The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) now has a Fiscal Year 2026–2031 Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP) with investments of $7 billion in public transportation and freight and passenger rail across the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approved the measure on June 24.
The SYIP (download below) details DRPT’s funding priorities for FY 2026, allocating $332 million to local and regional public transportation providers, $442 million to WMATA’s Metrorail and Metrobus services, and $17 million to the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) operating and capital budget. The program also includes continued investment in freight rail of $20 million, and $232 million for the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) to expand and sustain passenger rail service in Virginia.
DRPT encouraged the public to provide feedback on the draft program by attending public meetings or submitting comments online, by email, or by mail. The CTB hosted nine public meetings across Virginia to gather input and engage with communities on statewide transportation priorities.”
