This news feed, maintained by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, provides news on rail, transit, TDM topics as well as DRPT programs and initiatives. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:55:27 -0500 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:55:21 -0500 FeedForAll v2.0 (2.0.2.9) http://www.feedforall.com http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/assets/images/drptrssicon.jpg http://www.drpt.virginia.gov DRPT Logo 196 54 Amtrak recently published a Strategic Guidance document which outlines how Amtrak will execute the policies and programs outlined in the 2008 Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act. The document provides a mission, goals, progress criteria and strategies to follow through 2013. http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1241245669222 3CD8621F-B776-4F84-A34C-B5B2E7716816 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:54:51 -0500 The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) recently approved DRPT’s recommendations for the final round of rural and small urban transit stimulus funds for capital projects. DRPT recommended $4.9 million for rural transit and $5.2 million for small urban transit. The funds will support 97 projects across the Commonwealth to purchase new or replacement equipment and construct new facilities. A complete list of projects is available on DRPT’s Web site. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/special/files/ARRA%20Rural%20and%20Small%20Urban%20Transit%20Final%20Allocation.pdf 1A4515AE-0AB4-4F63-9AE2-6B95D73DE7CD Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:54:27 -0500 The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) continues to discuss ways to address an anticipated $851.5 million reduction in transportation revenues. DRPT and VDOT recently presented a draft revised Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP) for fiscal years 2010-2015 for CTB consideration. A public hearing to gain feedback on the draft revised program is scheduled for December 1. The CTB is scheduled to act on the program at their December meeting. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=457 1CB5F06D-63C4-49F6-A02D-D6BDF902813E Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:53:41 -0500 This week, the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) began operating the new Tysons Express commuter bus service with direct service from Woodbridge to Tysons Corner. Tysons Express is just one of a handful of new transportation choices that will be introduced to the region to help manage congestion during construction of the Virginia Megaprojects. The new service will be half-price for the next six months. http://www.prtctransit.org/myprtc/service-updates/service_updates.php?docid=137 B6EE9D6D-7E34-491C-82F8-517EB540BFBE Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:29:17 -0500 The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee recently reported out the “Clean Energy and American Jobs Act,” which dedicates approximately 2.5 percent of emission allowances to transportation and transit investment, or between $1.5 billion and $3 billion annually. The Senate Finance Committee could act on the bill or similar legislation later this year. http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/aptapt/issues/2009-11-09/index.html AB871B0B-C885-47F3-A366-C6CE4A59317C Mon, 9 Nov 2009 15:28:48 -0500 The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) will hold a public hearing on December 1 in Richmond to receive public feedback on projects for inclusion in the Working Draft of the Revised Fiscal Year 2010-2015 Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP) to be approved by the CTB in December 2009. The Commonwealth must adjust the current program to account for reduced revenue forecasts. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=453 3325C18C-2EFC-481B-83FB-261A380ED864 Fri, 6 Nov 2009 15:28:16 -0500 U.S. Secretary of Transportation LaHood recently convened the first meeting of a newly created U.S. Department of Transportation Safety Council, formed to enhance focus on safety throughout the 10 agencies that make up the Department of Transportation. Representatives from each agency sit on the council to share data and develop best practices and strategies to improve the impact of safety programs. http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2009/dot17209.htm D8D86649-4C4C-49E7-83C2-61C6E86F1F7C Thu, 5 Nov 2009 16:50:31 -0500 The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and the International Union of Railways will host three regional seminars to provide leaders with information regarding the implementation of high speed rail in the U.S. The seminars will take place in February in Washington, D.C., Chicago and Los Angeles. http://www.apta.com/mc/conferences/allother/Pages/HighSpeedRailMainPage.aspx 304435BB-91FD-485F-B5F0-BEBE7D29E8E1 Thu, 5 Nov 2009 16:50:04 -0500 DRPT recently published the FY2008-FY2009 Biennial Report which provides highlights of DRPT’s accomplishments over the past two fiscal years. The report also gives an outlook for key areas for growth for the next fiscal year. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/studies/files/VDRT_Annual09_final.pdf E9A0B7E1-ECE6-41D5-895E-8BE04C777A34 Thu, 5 Nov 2009 16:49:35 -0500 The October 2009 issue of Connection, DRPT’s quarterly newsletter, is available online. This quarter’s issue provides highlights on key projects such as new Amtrak service, the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project and The Tide, as well as updates on transit and rail stimulus funding and the status of regional studies. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/files/DRPT_October09_final.pdf 58834F2C-CD4A-4201-A72C-D0183940AF89 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:47:42 -0400 The Commonwealth’s Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment is offering an Urban Development Area Planning Grant to provide consultant services to local governments to analyze future growth patterns, plan for and designate urban development areas in comprehensive plans, and revise applicable local land use ordinances to incorporate the principles of new urbanism and traditional neighborhood design. Applications will be accepted until Nov. 16, 2009. http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/urban_development_area_planning_grants.asp 34C1A0BB-414B-447C-9C48-4CD604A36169 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:47:14 -0400 Blacksburg Transit is expanding routes to include additional services to and around Christiansburg. Free fares will be available until the end of the year. The new service is scheduled to begin November 23. http://www.roanoke.com/news/nrv/wb/223356 BEC9B71D-0BD2-41D3-BF98-7AD4C59208D7 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:45:39 -0400 The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recently published the Preliminary National Rail Plan, which lays the groundwork for developing policies to improve the US rail transportation system. The plan includes goals such as improving safety, fostering livable communities, increasing the economic competitiveness of the US and promoting sustainable transportation. The plan also sets the approach for developing the long-range National Rail Plan. http://www.fra.dot.gov/Downloads/RailPlanPrelim10-15.pdf A68E9F0A-E8E2-4EC9-BBDC-3795041DD7F4 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:49:34 -0400 The Virginia Transit Association (VTA) recently hosted a Webinar on how to achieve and maintain transit sustainability. In case you missed it, the Webinar video and Power Point presentation is available on VTA’s Web site. http://www.vatransit.com 81FC18E3-1831-4571-90FF-B8DE10184787 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:49:02 -0400 Rural and small urban bus systems have a new tool for developing and strengthening their safety and security programs with the introduction of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Bus Safety Web site. The site offers various online resources and tools, including FTA's Roadmap for Excellence, which identifies principles for an effective safety, security and emergency preparedness program. http://bussafety.fta.dot.gov/splash.php 0CA0160F-1B8F-411F-BF8F-04477ADF142B Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:48:38 -0400 The Federal Transit Administration recently announced the recipients of the Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) grants, and Arlington Transit was awarded $1.5 million for the purchase of hybrid buses. The $100 million grant program is funded through stimulus funds and is available for capital investments to help reduce transit systems’ energy consumption or greenhouse gas emissions. http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-24479.pdf 81CE4D34-C42A-432E-A243-A0EAF54312E6 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:54:23 -0400 Give yourself a break and try the new Amtrak Virginia service today. Use your free time to work, catch up with friends and family, or just relax along the way. And if you’re going further north, you can be in New York City before 3:30 pm without having to change trains on our direct Northeast Corridor service. See amtrakvirginia.com for more information on Amtrak service in Virginia. http://amtrakvirginia.com 5ECACC40-6A5E-4745-904D-30E67541AAD2 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:53:50 -0400 At their annual meeting the American Public Transportation Association honored several transit systems for outstanding marketing and communications efforts with the AdWheel Awards. The Greater Richmond Transit Company was recognized for TransitTalk.com, the TransitTalk.com viral video, and their 2008 Annual Report, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority was recognized for their 2008 Annual Report. http://passengertransport.apta.com/aptapt/issues/2009-10-12/16.html 81CC8D1C-2D52-4EC5-AB7D-AFA5B10D2DCC Fri, 9 Oct 2009 15:53:31 -0400 The first vehicles for The Tide light rail system in Norfolk were delivered today. The 7.4 mile system will connect popular destinations in Norfolk and provide increased transportation choices in the area. The Tide is the first light rail transit system in Virginia, and is scheduled to begin operations in 2010. http://www.ridethetide.com 5766AA70-FD88-4F81-B740-9FE152A4E673 Tue, 6 Oct 2009 14:38:25 -0400 Virginia recently submitted a Track 2 (corridor development) application for $1.8 billion in rail stimulus funding to advance high speed rail along the I-95 corridor. The application included 19 projects spanning 112 miles that would increase capacity and improve rail infrastructure to support 90-mph passenger rail service. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=447 6BDAE6CF-4400-40C7-BB0C-6C051F8B60E9 Fri, 2 Oct 2009 14:37:52 -0400 On September 30, Governor Tim Kaine, along with Amtrak President and CEO Joseph Boardman and Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman, ushered in new Amtrak service from Lynchburg to the Northeast Corridor with an inaugural Whistle Stop Tour. The tour stopped at each station along the route and was met with great enthusiasm from local communities. http://www.amtrakvirginia.com/ 30D1D408-B78C-4E64-9407-D1B033E4CB5E Thu, 1 Oct 2009 14:34:43 -0400 Public meetings will be held this week for the I-66 Transit/TDM Study, which is evaluating short- and medium-term improvements for the I-66 corridor inside and outside the beltway. The meetings will provide a time for the public to review and comment on the study’s preliminary findings and recommendations. Recommendations include infrastructure improvements, such as new park-and-ride lots, and service improvements, such as increased frequency of service and express bus service. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/activities/I66study.aspx A514CE2A-B554-4B40-80F0-E48CC58ED60C Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:50:15 -0400 Virginia is for Lovers, Virginia’s tourism slogan, was recently inducted into the National Advertising Walk of Fame at a celebration in New York. Virginia is for Lovers is America’s longest-running state tourism slogan and the induction coincides with the slogan’s 40th anniversary. http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1087 FB057A12-194D-4A67-A769-40AE22041049 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:49:44 -0400 A new Web site was recently launched that provides information on all Amtrak service in Virginia, including new service beginning this fall that will expand transportation choices for travelers from Lynchburg to destinations in the Northeast Corridor such as Philadelphia, New York and Boston. The new Lynchburg service starts on October 1, 2009, and tickets are now available for the train at up to 25 percent off. http://amtrakvirginia.com B006D248-3F51-469C-BB46-2E02A8ACEA7F Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:48:53 -0400 The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is working with transit operators across the Commonwealth on the second annual statewide Try Transit Week. The event is designed to encourage Virginians to stop driving alone and try a form of transit such as bus, rail, carpools, vanpools or telework. Try Transit Week takes place from September 21 – 25, 2009. Pledge now and you could win a one year free transit pass! http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=445 3A6384E3-614A-409D-A2DA-7090A0C289AB Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:41:26 -0400 The American Public Transportation’s (APTA) 2009 Annual Meeting will take place October 4-7, 2009, in Orlando, Fl. The meeting provides a time for transportation professionals to network and learn about important topics in transportation such as authorization, economic stimulus, high speed rail, sustainability and green jobs, technology and workforce development. Registration is now open and can be completed online. http://www.apta.com/mediacenter/pressreleases/2009/Pages/090909_annual_meeting.aspx AB20DEFC-BCBE-4D34-8E1F-707A157B12BE Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:40:46 -0400 Governor Kaine recently announced that on Telework Day, August 3, 2009, Virginia teleworkers saved approximately $113,000, avoided driving 140,000 miles and removed 75.89 tons of pollutants from the air. More than 2,200 federal and private sector employees and more than 1,700 state employees participated in Telework Day, which was a component of Governor Kaine’s Executive Order 82 to reduce executive branch agencies’ impacts on the environment. http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1057 D8B33549-62F3-4596-8F81-832313B0199D Fri, 4 Sep 2009 15:15:16 -0400 The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently reached an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) milestone when the agency beat the September 1, 2009, deadline to provide all states and local communities 50 percent of their ARRA transit formula dollars. The FTA has provided $6.7 billion, nearly 90 percent of its $7.5 billion stimulus funding, to transit operators across the U.S. http://www.fta.dot.gov/news/news_events_10518.html 41440AEC-C582-4419-B0E2-B63E4643F65E Thu, 3 Sep 2009 15:13:59 -0400 Governor Kaine recently announced that Virginia has been named the Infrastructure State of the Year by CG/LA Infrastructure, LLC. States were evaluated using criteria such as infrastructure investment per capita, vision, leadership, project quality and performance, and local engineering quality. Five Virginia projects – the I-495 Hot Lanes Project, the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project, Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor Project, the Port of Virginia Expansion Projects and the CSX/High Speed Rail Extension to Richmond – will be recognized at the North American Strategic Infrastructure Leadership Forum in September. http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1052 CC5ACEDA-601F-4306-A2C5-DEDB3BDF9A21 Wed, 2 Sep 2009 15:14:34 -0400 At the 2009 ACT International Conference in Washington, D.C. DRPT employee Jennifer Alcott was presented the ACT Board of Directors 2009 Cathy Cole Memorial Award for Telework. This national award recognizes individuals or organizations that demonstrate outstanding leadership and achievement in advancing telework programs. Also at this conference, recently retired DRPT employee Gus Robey was presented the ACT Board of Directors 2009 Bob Owens TDM Champion Award. This national award recognizes an individual who has championed TDM and who has developed an extremely successful TDM program. http://www.actweb.org CAD0277B-E91A-4FD5-9A88-CC5EC5C1E4B7 Wed, 2 Sep 2009 15:14:08 -0400 Try Transit Week, the statewide event that encourages Virginians to stop driving alone and try a form of transit such as bus, rail, carpools, vanpools or telework, is now on Facebook. Check out the new fan page and learn more about how pledging to try transit in Virginia between September 21 and 25 could win you a free transit pass for a year. http://www.facebook.com/business/dashboard/#/pages/Try-Transit-Week/127219595822 4BFC1903-5CC3-4AB4-97AC-D12BDE2A8507 Tue, 1 Sep 2009 15:13:13 -0400 Beginning October 1, 2009, Amtrak Virginia will expand daily round trip service between Lynchburg and the Northeast Corridor as far north as Boston. Tickets are now available at www.amtrak.com at a 25 percent discount rate until December 16 (14 day advance purchase required). http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=442 188E0909-C7F7-4FF1-A489-E45AF25F269D Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:12:37 -0400 The Greater Lynchburg Transit Company received the 2009 Outstanding Transit System Achievement Award from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in the one to four million passenger trips category. The award honors transit operators who have demonstrated achievements in efficiency and effectiveness. This is the second consecutive year that APTA has recognized a Virginia transit operator with this award. http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1049 B0E8B4D1-9041-4011-B02D-64B974777C4F Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:12:06 -0400 Dates have been set in September for the public to review the study alternatives and provide feedback on the best alternative before recommendations are developed. In addition, a new fact sheet has been posted on the study Web page that provides an update since the May 2009 public meetings. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/activities/I66study.aspx 34A5004E-ED02-4835-92BC-FCFD68ECBC5A Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:00:37 -0400 Virginia recently submitted its first high speed rail application for stimulus funds under the Track 1 “ready to go” project category. The application requests $74.8 million for the Arkendale to Powell’s Creek project along the I-95 corridor to build 11.4 miles of third track in Stafford and Prince William Counties. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=441 A907CC02-95AD-4212-B8A5-73CFC5EC38D8 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:59:52 -0400 Williamsburg Area Transit Authority which provides service to James City County, the City of Williamsburg, and York County, recently added the Williamsburg Trolley to its existing bus service. Its route consists of 30-minute round trips between New Town and Merchants Square, with stops at Williamsburg Shopping Center and High Street. The Trolley’s hours of service are from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon until 8 p.m. Sunday. http://www.williamsburgtransport.com/ A68EE1B8-455C-43B3-B6EE-2D3E53829163 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:52:09 -0400 Statewide Try Transit Week, which encourages Virginians to stop driving alone and try a form of transit such as bus, rail, carpool, vanpool or telework, will take place from September 21 to 25. Virginians can visit the event Web site to learn more about the transit options in Virginia, the benefits of using transit and for a chance to win a year’s pass to the transit service of their choice for a year. http://www.trytransitweek.com 2A4F8D6C-DD09-43F0-90D7-BECC29782790 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:51:24 -0400 The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recently posted the application form for Track 2 stimulus projects, which should focus on corridor development. The applications are due October 2, 2009. A new Q&A has also been posted that provides answers to questions posed by applicants. The Q&A covers topics such as funding, eligibility and application/track selection. http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/2153 B0AF9AE5-BD25-44AB-8E40-1A5F96E7559B Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:31:51 -0400 Governor Kaine recently issued Executive Order 85, which directs that Virginia Workforce Connection (VWC), the official Web site for job vacancy listings in Virginia, be used by all state agencies, contractors and sub-recipients for the recruitment of jobs directly created by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds. http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Initiatives/ExecutiveOrders/pdf/EO_85.pdf 49F08AE3-77D1-4D09-9210-B1E49FDB6237 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:31:22 -0400 Operation Lifesaver, a Virginia-based nonprofit organization which raises awareness of potential hazards at rail crossings, was recently awarded a $1,015,00 grant from the Federal Railroad Administration to continue its public education efforts. Operation Lifesaver initiatives include State Assistance Programs to support rail safety awareness, as well as public education initiatives. http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2009/fra0509.htm AEE5BF6C-DA07-4EED-B57C-03D242320DCF Fri, 7 Aug 2009 14:30:58 -0400 The U.S. Department of Transportation plans to announce projects selected under the $1.5 billion discretionary transportation stimulus program in January 2010, one month earlier than the required deadline. The TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Discretionary Grant Program will help fund projects that have a significant impact on surface transportation in the nation, a region or metropolitan area. http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2009/dot11209.htm 6C6AADDC-743A-4344-83A6-83CFBE67F2A7 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:52:22 -0400 Governor Kaine recently appointed two new members to the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) – Aubrey Layne Jr., president and principal broker at Great Atlantic Management, LLC.; and Sharon Pandak, partner at Greehan, Taves, Pandak & Stoner, PLLC – to serve four year terms. Current CTB member Dana Martin was also re-appointed for another term. The CTB is the policy board for the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1015 94864B41-6249-4A14-A46E-AF4C29C5299E Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:51:54 -0400 The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) guidance on News Starts/Small Start Policies and Procedures, which assigned weights for the six project justification criteria for New Starts and the three project justification criteria for Small Starts in the project evaluation process, became final on July 29, 2009. The FTA recently issued additional proposed guidance meant to further streamline the program. Comments on the additional proposed guidance are due by August 18, 2009. http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-18096.pdf BDCC98F1-7334-433A-A728-F1F4898B89BB Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:51:20 -0400 The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will hold a hearing on August 13, 2009, to gain feedback on proposed system standards to evaluate major freight and intercity railroad Positive Train Control (PTC) system plans. A Notice for Proposed Rulemaking has been published in the Federal Register, and comments on the proposed rule are due August 20, 2009. PTCs are systems designed to help prevent collisions between trains, enforce speed limits and protect employees engaged in track maintenance. http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-17184.pdf BBF92AD5-6976-4E14-A8A9-8187E155FF21 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:49:47 -0400 The Community Transportation Association of Virginia (CTAV) will hold its 2009 EXPO and Training Conference August 4 and 5 in Roanoke. The conference will include various training and information sessions on key topics in transit as well as a vehicle and equipment EXPO. Charles Badger, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation Director, will serve as the ribbon cutter for the event. http://ctav.org/forms/name_expo_2009 05E55F9B-B6D9-4853-AD3D-AB9DFC709093 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:15:03 -0400 Moving Cooler, a new study sponsored by organizations such as the Federal Highway Administration, the American Public Transportation Association and the Environmental Protection Agency, has found that increased transit service combined with operational efficiencies and land use development can reduce greenhouse gases by 24 percent. The study also found that the vehicle cost savings of these strategies exceed the cost of implementation by as much as $112 billion. http://commerce.uli.org/misc/movingcooler.pdf 89C1E786-FCCD-47E1-B7AA-5807B382645A Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:14:33 -0400 The July issue of Connection, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s (DRPT) quarterly newsletter, is available on DRPT’s Web site. In this issue, DRPT provides an overview of stimulus funding activities, highlights of the recently approved Six-Year Improvement Program, key project updates, and interesting facts about Virginia’s transit operators. The next issue of Connection will be published in October. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/files/July09_final.pdf F9AAE884-C067-4B1A-88E2-F3D6ACDB0024 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:13:57 -0400 The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Fiscal Year 2010 Appropriations Bill recently passed the House. The bill contains $8.3 billion in Transit Formula and Bus Grants, $1.8 billion in Transit Capital Investment Grants/New Starts funding, $66 million for Federal Transit Administration Research and University Centers, and $4 billion for rail funding. The bill will be up for consideration in the Senate soon. http://www.apta.com/government_affairs/washrep/2009july16.cfm 9AADA66F-9C06-4B47-A0BC-EA227BA0EEF0 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:13:21 -0400 Governor Kaine recently joined with local government officials and regional business leaders to appeal for federal funds to support high speed rail between Washington, D.C., and Richmond and Petersburg. On July 10, Virginia submitted pre-applications for more than $2 billion in stimulus funding to support improvements necessary to advance high speed rail in the Commonwealth. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=435 63553530-7254-4EB6-8DAC-678C5A61BAD7 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:17:27 -0400 One billion dollars in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding has been allocated to projects in Virginia to support infrastructure improvements and job creation. Of the $1 billion, transportation related allocations include $62 million for rail improvements, $28 million for urban transit, $14 million for small urban transit, $4 million for rural transit, and approximately $184 million for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, which is shared with Maryland and Washington, D.C. http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=998 D847371C-611B-4FF2-8436-4BAEE3383B1F Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:16:58 -0400 Governor Kaine recently appointed one new member to the Virginia Rail Advisory Board (RAB), Senior Vice President of the Buckingham Branch Railroad Company Steven Powell, and reappointed existing members of the board for four year terms. At its July meeting, the RAB elected Trent Crewe as Board Chairman and Sharon Bulova as Vice-Chairman. http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=997 1CA0525C-B75F-4C85-818F-981C0D5E1F2C Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:15:16 -0400 Governor Kaine recently declared August 3, 2009, as Statewide Telework Day. The Commonwealth, along with Telework!VA and Telework Exchange, is encouraging individuals and organizations to pledge to telework on this day in order to save time, save money, avoid traffic congestions and improve air quality. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=429 760D49C7-D2B3-4860-B28C-125BE3AAFD38 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:21:42 -0400 Virginia recently submitted pre-applications for more than $2 billion of high speed rail projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s (ARRA) high speed rail program, which will provide $8 billion for projects across the country. The applications focus on the most congested areas in the Commonwealth including the I-95 corridor from Washington, D.C., to Petersburg and the Hampton Roads area. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=421 9D3EC0FA-98BA-4B34-A75D-02684F0E950E Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:21:06 -0400 The American Public Transportation Association’s monthly “Transit Savings Report”, which shows how an individual in a two-person household can save money using transit and living with one less car, showed that transit riders save on average $761 a month, or $9,137 a year, based on national averages for parking, driving and gas prices. http://www.apta.com/media/releases/090710_transit_savings.cfm D78D9216-BE38-4C90-B8C3-073DF84867AF Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:20:44 -0400 The Texas Transportation Institute (TTI)’s annual congestion report, the 2009 Urban Mobility Report, indicates that transit saved 646 million hours in travel time and 398 million gallons of fuel in 2007. In addition, the report explains that without transit, congestion costs would have risen by 16 percent to an additional $13.7 billion when compared to 2005. http://www.apta.com/media/releases/090708_transit_saved.cfm 29FD6A11-1520-4707-893C-0373C57F5AF9 Wed, 8 Jul 2009 16:03:33 -0400 The Virginia Rail Advisory Board will hold its July meeting on July 9, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at the Department of Motor Vehicles Headquarters Board Room. Topics of discussion will include projects approved for FY10-FY15 rail funding, current project updates and a rail stimulus update. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=399 558A2CFB-A851-40C8-91D0-ADCE42619A63 Wed, 8 Jul 2009 16:02:48 -0400 The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 that passed the full House on June 26, 2009, includes provisions that would benefit transit operators. The legislation would permit states to apply up to just less than one percent of their clean energy and energy efficiency investment funds for transportation. The bill has been read twice in the Senate. http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?c111:3:./temp/~c111U9URiL 1C4F4645-DFF1-4AE5-A5EC-BB3AE6CFF3E2 Tue, 7 Jul 2009 16:02:07 -0400 The U.S. House of Representatives Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit recently reported the draft of the Surface Transportation Authorization Act (STAA) to full committee. The act would authorize and fund surface transportation programs for the next six years. The bill is still in preliminary form and does not yet include funding levels or high priority projects. The committee hopes to present a final mark-up of the legislation by the end of July; however, this will require an agreement with the House Ways & Means Committee on the financing portion of the bill. http://www.apta.com/government_affairs/washrep/2009june25.cfm 872A8445-D445-4F2E-8149-A51540714A49 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:22:55 -0400 On June 24, 2009, President Obama signed the Supplemental Appropriations Act for 2009, which includes a provision that allows up to 10 percent of each amount of apportioned stimulus funds for the urbanized and non-urbanized formula programs to be used for operations. The bill does not change the deadline for states to apportion the first 50 percent of funds received, but does allow for modifications to grants. Operating funds under this provision are to be supportive of job creation, job preservation or service preservation. http://www.fta.dot.gov/news/news_events_10012.html B6005091-4180-480A-AFF0-557E47D09427 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:21:40 -0400 Three Virginia companies - Consumer Electronics Association, Tysons Corner Center and Noblis – were recently honored by Commuter Connections at the National Press Club for their outstanding commute/telework offerings for employees. Commuter Connections is a program of the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. The companies initiated the programs to support alternatives to driving to work alone such as carpooling/vanpooling, teleworking, bicycling and taking transit. http://www.mwcog.org/news/press/detail.asp?NEWS_ID=383 8BAD25DE-D8E0-4514-860F-6BB68600724D Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:04:26 -0400 Governor Kaine recently celebrated the ten-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Olmstead v. L.C. decision ensuring equal access and rights for people with disabilities. The decision requires states to increase options for community-based services for the disabled. Since the decision, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) has worked with the Olmstead Commission to increase transportation options for the disabled through DRPT’s human service transportation programs. DRPT currently administers three federal programs aimed at increasing transportation for people with disabilities, and has worked with rural and small urban areas to develop Coordinated Human Service Transportation Plans. http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=978 BAE6D93F-C821-4396-8F57-2BC22C307668 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:01:04 -0400 The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) recently approved the FY2010-2015 Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP), which contains $2.027 billion in rail and transit investments over the next six years. Virginia’s investments will support some of the largest transportation projects in the Commonwealth’s history, including the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project and Norfolk’s Tide light rail system, and will enhance rail and public transportation services throughout the state. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/about/finance.aspx DB2ECB25-83BB-415B-A09D-34D17A285706 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:20:38 -0400 The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recently released its first quarter national passenger ridership which show that nearly 2.6 billion trips were taken by transit during the first quarter of 2009. Despite the decrease in gas prices, higher unemployment, lower revenues and an economic downturn, transit ridership is about the same as last year’s record-setting quarterly total. On June 18, APTA held its fourth annual “Dump the Pump” event to encourage transit use nationwide. http://www.apta.com ED2D6C90-C948-4D72-834C-617A242500EE Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:19:39 -0400 As required by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recently released Interim Guidance for the High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program. The document, which is available for public comment through July 10, 2009, provides the grant application schedule as well as evaluation and selection criteria. http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/2153 066C5F2C-B5CF-4619-8922-F145B20B38A2 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:19:01 -0400 A recent American Public Transportation Association (APTA) survey found that 80 percent of transit operators have experienced static or reduced funding from local, state and federal sources, resulting in an increase in fares or reduction in service for nine out of 10 of those operators. APTA is calling on Congress to provide new revenue sources for transit through two pieces of legislation – the American Clean Energy and Security Act and a provision in the pending war supplemental bill that would allow transit operators to use up to 10 percent of their stimulus funding for operating costs. http://www.apta.com/media/releases/090612_constraints.cfm C02DAB1A-CDDD-4597-956C-888157EC1A50 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:16:15 -0400 Governor Kaine recently issued Executive Order 82, which will help to reduce the energy and environmental impact of executive branch agencies and institutions in Virginia. Among other strategies, the order requires that all agencies implement transit and ridesharing incentive programs, and suggests that agencies use telework to help reduce highway congestion. Governor Kaine has declared Monday, August 3, 2009, as “Statewide Telework Day” to encourage the initiative and asks that agencies and businesses allow employees to telework on that day where possible. http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Initiatives/ExecutiveOrders/2009/EO_82.cfm FA8CD59F-B943-4180-B930-D30C0AEE41EE Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:15:20 -0400 Each year, the Virginia Transit Association (VTA) recognizes outstanding leadership in and contributions to the public transportation field. Awards are given in the Outstanding Program, Outstanding Public Transportation Marketing, and Public Official of the Year categories. Recipients of the 2009 VTA Awards include Blacksburg Transit, Greater Lynchburg Transit Company, Hampton Roads Transit, JAUNT, FRED and Jay Fisette of Arlington County. http://www.vatransit.com/awards/index.htm 3AE3BDD3-8D9F-4742-8314-CCC14C93EE39 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:37:52 -0400 The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recently announced deadlines for applications for projects to advance high speed rail in America. The deadlines follow the three project categories outlined in A Vision for High Speed Rail in America, released in April. Grant applications for “ready to go” projects and planning projects are due in early August. Projects will be selected within 45 days of the application closing date. Applications for corridor development projects are due by the end of September, and projects will be selected by the end of December. Only “ready to go” and corridor development projects are eligible for stimulus funds. The schedule is subject to revision in the interim guidance to applicants that will be issued on June 17, 2009. http://www.fra.dot.gov/Downloads/FAQ%20for%20Strategic%20Plan%20and%20ARRA%20050709%20FINAL.pdf 2C32AD59-2755-415C-8909-DACC28AB7FBA Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:09:58 -0400 The Commonwealth is updating VTrans2035, Virginia’s long-range transportation plan, and four public meetings will take place in June and July throughout the Commonwealth. The meetings will provide a time for the public to learn more about the components of the plan, which include rail, transit, highway, port and aviation recommendations, and provide feedback on the long-term priorities for Virginia’s transportation system. http://www.vtrans.org C47D4E91-467A-4A24-8122-59A1F818891F Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:09:22 -0400 On June 18, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) will celebrate the fourth annual Dump the Pump Day when Americans are encouraged to leave their cars at home and use transit to raise awareness of the financial benefits of using transit. APTA has created a Dump the Pump tool kit for transit operators interested in promoting the national event. The kit includes suggested activities, advertisements, media materials and fact sheets. http://www.apta.com/services/dump_the_pump_09/index.cfm D86F4ADD-4DB3-4459-9F50-0096474AA94E Tue, 9 Jun 2009 09:08:46 -0400 The Central Virginia chapter of the Women’s Transportation Seminar, which works to advance the careers of women in transportation, is hosting a breakfast reception to welcome Chip Badger as the new agency director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), and to tour DRPT’s new Richmond headquarters. The reception will take place at DRPT’s new office, located at 600 E. Main Street, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on June 19. All are welcome to attend, free of charge, but RSVPs are required by June 16 to Jean Greene, jgreene@ica-onramp.com. Space is limited. http://www.wtsinternational.org/chapters.aspx?id=7374 632FFC79-7B29-4BD7-A4C2-905EB1AD2F48 Mon, 8 Jun 2009 09:08:01 -0400 Governor Kaine recently announced that the agreement between Amtrak and the Commonwealth to operate a new daily round trip train from Richmond to Washington, D.C. has been signed. The new Richmond to Washington, D.C., service and the new service from Lynchburg to Washington, D.C., represent the first state supported intercity passenger rail services in Virginia history. The Richmond to Washington, D.C. route will begin operation in December 2009, with stops at Staples Mill, Ashland, Fredericksburg, Quantico, Woodbridge, Alexandria, and L’Enfant Plaza. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=393 1FC67E63-1BF2-446D-B2EF-A8A88F58C32D Wed, 3 Jun 2009 14:14:04 -0400 The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s (DRPT) Telework!VA Program was recently honored with the 2009 Telework Exchange Tele-Vision Award for excellence in a State Government Telework Program at the fourth annual national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Jennifer Alcott, Telework!VA Program Manager, was also honored as the 2009 Telework Driver for State Government. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=395 69F2B736-2842-497F-99F8-9EBA7CD96995 Tue, 2 Jun 2009 14:13:34 -0400 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) set aside $150 million for the Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) to help fund projects aimed at increasing the safety of transit operations. Operational projects can include the hiring of transit law enforcement officers for efforts such as K-9 teams, mobile screen teams and anti-terrorism teams, as well as related support and equipment costs. Capital projects can include infrastructure and asset protection and other mitigation activities. Transit operators eligible for 2009 TSGP funding are eligible to apply for stimulus funding through the program. Applications are due June 15 for operational projects and June 29 for capital projects. http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/arra/index.shtm 8044C84A-A611-4118-B95C-25FF07146999 Mon, 1 Jun 2009 14:13:03 -0400 Effective May 29, 2009, the Federal Transit Administration has expanded the Section 5317 New Freedom Program to include additional types of projects considered to be “beyond the ADA” and eligible for funding. New and expanded fixed route and demand response transit services planned for and designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities are now considered eligible projects. http://www.fta.dot.gov/funding/grants/grants_financing_3549.html 297ABE66-F9CE-4F2E-A898-B86A6A9A13D3 Sat, 30 May 2009 14:12:32 -0400 The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently released proposed guidance on New Starts/Small Starts policies and procedures, which presents weights to be assigned for the six project justification criteria for New Starts and the three project justification criteria for Small Starts in the project evaluation process. Comments on the proposed weights will be accepted until June 19, 2009. http://www.fta.dot.gov/planning/newstarts/planning_environment_9727.html 96787164-76BA-4E34-9F99-DB0865E466E8 Tue, 26 May 2009 09:29:25 -0400 In a hearing on May 21, 2009, the Senate unanimously voted to approve President Obama’s nominations of Peter Rogoff as administrator of the Federal Transit Administration and John Porcari as deputy secretary of transportation. http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/aptapt/issues/2009-05-25/index.html A62834DF-4ECD-4CDB-A541-EDFC2B61170F Mon, 25 May 2009 09:28:51 -0400 The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) recently approved $1.46 million to help fund rail improvement projects through the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s Rail Industrial Access Program. The projects will help provide rail service to businesses in Augusta, Northampton and Botetourt Counties, and will help create more than 200 jobs. In addition, the projects will encourage freight shipments by rail, translating into more than 2,500 railcar shipments per year once the projects are complete. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/special/files/RIA%20Program%20Application%20Briefing.pdf 20CF3C45-5CBD-4568-8FC3-EF66708301DD Fri, 22 May 2009 09:28:12 -0400 The Buckingham Branch Railroad (BBRR), one of the 10 shortline railroads operating in Virginia, has filed a notice with the Federal Register to take over operations of the Keysville Line, formerly operated by the North Carolina & Virginia Railroad, Inc. The track on the line, which stretches 56.9 miles through Burkeville, Keysville and Clarksville, Va., is owned by Norfolk Southern Railway. BBRR will lease and operate the line, and is preparing to begin improvements for more efficient operations. http://www.buckinghambranch.com 8A7BC7C4-A3AA-4EDD-9DC2-E1F1CDC2791A Fri, 22 May 2009 09:27:39 -0400 At their May 21 meeting, the Commonwealth Transportation Board approved projects to receive stimulus funds and be added to the FY2009-FY2014 Six-Year Improvement Plan. Of the projects approved, $27.8 million was approved for Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation projects to benefit rail transportation. The NIT Central Rail Yard project will help improve freight shipping at the Port of Hampton Roads, and the Acca Yard project will advance engineering for a rail route to bypass the freight rail yard to enhance passenger rail service reliability. http://www.ctb.virginia.gov/resources/2009/cm_4_052109.pdf 54BD82BD-DF1E-4021-B1A5-41FD4C2AC168 Thu, 21 May 2009 16:41:59 -0400 The Draft FY2010-FY2015 Six-Year Improvement Program is available on the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s (DRPT) Web site for review. The document outlines DRPT’s funding recommendations for rail, transit and transportation demand management programs over the next six years. The program was presented to the Commonwealth Transportation Board today for action at the board’s June 18 meeting. Public hearings have been scheduled throughout Virginia to gain feedback on the draft plan. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=388 3BBB7961-30DE-4E3B-B12C-EBA2465EBA9F Wed, 20 May 2009 16:41:23 -0400 The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently announced the availability of, and program guidance for, the $1.5 billion in discretionary grant funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The grants, termed “Grants for Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery” (TIGER), will be competitively awarded for capital investments that will have a significant impact on the nation, a metropolitan area or a region. Since the program is new, comments on the program guidelines are being accepted until June 17, 2009. Applications for the TIGER program are due September 15, 2009. http://www.dot.gov/recovery/ost/ 3194772D-DE17-44DE-B980-6AE8DF59E044 Tue, 19 May 2009 16:40:47 -0400 Virginia Regional Transit (VRT) celebrated the completion of the VRT West Campus administrative/training and maintenance facility located in Culpeper, Virginia. The facility will be the central operating facility for VRT-managed transit services in Fauquier, Orange and Culpeper Counties. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=387 680C33E6-92BE-446A-8530-3EBFB1B051D3 Tue, 19 May 2009 16:40:17 -0400 As a reminder, applications are due May 22 for the Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction Program (TIGGER) program. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided $100 million in funding for the new discretionary grant program for transit projects that reduce a transit system’s greenhouse gas emissions or energy use. http://www.fta.dot.gov/index_9440_9326.html C4DAFAE2-0744-4BE7-B1A1-6E6FC98A1F51 Wed, 13 May 2009 16:19:49 -0400 On Friday, May 15, Lansdowne Road in the Fredericksburg area will temporarily close to through traffic while CSX upgrades the rail crossing located near Mine Road between Park Drive and Route 2.The crossing will remain closed until May 18. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=385 51485234-DCAA-45FF-95DB-EDB05D6C4801 Mon, 11 May 2009 16:19:10 -0400 The City of Waynesboro celebrated the kick-off of the Waynesboro Circulator on Monday, a new bus service for the city that provides weekday service with 17 regular stops and scheduled pick ups for riders with disabilities. http://www.waynesboro.va.us/government/waynesboro_427_brochure.pdf B9F69A35-F1EA-4891-8D4B-5D61F133F89A Mon, 11 May 2009 16:18:41 -0400 Several projects that have received Full Funding Grant Agreements from the Federal Transit Administration will receive $742.5 million in stimulus funds. These funds do not increase the agreed upon federal funding, but expedite the funds committed in the agreements to invest more dollars in the local economy, to supplement local resources and to allow quicker investment in major transit projects nationwide. The Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project will receive $77.3 million in expedited funds. http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2009/dot6409.htm 9F352DBA-6515-4FD1-94F3-5523142B6189 Thu, 7 May 2009 16:18:04 -0400 On May 19, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation will host a workshop that will help transit operators understand how systems engineering can be applied to the Intelligent Transportation Systems project delivery process. The workshop will be held at the University of Virginia School of Engineering from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/events/otc/details.aspx?ID=34 C8415358-CEC8-49E1-A27C-038A403378A5 Wed, 6 May 2009 16:40:52 -0400 The 2009 Virginia Transit Association Annual Conference will take place June 8-9 in Fredericksburg, Va. Topics such as sustainability, new federal legislation including re-authorization and stimulus funding, alternative fuel vehicles, and marketing trends will be discussed during the two-day conference. http://www.vatransit.com 2DCBB4A7-F10C-4740-8FFF-A1773087AAF3 Tue, 5 May 2009 16:40:18 -0400 The Federal Transit Administration recently released the Rail Modernization Study, which outlines the level of capital investment necessary to reach or maintain a state of good repair for the nation’s largest rail transit operators, including the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority who operators Metrorail service. The study identifies approximately $50 billion in immediate needs, and $5.9 billion annually to maintain the system. http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/Rail_Mod_Final_Report_4-27-09.pdf DA4D34EB-B0EA-4207-B803-218238D52E6A Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:39:49 -0400 A new American Public Transportation Association study shows that 30,000 jobs are created for every $1 billion invested in transit. The study, Job Impacts of Spending on Public Transportation: an Update, reveals that based on these projections, public transportation stimulus funding may create approximately 252,000 jobs for Americans. http://www.apta.com/media/releases/090429_jobs_impact.cfm 16233174-5CD0-4FC8-955F-1B3786962554 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:39:17 -0400 The Federal Transit Administration recently issued guidance regarding the full apportionment of FY09 federal transit funding. This guidance will be reflected in the FY10-FY15 Six-Year Improvement Plan currently under development. DRPT will present the rail, transit and transportation demand management portion of the draft plan to the Commonwealth Transportation Board at the May 20 workshop. http://www.fta.dot.gov/regional_offices_9562.html 1D8B84A4-3263-4EE6-9F52-E2BCA881993F Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:57:53 -0400 On April 27, Bay Transit, the only transit operator in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck regions, broke ground on a new facility that will be used for maintenance, training and central dispatch for the transit operator. Construction of the facility is anticipated to be complete in 2010. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=379 16554733-550C-4837-9D83-2C8CD78D4F8D Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:57:23 -0400 On May 6, DRPT will host the 2009 Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Spring Meeting in Richmond to provide TDM grantees with project updates and to facilitate discussion among grantees regarding lessons learned and best practices for enhancing TDM agency services and participation. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/events/default.aspx 0B8D4A94-C8C6-4C2D-99C4-FD2632E0BAB2 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:56:39 -0400 On Earth Day, April 22, DRPT hosted an educational “Green Carpet Event” for Northern Virginia businesses to provide additional information on how to incorporate telework into an organization. Delegate James Scott and Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer spoke about how telework can benefit businesses, employees and the environment. http://www.teleworkva.org 83473395-2720-46A5-80A4-6DC6812ED529 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:55:48 -0400 The April 2009 issue of Connection, DRPT’s quarterly newsletter, is available online. Topics covered in the issue include a message from DRPT’s new Director, Chip Badger; new intercity passenger rail service; study and project updates; transportation funding; and an update on federal legislation. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/files/DRPT_April09_FinalwLinks.pdf 8F89FA55-6FC4-4F05-9A1D-1CF81F6D8C57 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:54:54 -0400 DRPT has released findings from the Virginia State of the Commute Report, a statewide survey administered to gain information on commuting trends and attitudes in Virginia. The results provide a snapshot of the current statewide commuting situation and valuable perspective on the similarities and differences in mature and evolving commuter markets. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/activities/stateofcommute.aspx 11535CF4-8944-44D5-AD69-CEC41AD3378A Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:17:22 -0400 President Obama has published his vision and strategic plan for high speed rail in America. The plan identifies $8 billion in funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and $1 billion per year for five years in the federal budget to help advance high speed rail in key corridors throughout the country. A proposed three-tier investment strategy details the order in which projects will be funded. http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/31 5E7F7352-2449-43CA-99A8-643FD1D06BAB Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:18:15 -0400 The Commonwealth Transportation Board has approved the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s (DRPT) recommendations for the first round of federal stimulus funding for rural and small urban transit operators. DRPT will work with the Federal Transit Administration, transit operators, local jurisdictions and Metropolitan Planning Organizations to advance specific projects to be funded through the $17.3 million initial allocation. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/special/files/ARRA%20Rural%20and%20Small%20Urban%20Transit%20Initial%20Allocation%20Presentation.pdf 7A1C9EED-46FA-490F-819A-F4D1F2E3DEAD Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:17:59 -0400 On April 23, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) will move its headquarters in Richmond, Va., to Main Street Centre, located at 600 E. Main St., Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219. All DRPT phone and fax numbers will remain the same. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/default.aspx DCDDCFB7-7A10-4D3C-A469-5EC54D629AF9 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:04:09 -0400 Public information meetings for the I-66 Transit/Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Study will be held on May 12, 13 and 14 in locations along the study corridor. The meetings will provide a time for the public to learn more about the study, which is evaluating short- and medium-term transit and TDM enhancements along the I-66 corridor. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/activities/I66study.aspx 0AD3971A-7DBD-4CD0-BE16-CC824C3DC24D Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:03:25 -0400 Virginia Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer recently released a list of transportation projects to be considered by the Commonwealth Transportation Board for potential funding from the Recovery Act. The package includes potential projects in all modes of transportation including rail, transit and highway projects. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=377 A5382B06-D136-42DD-BFA0-21370DE83119 Thu, 9 Apr 2009 16:00:08 -0400 Today, President Obama announced his nomination of Peter Rogoff as Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Administrator. Mr. Rogoff has 22 years of experience in the Senate Appropriations Committee, including 14 years as the Democratic Staff Director of its Transportation Subcommittee. http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/President-Obama-Announces-More-Key-Administration-Posts-4/8/2009 2492E2B7-07FD-4C1E-964C-DD0B8D8505EB Wed, 8 Apr 2009 17:19:51 -0400 The Office of Management and Budget has published the proposed standard data elements for reports under section 1512 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (grants, cooperative agreements and loans) on the Federal Register for review and comment. The general public and Federal agencies are invited to comment on the standard elements to be included in reporting requirements. Comments must be submitted on or before May 1, 2009. http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/040409_OMB_Cmt_Request_1512_data_specs(1).pdf BBFA879F-E4E0-46F2-AEE4-EA435B74124C Wed, 8 Apr 2009 17:19:21 -0400 On April 9, the Rail Advisory Board will meet to provide final comments on the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s recommendations for Rail Enhancement funding in the draft FY10-FY15 Six-Year Improvement Plan. An overview presentation and a complete list of applications received are available on DRPT’s Web site. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/projects/ref.aspx FDCCC049-DCE1-459A-B907-8ED1E783821F Wed, 8 Apr 2009 17:18:57 -0400 In a ceremony on March 30, U.S. Secretary of Transportation LaHood honored Mountain Empire Older Citizens (MEOC), an area agency on aging and public transit operator in far southwest Virginia, with the 2009 United We Ride National Leadership Award for leadership in developing a coordinated health and human services transportation system to enhance transportation for the elderly, disabled and low income population in the region. http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=915 02559A88-452D-4897-82CA-2D7FB822BADE Fri, 3 Apr 2009 17:18:24 -0400 On April 1, 2009, Governor Kaine, Delegate Shannon Valentine, Senator Stephen Newman, Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman, and representatives from local governments, DRPT and Amtrak came together in Lynchburg to mark the beginning of construction for rail infrastructure improvements that will support new passenger rail service in the Lynchburg region. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=374 B8817998-CB24-415B-82FB-DD3FB4C4EF44 Thu, 2 Apr 2009 15:12:56 -0400 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) provided additional funding for efforts to reduce various impacts to the environment, including diesel and greenhouse gas emissions. The National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program provides $156 million and the Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction Program provides $100 million to help reduce environmental impacts. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/rssdetails.aspx?id=37 ACEBB953-7029-4C03-9A19-B8C163D4208D Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:12:38 -0400 The Waynesboro City Council recently approved a new bus service that will provide more than 20 stops around the Waynesboro area. Virginia Regional Transit will operate the service and will work with the city in the coming months to develop the final service plan. http://www.nbc29.com/Global/story.asp?s=10032519 ED65AF8E-6F37-4E1A-B5ED-C1FEC9FFFFF6 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:12:01 -0400 The American Public Transportation Association of America (APTA) recently launched a new advocacy campaign to educate the public about the return on investment in transit and to encourage increased funding in the upcoming authorization bill that will build on programs authorized under the Safe, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) that are set to expire on September 30, 2009. http://www.publictransportation.org/takesusthere/index.html 08421810-1FD7-43B0-9404-335FA401AF3C Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:54:47 -0400 On March 18, President Obama announced his intention to nominate United Transportation Union (UTU) Illinois State Legislative Director Joe Szabo as Federal Railroad Administrator. Karen Rae, former DRPT Director and Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Planning for the New York State Department of Transportation, has been named as FRA Deputy Administrator. http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=19958 74B76199-3983-4799-B926-B790037A2DC0 Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:53:51 -0400 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act amended the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) policy regarding the maximum allowable fringe benefit employers may offer employees, increasing the amount from $120 to $230, and nearly doubling the annual savings for commuters. The regulation went into effect March 1, 2009. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/rssmore5.aspx 5773432B-3EBB-4B3D-9881-8D209F0E0A37 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:53:26 -0400 Today, Governor Kaine announced that Charles Badger has been appointed Director for the agency which oversees rail, transit and transportation demand management activities in the Commonwealth. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=350 E3D8BEE5-F05E-48F8-86C7-B120836B8FE7 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:20:58 -0400 The Federal Transit Administration has added several new reference items regarding transit investments to be funded through the stimulus package, including a state-by-state funding table, major milestones and deadlines, an overview presentation and an FAQ. http://www.fta.dot.gov/index_9118.html 65B49B25-D668-43FB-A3CF-4E0DAB74FC5D Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:20:22 -0400 The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) will hold a public hearing on March 25, 2009, to receive comments about the proposed elimination of the North Route 1 OmniRide route due to low ridership. The meeting will be held at the PRTC Transit Center in Woodbridge. http://www.omniride.com/about-us/press-releases/press_releases.php?docid=50 3A23D326-7028-467B-A5FD-8382908FD3EC Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:19:49 -0400 On March 13, 2009, Vice President Biden announced additional information on projects to be funded through the $1.3 billion in stimulus funding for Amtrak. http://www.dot.gov/affairs/dot3009.htm C3868498-3C27-4CB5-A9E3-DFD882CA2D88 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:19:23 -0400 On March 11, 2009, President Obama signed the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009 (H.R. 1105), which appropriated unobligated funds from the FY09 budget to support additional projects and programs through the federal fiscal year which ends September 30, 2009. $12.9 billion was included for transit, and several transit capital investment grants in Virginia were called out. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/rssmore2.aspx 007C9B00-7251-4455-B1AF-67B8CA796878 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:18:49 -0400 On March 10, 2009, U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood signed the Full Funding Grant Agreement for Phase I of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project. The agreement commits $900 million in federal funds to the project through 2016. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=330 AA216781-84B9-4321-B9F7-ECA488159B3D Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:27:57 -0400 Charlottesville Transit Service (CTS) broke ground on their new maintenance and operations facility on March 9, 2009. The facility, to be built using green standards, will serve as the CTS base of operations and dispatching. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=335 D0D5C1A8-B493-4C94-B3E8-EFDC7C19D83D Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:27:13 -0400 During the week of March 9, Alexandria Transit Company will be celebrating 25 years of DASH service to the community. Over the years, DASH has grown from a 17 bus system to a 64 bus system serving four million riders annually. http://www.dashbus.com/news/newsDisplay.aspx?id=20432 04FA967C-B90F-4BF0-AE7C-D8316FD73C7D Mon, 9 Mar 2009 16:26:36 -0400 The American Public Transportation Association has announced that despite falling gas prices and a slowing economy, Americans took 10.7 billion trips in 2008 using transit, a four percent increase that set the highest ridership record in 52 years. http://www.apta.com/media/releases/090309_ridership.cfm D123E2A7-FEFD-45CA-9689-A27D54AB0869 Mon, 9 Mar 2009 16:25:13 -0400 From March 4-7, 2009, Buckingham Branch Railroad (BBRR) in Staunton hosted an Amtrak passenger train emergency response session. Over 200 participants took part in the training that offered detailed classroom instruction and hands on practice for how to handle a passenger train incident. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/rssmore4.aspx DDA665C4-1E63-4F43-8809-39F3E124F5E7 Sun, 8 Mar 2009 16:24:54 -0400 We’ve added a FAQ from the Federal Railroad Administration and an overview presentation from Virginia Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/rssmore1.aspx 06DF86C9-A7F8-4B83-93E3-7E8064CFAC5A Wed, 4 Mar 2009 16:25:48 -0500 At a Rail Advisory Board workshop, DRPT presented preliminary recommendations for Rail Enhancement funding from FY10-FY15 based on applications received during its annual applications period. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/projects/refapps.aspx D3E9DC1A-8E70-486D-ABC4-BDE0FF814737 Wed, 4 Mar 2009 10:30:38 -0500 On February 26, 2009, President Obama released the FY10 budget, which included $72.5 billion for transportation. Key priorities include more targeted surface transportation investments; funding to support commuters, improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gases; and the development of high speed rail. http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/ 555C00F1-B051-4FF0-B05B-E2ADDA97CB81 Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:29:36 -0500 On February 25, 2009, the House of Representatives passed the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act (H.R. 1105), which appropriates unobligated funds from the FY09 budget to help fund programs through the federal fiscal year which ends September 30, 2009. The $410 billion bill includes $10.2 billion for transit and $1.8 billion for rail. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/rssmore2.aspx F7B58890-DFB7-4D2F-BC92-6E0147041C70 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:20:20 -0500 On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which authorized $787 billion in federal funding for initiatives to help stimulate America’s economy. The bill provides $48.76 billion in transportation funding, much of which will be used for rail and transit investments. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/rssmore1.aspx 38924410-38A7-4B61-8D60-6C1D0FEC3DC7 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:38:48 -0500 On March 2, Virginia Regional Transit will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the beginning of new bus service in West Falls Church with connections to the West Falls Church metro, INOVA Loudoun Hospital and Beaumeade Circle in Ashburn. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=317 DBD78B2E-F0F1-448E-ABD9-FB6F3BBE6263 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:36:55 -0500 On February 13, the Commonwealth Transportation Board approved a revised Six-Year Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2009-2014 that includes funding for new intercity passenger rail service between Lynchburg and Washington, D.C., and Richmond and Washington, D.C. http://drpt-dev01/drptweb2006/news/rssmore.aspx DA7998B7-C038-4B67-ABF4-5200AB74F724 Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:00:09 -0500 On February 13, the Commonwealth Transportation Board approved the revised Six-Year Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2009-2014. The plan was revised to account for reduced state revenues. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=318 CF295F27-5F03-4B7F-8CC1-5366E3509DD1 Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:08:17 -0500 On February 17, Virginia Regional Transit hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony in Purcellville, Va., to celebrate the new Western Flyer Trolley service which will run Monday through Friday with connections to the Brunswick Train Station. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=320 6FC5CACA-AEB3-42E2-8564-F9D529847201 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:47:17 -0500 DRPT recently launched a new RSS news feed to provide timely rail, transit and transportation demand management news. Subscribe to DRPT’s feed and receive up-to-the-minute news and information. http://drpt-dev01/drptweb2006/news/rss.aspx E2F2760F-3F35-439C-B26D-E7D04392CF25 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:45:32 -0500 VDOT hosted public hearings on February 9, 10 and 11 to provide project updates on environmental and design work for the I-95/I-395 HOV/Bus/HOT Lanes Project. DRPT is evaluating transit/TDM improvements to be funded through the project. http://www.vamegaprojects.com/projectSummary03.html 00CF83F2-0C6D-4AED-A3EC-7502A74E5D7C Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:46:41 -0500 February 9, Virginia Regional Transit hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony in Leesburg, Va., to celebrate the conversion of the Leesburg Trolley from traditional fuel to soy oil, a renewable energy source that has zero carbon emissions. http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/news/details.aspx?id=297 471B60B6-6045-43A3-B7D3-17CBF10810F5 Mon, 9 Feb 2009 10:40:28 -0500