NVTC serves as a regional forum for the discussion and analysis of transit issues that are critical to our economy and quality of life. Founded in 1964, in part to represent the interests of the Commonwealth during the establishment of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Agency (WMATA), NVTC is charged with the funding and stewardship of WMATA and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE), which it co-owns. Because Northern Virginia is also home to six bus systems, NVTC works across jurisdictional boundaries to coordinate transit service.
- Managing state and regional funding for six bus systems, Metrorail and VRE
- Administering the Commuter Choice program
- Directing joint procurement efforts for new fare box technologies
- Analyzing regional transit ridership to identify trends and opportunities
- Providing Northern Virginia-focused transit research and technical expertise
NVTC’s governing body consists of 21 Commissioners and five alternates. NVTC officers are elected in January and serve for one year. Fourteen Commissioners are locally elected officials from NVTC’s six jurisdictions.
NVTC’s jurisdictions are:
- Arlington County (3 members)
- Fairfax County (5 members)
- Loudoun County (2 members)
- City of Alexandria (2 members)
- City of Fairfax (1 member)
- City of Falls Church (1 member)
The General Assembly appoints six Commissioners and Virginia’s Secretary of Transportation appoints one Commissioner.
Virginia’s two principal and two alternate members to the Board of Directors of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA or Metro).
Five principal members and three alternates to the Virginia Railway Express Operations Board.
Two principal members and two alternates to the Virginia Transit Association Board of Directors.
The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) was established to manage and control the functions, affairs, and property of the Northern Virginia Transportation District, which was created by the 1964 Acts of Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Chapter 630, and the Transportation District Act. The purpose of the Act is to facilitate “planning and developing a transportation system for Northern Virginia and for the safety, comfort and convenience of its citizens and for the economical utilization of public funds.” The duties and powers of the commission are set in Sections 33.2-1900 through 33.2-1934 of the Virginia Code.
