Study on Public Transit Needs in Northern Virginia
Joint Subcommittee is tasked with investigating long-term funding and cost-containment measures for improving public transit in Northern Virginia. Membership includes legislative and citizen members, with a focus on WMATA, VRE, and other transit systems. Technical Working Group will explore revenue sources and cost-saving strategies to enhance sustainability.
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Presentation Transcript
Introduction to SJ 28 (2024) Joint Subcommittee to Study the Growing Needs of Public Transit in Northern Virginia July 15, 2024 Division of Legislative Services Stephen Kindermann, Lead Senior Attorney Nikhil Edward, Attorney 1
Overview of SJ 28 (Sen. Ebbin) Passed the House and Senate during the 2024 Session Senate (voice vote) and House (97-0) Context: 1.5 million+ use NOVA public transit provider network weekly $1.5 billion in income and sales tax GF revenues from NOVA transit network (NVTC) WMATA and VRE are both critical and important for transportation and economic growth NVTC and PRTC play vital funding, coordination, and governance roles for transit agencies COVID-19 challenged traditional transit financial operating models nationwide (i) inflation and (ii) ridership reductions Federal aid nearly exhausted WMATA projects a $750 million operating budget gap FY25 $1.2 billion by FY35 Dedicated capital funding bond capacity exhausted by FY29; constrains WMATA capital program 3% cap on the annual growth in VA operating assistance to WMATA Useful, but some unintended consequences to address Public interest in ensuring transit investments are managed effectively Transparency, accountability, reasonable and effective cost-control measures 2
Charge of the Joint Subcommittee To investigate these and other issues, the resolution directs the Joint Subcommittee to study: (1) Long-term, sustainable, dedicated operations and capital funding (2) Cost-containment controls and strategies To ensure that WMATA, VRE, and the public transit systems that serve NVTC and PRTC transportation districts meet growing needs of public transit in the region. Membership - 11: Seven legislative members (three Senators; four Delegates) Two non-legislative citizen members (WMATA Board; NVTC Member) Two Ex Officio with votes (Sec. of Transportation; Exec. Director of NVTC) 3
Technical Working Group Membership Representatives from: Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) NOVA Transportation Authority Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 NOVA business community (appointed by Speaker of the House) 4
Charge of the Technical Working Group The Joint Subcommittee shall establish a technical working group to: Examine the ten revenue sources identified by NVTC's Metro Operating Funding and Reform Working Group Propose up to five additional revenue sources that would contribute funding for new dedicated operating/ capital funding for NOVA transit agencies that leverages and supplements existing state and local funding commitments. Examine industry-wide cost savings and containment tools to ensure long-term sustainability of heavy-rail transit operators Identify projected revenue growth from each funding source Determine current projected annual cost growth for each transit system through 2037 or later Additional issues to evaluate: Future land use plans for high-capacity transit corridors in NOVA support transit ridership growth Telework impacts on regional transit ridership Appropriate local bus service usage WMATA s (i) long-term capital funding needs, (ii) capital funding prioritization process, and (iii) governance and structural issues contribution to funding instability VA s appropriate share of jurisdictional subsidy (existing Metrorail stations and Metrobus stops) Findings of NVTC's Metro Operating Funding and Reform Working Group WMATA funding, accountability, and reform recommendations from NVTC's 2023 Annual Report on the Performance and Condition of WMATA 5
2024 Meetings and Report Resolution limits Joint Subcommittee to four meetings in 2024 and four meetings in 2025 2024 Interim Meetings July 15, 2024 Discussion of Proposed Interim Work Plan DRPT Presentation: "Public Transportation Funding in Virginia" NVTC Presentation: "How Transit is Funded in Northern Virginia Understanding the Region s Growing Transit Needs" September Transit agency long-term needs Cost containment strategies and opportunities Update from technical working group October Projected revenue growth from existing transit funding sources Review of prior funding and reform studies and reports Initial discussion of potential new revenues Update from technical working group November Examination of potential new revenues Final update and summary from technical working group Development of Interim Findings and Recommendations Executive Summary and report of findings/ recommendations due by first day of Session (January 8, 2025) Summaries and all meeting materials will be posted online https://studies.virginiageneralassembly.gov/studies/721 6
