capacity and coverage for Metrorail and Metrobus. The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) will receive $110 million to enhance its commuter rail services, improve reliability, and modernize operations. The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) will receive $63.6 million for freight rail programs, infrastructure preservation, and long-term transit planning.