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May showers didn’t just bring June flowers… they also brought the heat, and we’re not just talking temperatures!
Welcome to The Loop, and thanks for hopping on board. In this edition, we’re turning up the temperature with a roundup of highlights from two eventful months at the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). From rail groundbreakings and national conferences to leadership development and a little summer fun, it’s clear we’ve been making moves.
As the classic Will Smith anthem reminds us, "summer, summer, summertime—time to sit back and unwind." So take a breather, get comfortable, and catch up on everything we’ve been up to.
New River Valley Rail Project
Director Tiffany Robinson joined the Governor, the Virginia Secretary of Transportation, and other esteemed leaders to break ground on the New River Valley Rail Project. This endeavor will extend rail service from Roanoke to Christiansburg and return passenger rail service to the New River Valley for the first time since 1979.
 
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APTA Legislative Conference
Grant Sparks, Evan Price, and Jordan Chapman traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend the American Public Transportation Association’s Legislative Conference. The event featured timely discussions with national leaders from both sides of the aisle, including Acting FTA Administrator Tariq Bokhari and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
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ITVSA Annual Conference
Zach Trogdon and Chris Arabia took the stage at the Intelligent Transportation Society of Virginia’s Annual Conference to highlight the innovative work happening across DRPT and share how we define and measure success.
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VTA Conference
The 2025 Virginia Transit Association’s Annual Conference and Expo was held right here in Richmond, and DRPT made its presence known. Wood Hudson gave a thoughtful presentation on Remix, while Mitch Huber joined a panel to discuss workforce development and apprenticeships. Paige Lazar shared her personal experience with the Virginia Transit Leadership Institute, and Chris Arabia spoke during a session on commuter assistance. Jayla Parker and Avery Daugherty represented DRPT at the Expo, raising awareness about our work and building connections with attendees. Director Tiffany Robinson closed it out with powerful remarks on the State of Transit in Virginia—leaving a lasting impression and energizing the crowd.
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WTS State of Transportation Panel
After speaking at the VTA Conference, Director Tiffany Robinson joined VDOT Commissioner Stephen Brich and Richmond Airport CFO Basil O. Dosunmu for a panel discussion hosted by WTS (Women’s Transportation Seminar). The Q&A included a pop quiz on transit at airports and a few curveball questions that truly kept our director on her toes. Good thing Tiffany’s got a strong batting average when it comes to thinking on her feet!
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DeLong Groundbreaking
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Virginia Public Service Week
Shout out to our Social Committee for organizing an unforgettable Virginia Public Service Week. From food trucks and breakfast to games, ice cream, pizza, and DRPT swag, it was a week filled with fun and appreciation. There were plenty of smiles and great vibes—a true celebration of public service and the people behind it.
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CTAA Expo 2025
Tiffany Dubinsky headed west to San Diego for the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) EXPO, where she presented on intercity bus service alongside representatives from NCDOT. The event offered valuable networking, thoughtful discussions, and the chance to explore transit solutions from a new regional perspective. After all, seeing how other parts of the country move keeps us inspired here at DRPT—and Tiffany got to do it under the warm California sun. She didn’t return with any complaints, just a bright smile and a well-earned tan.
Virginia Executive Leadership Institute
From June 9–13, Emily Stock and Deanna Oware participated in the Virginia Executive Leadership Institute, a program designed to help emerging and established leaders grow their skills, build networks, and develop innovative solutions to today’s most pressing challenges.
To show their support, Zach Trogdon, Ashley Nusbaum, Mike Todd, and Linda Balderson attended Emily and Deanna’s capstone presentations at the Capitol, where former Governor L. Douglas Wilder served as the keynote speaker. Emily’s presentation focused on creating accessible pathways to careers in Virginia government, while Deanna explored the role of human-centered design in public service.
HRT Ferry Shelter Ribbon-Cutting
Avery Daugherty joined Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) for the ribbon-cutting of three new ferry shelters. The project, funded through TRIP (Transit Incentive Program) and local contributions, improves the ferry experience for riders and highlights the ongoing investment in multimodal infrastructure across the region.
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