Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP)
Forecasted
Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) supports Virginia transit agencies and public bodies with projects that improve regional connections, fare access, safety, and passenger facilities to increase ridership.
Funder: Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Annual application deadline)
Funding Amounts: State share ranges from 50% to 80% initially, depending on project category and type; local match applies
Summary: TRIP funds Virginia transit projects that improve regional connections, fare access, public safety, and passenger facilities.
Key Information: Regional Connectivity applicants must serve a metropolitan statistical area with more than 100,000 residents.
Description
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) administers the Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) to make transit networks more accessible, safer, and better connected. Its four funding categories address regional connectivity, zero and reduced fares, public safety, and passenger amenities and facilities.
Projects may expand regionally significant routes, integrate fare collection, test fare policies that support low-income communities, improve safety for riders and transit workers, or add and improve bus stops and other passenger facilities. Regional Connectivity also supports subsidy allocation models and bus-only lanes. Across the categories, TRIP aims to increase ridership and access while improving the experience of using transit in Virginia.
