Demonstration Project Assistance
Forecasted
Demonstration Project Assistance supports Virginia local transit projects testing new services and emerging technologies to improve mobility and produce approaches other transportation agencies can use.
Funder: Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (annual application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to 80% of eligible expenses; projects generally last one to two years, with funding possible for up to three years
Summary: Supports Virginia demonstrations of new transit service and emerging public transportation technologies that other agencies can learn from.
Key Information: Projects must be included in the applicable transit or transportation demand management plan.
Description
Demonstration Project Assistance is a competitive grant within Making Efficient and Responsible Investments in Transit (MERIT), administered by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). It supports local projects intended to improve transit reliability, connections to housing and employment centers, and mobility options. Demonstrations are also meant to produce approaches that other Virginia transportation agencies can learn from and replicate.
The program funds two kinds of work: new public transportation service in unserved areas or new connections in areas already served, and proof-of-concept tests of emerging technologies. Examples include autonomous vehicles, micro-transit demand-response systems, and applications that improve transit service. By supporting projects not well suited to other formula-based programs, the grant aims to reduce local financial risk while testing whether an approach works.
