NVTC serves as Virginia’s voice on the Metro Board of Directors, manages regional and state funding for Metro on behalf of NVTC’s local jurisdictions, and publishes an annual policy and data report on the performance and condition of WMATA.
NVTC enjoys a special relationship with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), as it is charged with the funding and stewardship of Metro.
Founded in 1964, in part to represent the interests of the Commonwealth during the creation of Metrorail, NVTC continues to serve as Virginia’s voice on the Metro Board of Directors through its appointments to the board. The Metro Board — established through an interstate compact between Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia — determines agency policy and provides oversight for funding, operations and the expansion of transit facilities.
In addition to its appointments to the Metro Board, NVTC manages regional and state funding for Metro on behalf of NVTC’s local jurisdictions and reports Metro’s ridership data to the Commonwealth. NVTC also provides a forum for regional dialogue on Metro-related issues, coordinates with Metro and local jurisdictions on the Commission’s regional fare collection program and facilitates a Northern Virginia transit response coordination group to assist in planning efforts in the event of Metrorail service disruptions.
Virginia’s 2018 transit omnibus legislation expanded NVTC’s role and relationship with Metro by adding specific oversight and reporting responsibilities including certifying receipt of certain documents and reports from Metro and providing an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly on the performance and condition of Metro.
NVTC is empowered through the Code of Virginia (§ 33.2-1907.B.) and the WMATA Compact to make appointments to the Metro Board of Directors. NVTC appoints two principal directors and two alternate directors to the Metro Board. One of the appointments must include the Virginia Secretary of Transportation or his/her designee as a principal director. Board members serve a term of four years with a maximum of two consecutive terms. NVTC provides staff support to the Virginia Metro Board members and provides a venue for discussion of Metro-related issues that affect NVTC jurisdictions, ensuring that NVTC’s appointments to the Metro Board can speak on behalf of all Virginia funding partners. More information on NVTC’s appointments to the Metro Board can be found here.
