METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

NVTC's Commuter Choice Program Marks Milestones

The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission's innovative Commuter Choice grant program marked three historic milestones in FY 2023.

NVTC's Commuter Choice Program Marks Milestones

The 2023 Commuter Choice Annual Report, approved by the Commission at its meeting last night for transmission to the Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board, details the accomplishments and highlights Northern Virginians’ support in their own words for the expanded travel options that Commuter Choice provides.

Photo: NVTC

2 min to read


The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission's Commuter Choice grant program marked three historic milestones in FY 2023: 

  • The highest weekday ridership in program history, with 6,000 passenger trips through the I-66 Inside the Beltway and I-395/95 corridors 

  • The largest funding award, with over $48 million committed  to new projects to improve travel in the I-395/95 corridor

  • A record level of public input, with more than 600 public comments received

Ad Loading...

Commuter Choice Annual Report

The 2023 Commuter Choice Annual Report, approved by the Commission at its meeting last night for transmission to the Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board, details the accomplishments and highlights Northern Virginians’ support in their own words for the expanded travel options that Commuter Choice provides.

As traffic volumes returned to pre-pandemic levels across Northern Virginia, the transit and other transportation improvements that NVTC's Commuter Choice program supports saved travelers 1,000 hours of travel time, 84,000 miles of vehicle travel and $11,000 in fuel expenditures each weekday in FY 2023.

The program’s investments since 2017 have contributed to Northern Virginia’s quality of life and economic competitiveness in numerous ways, from monetary benefits of reduced travel delay and lower fuel expenditures to fewer automobile crashes and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

NVTC Projects

As more capital investments with long-term benefits come online – including such projects as the Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit line in Fairfax County and the new, expanded Virginia Railway Express station in Crystal City, both part of the set of new I-395/95 Commuter Choice projects approved in June 2023.

NVTC also began to look ahead during FY 2023 to its next I-66 Commuter Choice call for projects, expected to be the first fully funded funding round in the corridor since the pandemic.

More Management

Terrel Smith on a bus with Kiel seats

Terrel Smith Launches New TransitOne Venture, Focuses on Building Relationships

The company partners with manufacturers such as Kiel Seating, Camira Fabric, and TSI Video, focusing on areas that directly impact both passenger experience and operational performance.

Read More →
A group of people stand in the Harlem-148 Street 3 Station and pose during a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Managementby StaffMay 4, 2026

New Accessibility Upgrades Open at Harlem Subway Station

A new ADA-compliant ramp and station upgrades improve access, enhance the rider experience, and deliver millions in cost savings for the MTA.

Read More →
Erin Hockman
Managementby StaffMay 4, 2026

Iowa's DART Taps New CEO

Erin Hockman will officially assume the role on May 7, as current CEO Amanda Wanke departs to take a leadership position with Metro Transit in the Twin Cities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Caltrain trains on tracks
Railby StaffMay 1, 2026

Caltrain Survey Shows Record-High Rider Approval

The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.

Read More →
A VIA bus
Busby StaffMay 1, 2026

San Antonio's VIA Launches Next Round of Bus Improvements

The changes are designed to reduce overall travel time, shorten wait times, and get customers to their destinations more quickly.

Read More →
A graphic of a map showing a "Snapshot of Systemwide Vulnerabilities (projected)."
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMay 1, 2026

MBTA Unveils First Systemwide Climate Resilience Roadmap

The plan outlines strategies to protect transit infrastructure from extreme weather, prioritize critical investments, and improve system reliability as climate risks intensify.

Read More →
Ad Loading...

People Movement: DART Names Interim Chief, Clean Energy Taps New President/CEO

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at MCTS, Voith, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Read More →
transit tracker connectpoint
Sponsoredby Alex RomanMay 1, 2026

Connectpoint Expands Digital Signage Strategy with LED Push

Connectpoint is enhancing its digital signage strategy by integrating LED technology into its services.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
frontrunner bus
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Read More →