Virginia Offers One-Time Relief Funding Opportunity to Intercity Bus Providers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2021

Department of Rail and Public Transportation
Contact: Haley Glynn
Email: haley.glynn@drpt.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 351-6647

 

Virginia Offers One-Time Relief Funding Opportunity
to Intercity Bus Providers

~ American Rescue Plan Act allocates $2.3 million to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for distribution ~

 

RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) was apportioned $2.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to allocate to Federal Motor Carrier-Certified intercity bus operators throughout the Commonwealth. This one-time grant opportunity will help intercity bus companies recover operating expenses incurred during the pandemic. The application period is open now through October 1, 2021. Eligible intercity bus providers are encouraged to apply.  

“Healthy and competitive multi-modal transportation is the key to connecting people to better jobs, education, and healthcare. Each transportation provider across the Commonwealth serves as an essential piece of the mobility puzzle,” said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. “The American Rescue Plan Act funding will ease the burden placed on intercity bus providers and help maintain these critical services that keep Virginia moving.”  

In March, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which provided $30.46 billion to support the transit industry in response to COVID-19. ARPA allocated $100 million to intercity bus operators throughout the country. Of that, $2,307,909 was apportioned for intercity bus operators in Virginia. Funding is provided at a 100 percent federal share, with no local match required. The funds can be used to reimburse certain operating expenses incurred to maintain transit services as well as pay for administrative leave for transit personnel due to reduced operations during the emergency.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and DRPT have established eligibility criteria to appropriately allocate this funding. Criteria should be thoroughly reviewed before completing the application.

“DRPT remains committed to enhancing intercity bus service in Virginia,” stated Jennifer Mitchell, Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. “In addition to our ongoing support for the Virginia Breeze Bus Lines, we also welcome this unique, one-time opportunity to help other intercity bus providers recover from the pandemic.”  

Intercity Bus service operates with a limited schedule, has fixed routes, and connects to two or more urban areas that are not in close proximity. These services may have the capacity for transporting passenger baggage and service that makes specific, planned connections with established intercity bus service where such service is available.

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.

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