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Virginia lawmakers are considering whether merging four Northern Virginia transit agencies could reduce costs, improve service and make the region’s fragmented bus network more efficient.

A provision in the two-year budget passed Monday directs the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation to study the possible consolidation of DASH Alexandria Transit, Fairfax Connector, ART Arlington Transit and CUE Fairfax City.

The review would examine potential savings and long-term financial effects, along with possible changes to fares, service reliability and accessibility. The agency must also collect feedback from riders and communities and evaluate how consolidation could affect public access and everyday transportation options.

The proposal emerged as lawmakers worked to prevent a government shutdown and complete a spending plan before the July 1 deadline. The budget includes additional state support for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, said Monday that combining transit operations could eliminate duplication and improve efficiency. He pointed to the unified system that operated under WMATA before 1980.

Surovell said Northern Virginia’s current network requires separate garages, purchasing operations, fare systems and contracts with different operators.

“In this budget, we are asking taxpayers to step up and provide more funding to WMATA, and I think as we do that, it’s important that we demand that WMATA and other transit agencies in Northern Virginia try to do business more efficiently,” Surovell said.

He called the practice of individual localities operating their own bus systems “incredibly inefficient” and said officials should find a structure that avoids repeated funding crises.

The state study would also examine transit consolidations in other regions and states to help residents understand the potential consequences.

The review comes amid a broader regional effort to strengthen public transportation funding. Leaders have encouraged Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., to contribute to a new $460 million capital package beginning in fiscal year 2028. The funding is intended to stabilize service, support investments and give the three jurisdictions greater budget certainty.

A Virginia committee has also urged the General Assembly to pursue “net new” revenue without reducing or redirecting existing transportation funding and to limit the burden on low-income residents.

Lawmakers proposed another $153 million in operating assistance for Metro. The budget would also require Metro to prepare a 20-year capital plan and submit annual performance reports.

Another proposal would allow Northern Virginia localities to impose a 1% sales tax to finance transportation projects addressing the region’s public transit needs.

If the consolidation language survives the governor’s review, the Department of Rail and Public Transportation must submit its report to the chairs of the House and Senate transportation committees by Dec. 15.

Lawmakers are scheduled to return Monday to finalize the budget after Gov. Abigail Spanberger reviews it.