Virginia 2023 Regular Session

Virginia Senate Bill SB1326

Introduced
1/10/23  
Refer
1/10/23  
Report Pass
1/26/23  
Report Pass
2/2/23  
Engrossed
2/6/23  
Refer
2/10/23  
Report Pass
2/14/23  
Enrolled
2/22/23  

Caption

Transit Ridership Incentive Program; use of funds, improving accessibility.

Impact

The passage of SB1326 is expected to amend the existing legal framework concerning public transit in Virginia. The Board is tasked with establishing guidelines for the program, which includes a focus on equitable funding distribution based on the population ratios of urbanized areas. Importantly, a significant portion of the funding must be allocated to assist low-income users through reduced fares or fare elimination, improving the accessibility of transit bus passenger facilities, and advancing public safety for transit operators and passengers.

Summary

SB1326 establishes the Transit Ridership Incentive Program aimed at enhancing transit services for urbanized areas in Virginia, particularly those with populations exceeding 100,000. The bill prioritizes reducing barriers to transit use for low-income individuals, which is crucial for increasing overall transit ridership. By directing funds toward important initiatives such as the identification and establishment of regional transit routes, integrated fare collection systems, and the creation of bus-only lanes, the bill seeks to bolster the efficiency and accessibility of public transportation.

Sentiment

The reception to SB1326 was generally positive, especially among advocates for public transportation and low-income residents who stand to benefit from the proposed measures. However, there are concerns about the effectiveness and operationalization of the program. Debate centers around ensuring that the funds are effectively utilized and that the program meets its objectives of improving access and ridership without introducing inefficiencies or bureaucratic hurdles.

Contention

Despite the overall support for SB1326, points of contention exist regarding how funds are allocated and whether the effectiveness of the initiatives can be adequately monitored. Questions have been raised about the need for a clear framework to evaluate the impact of the program on transit ridership and low-income support. Critics urge caution surrounding the management and oversight of the program to mitigate potential disparities in funding allocations among different urbanized areas across the Commonwealth.

Companion Bills

VA HB2338

Same As Transit Ridership Incentive Program; use of funds, improving accessibility.

Previously Filed As

VA HB2338

Transit Ridership Incentive Program; use of funds, improving accessibility.

VA HB142

Transit Ridership Incentive Program; amount of funds to be used to establish programs.

VA SB342

Transit Ridership Incentive Program; use of funds for reduced-fare or zero-fare transit projects.

VA SB977

Transit Ridership Incentive Program; on-demand microtransit operations.

VA HB1609

Transit Ridership Incentive Program; on-demand microtransit operations.

VA SB488

Transit Transition Fund and Program; established, report.

VA HB1496

Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund; 3.5 percent of Fund may be allocated to NVTC.

VA SB1079

Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund; 3.5 percent of Fund may be allocated to NVTC.

VA SB1097

Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund; allocations, Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission.

VA HB1982

Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund; allocations, Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission.

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