RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia lawmakers are evaluating long-term funding options for Metro and regional transit systems, with the state’s share of costs projected to reach $150 million annually by fiscal year 2028 under the DMV Moves regional investment concept. The General Assembly’s SJ28 subcommittee, tasked with identifying sustainable revenue sources, has been meeting for over a year to address the financial needs of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Virginia Railway Express, and local transit systems managed by the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission and Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission.
The DMV Moves concept, presented to the subcommittee, highlights Metro’s financial challenges, including no inflation-tied funding stream, a loss of capital purchasing power over the past five years, and exhausted debt capacity projected by 2028. Metro lacks a reserve fund, and capital dollars have been redirected to cover operating gaps. Many funding sources have restricted uses, complicating long-term planning. The concept recommends flexible, predictable funds growing at least 3% annually to match inflation, with no restrictions to allow Metro to adapt to changes in ridership, capital needs, and revenue. It also calls for bondable revenue streams to support major upgrades and system stability.
A preliminary estimate indicates a $500 million annual regional investment need by FY28, with Virginia contributing $150 million, Maryland $170 million, and the District of Columbia $190 million, based on current capital funding shares. These figures, expected to grow, exclude needs for commuter rail or local bus services.
The subcommittee has reviewed 10 potential revenue sources, including sales taxes, gas taxes, toll revenue, and regional employer fees. Each was assessed for stability, growth potential, proportionality, and ease of administration. No single option has been endorsed, but lawmakers are exploring how each could support operating or capital needs without impacting existing transportation funds. Sen. Adam Ebbin’s office confirmed the June 23, 2025, meeting was the sixth of eight planned, with the group potentially narrowing options by September or November. No interim recommendations will be released before the final report.
The subcommittee’s work reflects Metro’s critical role in Northern Virginia’s economy and mobility. With ridership recovering post-pandemic, WMATA faces pressure to maintain aging infrastructure while planning expansions. The absence of flexible funding has forced short-term fixes, such as deferring capital projects, which risks service reliability. Virginia’s $150 million share, while significant, is part of a broader regional effort to ensure Metro’s sustainability. Lawmakers aim to balance new revenue streams with existing tax burdens, avoiding over-reliance on any single source.
The evaluation process remains ongoing, with the subcommittee focused on crafting a solution that supports WMATA and other transit systems without destabilizing Virginia’s transportation budget. The final report, expected after the November meeting, will guide the General Assembly’s funding decisions in the 2026 session.
