SD6 - Executive Summary of the Joint Subcommittee to Study Creating a Regional Rapid Transit Network (SJR 122, 2008; SJR 357, 2009)


    Executive Summary:
    The 2009 Session of the General Assembly acceded to the request of the Joint Subcommittee that its mandate be extended for a second year in order, building on its work in the 2008 interim, to develop legislative and other recommendations leading to the creation of a regional rapid transit network connecting existing and emerging population centers in major transportation corridors.

    The Joint Subcommittee held four meetings in the 2009 interim, and on the basis of information gleaned from these meetings and discussions, agreed to the following findings and recommendations:

    1. Have Virginia move toward the stated aim of funding 95 percent of eligible transit operating costs;

    2. Maximize Transit Oriented Development (TOD);

    3. Involve the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (VDRPT) in "527 Reviews" of local development plans;

    4. Limit "527 Reviews" for TOD projects consistent with comprehensive plan provision for a TOD, if such comprehensive plan provisions have been subject to "527 Review";

    5. Encourage use of urban district areas and other tools to promote TOD and to develop enhanced transit in such areas;

    6. Develop extensive Greater Northern Virginia multi-modal transit capacity in TransAction 2040;

    7. Identify funding to meet needs identified in TransAction 2040;

    8. Promote incentives for transit use, such as employer-financed fare payments;

    9. Encourage Transportation Demand Management (TDM), including telework and flex-time, and more to implement technological incentives for transit use, such as real-time information and WiFi capability on transit;

    10. Have VDRPT work with local governments, transportation commissions, and existing transit systems to develop coordination among local and regional transit systems;

    11. Move to implement technology incentives for transit use, such as real-time information and WiFi capability on transit;

    12. Provide incentives/requirements for investments for pedestrians, bicyclists, sluggers, park-and-riders, and others to increase transit use and decrease reliance on single occupancy vehicles

    13. Oppose extension of the "sunset" on use of hybrid vehicles on I-95, I-395, and I-66 during HOV hours;

    14. Urge the federal government to consider transit capacity and highway limitations in future BRAC decisions;

    15. In extension of HOT lanes on I-95 and I-395, include a requirement that public funds be used to provide mass transit support; and

    16. Continue the present study for one additional year, primarily to assess and, as necessary, react to the impact of these recommendations.

    Legislation extending the mandate of the Joint Subcommittee for a third year will, accordingly, be offered during the 2010 Session, and, the Joint Subcommittee does not intend to submit to the 2010 Session of the General Assembly and the Governor a report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document.