As Virginia Ages, Accessible Transportation Becomes More Critical Than Ever
 The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) has released the 2026 Coordinated Human Services Mobility (CHSM) Plan Update, a people‑centered strategy to improve access to transportation for older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, and low‑income Virginians who rely on human services mobility to reach health care, work, grocery stores, and daily needs.
Over the next four years during the Spanberger Administration, DRPT will use the plan to prioritize funding for human service transportation projects and programs that reduce barriers, expand access, and promote equitable mobility. A key emphasis is on strengthening coordination among transit providers, human service agencies, and local partners to ensure services are more seamless and effective for riders who rely on them most.
The plan aims to:
- Diversify funding sources;
- Provide additional existing service capacity;
- Implement service expansion;
- Increase support for riders;
- Provide consistent information;
- Include human service transportation in the broader planning conversation;
- Give structured and consistent technical assistance.
In response to the plan, DRPT will continue working with other state agencies and regional partners to put these strategies into action. In the coming years, the agency will focus on better coordinating federal funding and strengthening collaboration across regions. While some goals can be addressed at the state level, real progress will also require strong partnerships with regional and local stakeholders to create a more coordinated and accessible transportation system.
“The need for improved mobility to connect our state’s aging and disability populations to health care and human services is growing. This plan reflects our dedication to listening to voices across Virginia and turning those insights into action,” said DRPT Director Mariia Zimmerman. “Through collaboration with local agencies, service providers, and riders, we are building a transportation network that truly serves the needs of all the Commonwealth.”
As Virginia’s demographics shift, more residents are facing transportation challenges. An estimated 17.6% of Virginians are age 65 or older, a share that is expected to grow in the coming decade, and 8.5% of Virginians under age 65 report living with a disability. In many rural communities, where transportation options are limited, these populations represent an even larger share of residents who depend on coordinated transportation services.
The development of the plan included extensive public and stakeholder input over 12 months beginning in 2025, with ten stakeholder meetings, two public surveys, and multiple pop‑up events to hear directly from riders, providers, and communities. The result is a comprehensive, people‑focused roadmap designed to improve access, expand transportation choices, and enhance efficiency across the Commonwealth.
Learn more and explore the full 2026 Coordinated Human Services Mobility Plan here.
About the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
DRPT's mission is to connect and improve the quality of life for all Virginians with innovative transportation solutions. The agency works with rail and public transportation stakeholders to provide service to people throughout Virginia and promotes transportation options to the general public, businesses, and community decision makers. DRPT's vision is a connected Commonwealth with an integrated multimodal network that serves every person, every business, and every need. For more information, please visit www.drpt.virginia.gov.
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