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Thanks for hopping on board and exploring another edition of The Loop with us!
Spring has officially pulled into the station, and DRPT has been along for the ride. With longer days and fresh energy in the air, March and April kept us moving across the Commonwealth, from community events to major milestones. Consider this your quick look at everything we have been up to as the season shifts and momentum keeps building.
VTA and CTAV Bus Roadeos
Director Mariia Zimmerman and Avery Daugherty lent a hand during the Virginia Transit Association’s recent Bus Roadeo, where they also got a sneak peek at the new Virginia Breeze bus wrap. Grant Sparks and Avery Daugherty also attended the Community Transportation Association of Virginia's Bus Roadeo a few weeks later. There may not have been any horses, but there was plenty of horsepower on display. Safe to say our team knows how to handle the reins when it comes to transit.
 Rail Crossings Visit
Taylor Holden and Janet Mineva visited two local rail crossings to observe operations and take photos. A great opportunity to see firsthand how these systems function day to day, all while staying safely geared up and representing DRPT out in the field.
 Spring 2026 All Hands Meeting
Despite some less-than-ideal weather, DRPT came together for our Spring All Hands Meeting ready to connect, collaborate, and keep the momentum going. The team shared ideas, reflected on progress, and focused on how we can continue to grow and best serve the Commonwealth. A little rain was not going to stop us!
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VTLI Visit
DRPT was proud to host session four of this year’s Virginia Transit Leadership Institute cohort. It was a great opportunity to connect with emerging leaders in transit and share more about the work happening across the agency. And yes, the transit sign wall continues to be a fan favorite.
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Elementary School Career Days
Jordan Chapman participated in multiple Career Days over the past couple of months, introducing students to the world of transit and rail. Fifth graders explored the bigger picture of how transportation impacts communities, while kindergarteners kept things lively by going “honk honk” like a bus every time they agreed with something she said, which was great for engagement and slightly less great for classroom volume levels.
To Jordan’s surprise, the students also came prepared with some very thoughtful and very important questions, including:
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“Why are buses safer than cars if they don’t have seatbelts?”
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“What does ‘in a nutshell’ actually mean?”
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“Do trains ever get traffic jams like cars do?”
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Habitat for Humanity Volunteering
Aaron Clark, Jolene Simon, Mitch Huber, and Jordan Chapman volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Chesterfield, helping paint and complete finishing touches on a home. A great way to give back to the community and make a lasting impact beyond transportation.
NVTA Transportation Roundtable
Chris Arabia represented DRPT as a panelist at the 11th Annual Northern Virginia Transportation Roundtable, hosted by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. The discussion brought together leaders from across the region to talk about current priorities and the future of transportation.
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APTA Legislative Conference
Director Mariia Zimmerman, Evan Price, and Jordan Chapman traveled to Washington, D.C. for the American Public Transportation Association’s 2026 Legislative Conference. The team connected with partners and leaders from across the country while helping elevate Virginia’s transportation priorities on a national stage.
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Evelyn T. Butts Transit Center Groundbreaking
Director Mariia Zimmerman, Zach Trogdon, Avery Daugherty, and Olivia Rappe attended the groundbreaking for Hampton Roads Transit’s Evelyn Butts Transit Center. Named after civil rights advocate Evelyn Butts, the new facility will enhance connectivity, improve the rider experience, and serve as an important hub for the Norfolk community. An exciting step forward for transit in the region.
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FTA Drug and Alcohol Conference
Kyle Trissel attended the Federal Transit Administration’s 19th Annual Drug and Alcohol Program National Conference in Portland, bringing back insights and best practices to support safety and compliance across our transit systems.
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Annandale Rail Industrial Access (RIA) Ribbon Cutting
Linda Balderson attended the ribbon cutting for a project supporting Annandale Millwork and Allied Systems Corporation, a manufacturer of lumber-based construction materials and recent Rail Industrial Access grant recipient, alongside Michele Bridges from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Another strong example of how rail investments support economic growth across Virginia.
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VTCA Conference
Director Mariia Zimmerman presented at the 2026 Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance’s Spring Transportation Conference and Trade Show, connecting with industry partners and sharing insights on key transportation initiatives. She built connections, strengthened partnerships, and kept the conversation moving forward.
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Crystal City Metro Topping Out Ceremony
Sarah Husain attended the topping out ceremony for the Crystal City Metro Station’s new entrance, marking a major construction milestone. It is always exciting to see projects reach this stage as improvements continue to take shape across the system.
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Central Virginia Benefits Fair
Staff from across the Commonwealth swarmed to the James Monroe Building to take part in the Central Virginia Benefits Fair, which was partially led by our very own H.R. Team, Deb Barnett and Jason Shaw. Not only do this dynamic duo support our team, but through the Central Virginia Benefits Fair, they support teams at every Virginia agency.
SHRM Conference
Earlier in April, Jason and Deb also attended the Society for Human Resource Management Conference in Virginia Beach, where Kathy Molin tabled to share more about the ConnectingVA program. Commuter assistance programs are just one of the many ways employers in Virginia are able to bridge transportation gaps for their employees.
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PRTC Shelter Ribbon Cutting
Sarah Husain, Bethel Kefyalew, and Jacarl Melton joined PRTC for their "Art That Moves Us" Bus Shelter ribbon cutting. The initiative featured art created by students at a local community college and reflects a desire to make transit spaces more energizing.
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Tidewater Current Launch Party
To celebrate the launch of the Tidewater Current Bus Service, the DRPT team hopped on board for a ride from Richmond Main Street Station to Richmond International Airport. Yes, the airport is one of the stops, how convenient!
All aboard for this new service and another step forward in connecting communities across Virginia.
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