Rhonda Gilchrest

The meeting covered two main agenda items involving updates on the I395/95 Commuter Choice Program and the I66 Needs Assessment Study. The discussions regarding the I395/95 Commuter Choice Program focused on the staff recommended program of projects for FY 26 and 27, following a public hearing, which included 15 projects totaling $39.5 million, encompassing enhanced bus service, bus rapid transit, a new bus route, and rail station enhancement. The I66 Needs Assessment Study, conducted jointly by NVTC and DRPT, aims to generate a list of potential investments for funding through the I66 Commuter Choice program or DRPT's I66 Outside the Beltway program. Policy considerations for future funding rounds, such as the competitive nature of future funding and limitations on operations funding, were highlighted. The meeting also summarized the Program Advisory Committee's meeting from February 20, 2025.

The joint meeting involved the NVTC Joint Commission Working Group (JCWG) and NVTC's Program Advisory Committee (PAC). Key discussions focused on updates for the commuter choice programs on the I-395/95 corridor (Round Two funding for FY 2022-2023) and the I-66 corridor. The meeting also included an overview of the Envision Route 7 Bus Rapid Transit project and efforts examining low fare and fare free transit options. Regarding the I-395/95 commuter choice program, staff recommended endorsing funding for all 13 eligible proposals, totaling $21.9 million requested, which fits within the anticipated $30 million funding for the two-year program. Discussions covered the scoring methodology, which heavily weighted corridor improvement goals and person throughput, and noted that approximately 80% of funding requests pertain to new and enhanced bus service proposals.

The November 6, 2025 meeting agenda included several action items such as a Resolution of Commendation for the Honorable James R. Walkinshaw, approval of a Committee Appointment for James Bierman, approval of the NVTC 2026 Meeting Schedule, VRE FY 2027 Budget Referral, CSXT Contract Amendment, and a VRE Lease Amendment for Broad Run Station. Other highlights covered transit performance trends showing rising ridership across modes, updates on WMATA's Strategic Transformation Plan and Better Bus Network rollout, progress toward long-term sustainable transit funding via DMVMoves and SJ 28, VRE matters including property acquisition from VPRA and utility relocation at Manassas Park Station, and authorization for the I-66 FY 2027-2028 Call for Projects. The meeting also included a closed session for personnel matters and recognition of VRE CEO Rich Dalton upon his retirement.

The meeting addressed several key items, commencing with a quorum confirmation and noting no public comments were received. Discussion included an update on TSDAC MERIT discussions, where a resolution was passed to direct the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to pause MERIT changes for six months. Staff provided updates on regionally coordinated funding efforts (SJ 28 and DMVMoves), shifting focus to advocating for a sustainable state-level transit funding solution. The committee also discussed the budget, the 2026 call for officers, and proposed committee vice-chair positions. The FY 2027 Proposed Budget was approved for submission to the Commission following a public hearing. The meeting included a discussion with NVTC's auditors from PB Mares, followed by a Closed Session to discuss two personnel matters concerning an appointee and the executive director's annual performance evaluation.

The meeting began with the Executive Committee recognizing the Executive Director's WTS Woman of the Year Award. The committee previewed the upcoming Commission meeting agenda, which focused on the outcomes of the SJ 28 Joint Subcommittee and DMVMoves Task Force efforts, recognition of a departing Commissioner, and swearing in of an Alternate. Key VRE action items, including standard agreements and the annual budget resolution, were mentioned. The committee also planned to address a joint letter to DRPT regarding the rushed review process for MERIT changes. Discussions included regional efforts toward long-term dedicated transit funding, with endorsements from DMVMoves and the SJ 28 Joint Subcommittee supporting recapitalization and modernization for WMATA, along with funding solutions for VRE and local bus systems, targeting approximately $400 million annually. An overview of the proposed NVTC FY 2027 Budget was presented, noting that payroll and benefits comprise about 75% of expenditures, with expected health insurance premium increases. The Committee also reviewed the proposed 2026 Meeting Schedule before convening a Closed Session to discuss two personnel matters, specifically concerning an appointee and the executive director's annual performance evaluation.