Commonwealth Transportation Board Makes $11 million in Additional Operating Assistance Available to Virginia Public Transportation Agencies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  ∙  March 17, 2020

Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
Contact: Chris Smith
Email: chris.smith@drpt.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 624-0109

Commonwealth Transportation Board Makes $11 million in Additional Operating Assistance Available to Virginia Public Transportation Agencies

~ Emergency relief will offset significant ridership loss and extraordinary costs suffered amid worldwide COVID-19 pandemic ~

RICHMOND – Today, the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) authorized an additional $11 million in statewide public transportation operating funding to be made available to all Virginia public transportation agencies suffering major ridership losses and additional operating expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s related public health response.

“The onset and continued spread of COVID-19 has had extraordinary and disproportionate impacts on Virginia’s public transit industry and the communities they serve," said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. “As more social distancing is implemented, we recognize that reduced service and significant ridership losses lead to diminished revenue and more challenges ahead.”

The $11 million is equivalent to one-month of statewide operating revenues currently allocated to the Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund. The funding, allocated to local public transit agencies by formula, will be available by early April.

Specific information regarding amounts made to each agency is available on DRPT's COVID-19 Pandemic Response and Mitigation website.

Additionally, the emergency funding was identified from prior years savings due to DRPT’s Making Efficient + Responsible Investments in Transit (MERIT) management program, creating no negative impact to current allocations.

“Transit agencies had to take immediate steps to minimize the risk to their employees, customers, and communities, far beyond anything envisioned in their operating budgets,” said DRPT Director Jennifer Mitchell. “Today’s action enables DRPT to respond quickly and equitably to help their agency needs.”

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About the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
DRPT’s mission is to improve the mobility of people and goods while expanding transportation choices in the Commonwealth through rail, public transportation, and commuter services. DRPT is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color, or national origin as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For additional information on DRPT’s nondiscrimination policies and procedures or to file a complaint, please contact the Title VI Compliance Officer, Mike Mucha, at (804) 786‐6794, TDD 711, or 600 E. Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219.