Celebrate with us!

In 1964, the Virginia General Assembly created the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) to help realize the dream of rapid transit in Northern Virginia. Today Northern Virginia is now home to 32 Metrorail stations connecting our communities with the greater Washington DC region and the world. We also led the way in founding the Virginia Railway Express, launching the innovative Commuter Choice program, and providing the important regional venue for launching transit technologies, strategies and policies that have made a meaningful difference to our region.

Special Events

To celebrate this important milestone, NVTC hosted two major 60th Anniversary events in 2024: a transit innovation summit hosted at George Mason University in June; and an evening celebration and documentary premiere at Marymount University in September.

Anniversary Celebration & Documentary Premiere

Attendees joined commissioners and local leaders to celebrate our anniversary and watch a documentary about the history of NVTC and transit in our region.

held September 5, 2024
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Marymount University
Ballston Auditorium
Arlington, VA 22201

Watch the documentary

Transit Innovation Summit

Attendees joined transit leaders and experts from across the region to learn about the latest innovations in public transit.

held June 14, 2024
8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

GMU Schar School/Van Metre Hall
Arlington, VA 22201

Watch the replay

"NVTC has become a champion for commuters across the region, an advocate for sustainable transit funding, and a leading voice on transportation policy throughout the Commonwealth.”

U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly

Our First 60 Years

NVTC

1964

The Virginia General Assembly creates NVTC to lead the Commonwealth’s discussions on planning the Metrorail system. The Commission holds its inaugural meeting. The Urban Mass Transit act paves the way for nationwide expansion of public transit

1970s

NVTC joins with the U.S. Department of Transportation in a first-of its kind pilot program to operate commuter buses in dedicated bus lanes on Shirley Highway (now I-395). Metro starts service with NVTC appointees on the Board of Directors.

1980s

NVTC helps form the neighboring Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission and starts planning for Virginia Railway Express (VRE). NVTC assists with the creation of bus systems in five NVTC jurisdictions.

1990s

VRE launches service on the Manassas and Fredericksburg lines. NVTC expands into promoting energy efficient and environmentally friendly transit innovations, including a new bus system in Falls Church running on clean fuel technology.

2000s

NVTC provides guidance and staff to support the newly created Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. NVTC acquires, tests and installs SmarTrip fareboxes on all local transit agency’s buses.

2010s

NVTC kicks off planning for a bus rapid transit (BRT) system connecting Tysons and Alexandria, by way of Seven Corners and Falls Church. NVTC’s one-of-of-kind Commuter Choice program launches. NVTC’s Metro oversight expands with the passage of dedicated capital funding from the District, Maryland and Virginia.

2020s

NVTC and local transit agencies adapt to fundamental shifts in commuting patterns brought about due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Commuter Choice program reaches a milestone, funding $178.4 million for projects. NVTC creates a regional strategy for zero-emission buses and calculates the Commonwealth’s return on investment in public transit.