Operating Assistance - Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
Forecasted
Operating Assistance - Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation supports existing Virginia transit providers with operating costs to improve the quality and efficiency of public transportation.
Funder: Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Annual application deadline)
Funding Amounts: State assistance covers up to 30% of eligible operating expenses
Summary: Supports the operating costs of existing public transportation services in Virginia through performance-based allocations.
Key Information: Applicants must provide audited financial statements and report transit performance data.
Description
Operating Assistance is part of Making Efficient and Responsible Investments in Transit (MERIT), administered by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). It supports existing public transportation services across Virginia, including fixed-route and commuter buses, demand-response service, bus rapid transit, ferries, and commuter and light rail.
Funding helps providers meet transit operations, maintenance, repair, and administrative costs. The program aims to improve the quality and efficiency of public transportation. DRPT allocates state assistance using a formula that considers each agency’s size and its performance trends relative to agencies statewide, rather than funding a discrete construction or research project.
