Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP)
Forecasted
Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) supports Virginia transit agencies and regional bodies with connectivity, fare, safety, and passenger facility projects to improve access and the rider experience.
Funder: Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Major Expansion pre-application) | February 2027 (Annual application)
Funding Amounts: State shares of 50%–80% depending on category and project type, with declining shares for multi-year pilots
Summary: Supports Virginia transit connectivity, fare pilots, public safety, and passenger facilities to improve accessibility and the rider experience.
Key Information: System-wide zero-fare recipients must fund an additional year of operation entirely themselves after DRPT support ends.
Description
The Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP), administered by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), funds transit agencies and governing bodies to create more accessible, safe, and regionally significant transit networks. Its four categories address regional connectivity, zero and reduced fares, public safety, and passenger amenities and facilities.
Regional connectivity projects improve regional routes, integrate fare collection, develop subsidy allocation models, or establish bus-only lanes to mitigate congestion. Fare pilots reduce barriers for low-income communities through subsidized passes, zero-fare corridors, fare-free systems, and fare policy planning. Public safety projects protect passengers accessing and using transit and the workforce delivering service. Passenger facility projects improve or add bus stops and other infrastructure, including planning that supports accessibility and the transit experience.
