SD4 - Executive Summary of the Joint Subcommittee to Study Creating a Regional Rapid Transit Network (SJR 122, 2008)


    Executive Summary:
    The Joint Subcommittee held four meetings during the 2008 interim, and with the input from and assistance of numerous mass transit experts from local governments, regional mass transit operators, regional transportation authorities, and the private sector, developed a broad understanding of the transportation needs of Northern Virginia and neighboring localities and deepened their understanding of where and how a carefully planned and efficiently operated mass transit system with multiple mass transit modalities and options could be effective in reducing highway congestion, shortening commuting times, contributing to highway safety, and generally enhancing the quality of life of the area's residents.

    However, at its last meeting, the Joint Subcommittee unanimously agreed that it had not had sufficient and specific focus on particular corridors, particular activity centers, and particular mass transit techniques and technologies to formulate the kinds of findings and recommendations necessary for presenting to the 2009 Session of the General Assembly for legislative action. Accordingly, it was also unanimously agreed the legislation be offered during the 2009 Session requesting that the present study be continued for a second year in order to concentrate on obtaining and analyzing data that would permit the Joint Subcommittee to build upon the knowledge gained in its first year in order to make concrete and actionable recommendations to the 2010 Session.