Politics & Government

McDonnell Announces Development of Super NoVa Transit Action Plan

On Tuesday, Gov. Bob McDonnell announced that the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (VDRPT) will work with stakeholders policy makers, and local, regional and state agencies to develop the Super NoVa Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Action Plan. According to a news release, the action plan will build on the framework of the vision plan McDonnell charged VDRPT with creating in 2011.

The goal of the Vision Plan was to recommend solutions to enhance transportation choices, improve connectivity between modes of public transportation and reduce congestion for anyone living or traveling through the Super NoVa region.

“Commuters in Northern Virginia face significant challenges as they travel through the most congested region in the Commonwealth,” McDonnell said. “The Action Plan is designed to achieve increased transportation options and provide a forum for policy makers to continue regional dialogue, ensuring long-term collaboration to advance the Vision Plan recommendations.”

According to Secretary Sean T. Connaughton, the VDRPT's goal is to expand transportation choices in Virginia and to improve mobility for residents.

“In order to continue the positive regional collaboration, a Super NoVa Transit and TDM Regional Consortium convened for the purpose of providing leadership and continuing communication on transit and TDM policies, programs, and projects that will lead to reduced congestion in the Super NoVa Region,” said Thelma Drake, director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

The Super NoVa area comprises Northern Virginia and the localities extending from Northern Virginia to Caroline County on the south, Culpeper County on the west and Frederick County to the northwest. Travelers can look forward to possibly seing more transportation options in these areas.

VDRPT is also managing a transportation study to determine more transportation options — such as bus rapid transit and light rail transit — on the Richmond Highway in Alexandria.

The Action Plan is slated to be completed this winter. Over the next few months, VDRPT will continue to work on developing the Action Plan through a number of stakeholder meetings.

Learn more about the Super NoVa Transit/TDM Vision Plan and Action Plan here.


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