VirginiaHB2002026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Transit Entities, certain; funding and administration.

Sponsored By: Delores L. McQuinn (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Certain transit entities; funding and administration. Changes the purposes and geographic applicability of the Transit Ridership Incentive Program, removes various other requirements related to the program's administration and use of funds, and specifies a November 1 deadline for the annual report on the program. The bill removes the requirement for the Secretary of Transportation to coordinate with certain other entities for the purpose of revising the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Compact of 1966 and implementing other reforms necessary to ensure the near-term and long-term viability of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The bill also extends from July 1, 2027, to July 1, 2028, the sunset on provisions delegating to local building officials the enforcement of the Uniform Statewide Building Code for bus shelters to be constructed for transit agencies receiving state funds from the Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Lower transit fares for low-income riders

Up to 25% of program funds can pay for reduced fares or free rides for low‑income riders. These dollars do not count toward the five‑year population formula for funding.

Transit law extended to 2028

The law extends a 2024 transit enactment. Its provisions now expire on July 1, 2028, instead of July 1, 2027.

More transit help for Virginia cities

The law creates the Transit Ridership Incentive Program to improve service in urban areas over 100,000 people. Money is awarded by population on a five‑year rolling average; the Board can waive this rule for up to two years. At least 25% of funds go to regional projects that cross local lines. Up to 30% can fund safer, more accessible bus stops, and these grants do not count in the five‑year formula; the Board may require matching funds. The Board sets and reviews program rules at least every three years and reports results each year by November 1. Projects can include integrated fares, bus‑only lanes, micromobility, and paratransit innovations.

Stronger Virginia oversight of Metro safety

The Secretary of Transportation works with Maryland, D.C., and federal partners to revise the WMATA Compact and improve safety, labor costs, pensions, board makeup, and efficiency. The Secretary consults quarterly with the chairs of Virginia’s House and Senate Transportation Committees. Virginia’s members of the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the General Assembly.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Delores L. McQuinn

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 278 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/10/2026

Passed Senate Block Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/9/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/9/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/6/2026

Reported from Finance and Appropriations

Yes: 14 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/26/2026

Reported from Transportation and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations

Yes: 9 • No: 0

House vote 2/17/2026

Read third time and passed House Block Vote

Yes: 97 • No: 0

House vote 2/13/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 7 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote 2/13/2026

Reported from Appropriations

Yes: 22 • No: 0

House vote 2/12/2026

Reported from Transportation with substitute and referred to Appropriations

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote 2/10/2026

Reported from Transportation with substitute

Yes: 20 • No: 0

House vote 2/5/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute

Yes: 8 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0087)

    4/6/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 87 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/6/2026Governor
  3. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB200)

    4/2/2026House
  4. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/31/2026Governor
  5. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026

    3/31/2026House
  6. Signed by Speaker

    3/31/2026House
  7. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB200ER)

    3/30/2026House
  8. Enrolled

    3/30/2026House
  9. Signed by President

    3/30/2026Senate
  10. Passed Senate Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/10/2026Senate
  11. Read third time

    3/10/2026Senate
  12. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    3/9/2026Senate
  13. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/9/2026Senate
  14. Rules suspended

    3/9/2026Senate
  15. Reported from Finance and Appropriations (14-Y 0-N)

    3/6/2026Senate
  16. Reported from Transportation and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (9-Y 0-N)

    2/26/2026Senate
  17. Referred to Committee on Transportation

    2/18/2026Senate
  18. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    2/18/2026Senate
  19. Read third time and passed House Block Vote (97-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/17/2026House
  20. Engrossed by House - committee substitute

    2/16/2026House
  21. committee substitute agreed to

    2/16/2026House
  22. Read second time

    2/16/2026House
  23. Read first time

    2/15/2026House
  24. Subcommittee recommends reporting (7-Y 0-N)

    2/13/2026House
  25. Reported from Appropriations (22-Y 0-N)

    2/13/2026House

Bill Text

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