The Future Moves on Public Transit

Public Transit Keeps Virginia Affordable

Annual cost of owing a car

$ 0

Cost of lost time and wasted fuel

$ 0

for Public Transportation fares per year

Less than $ 0

Public transportation plays an important role in keeping everyday travel affordable for Virginians. Across the Commonwealth, buses and trains provide practical and cost-effective transportation options while keeping communities connected.

For many Virginians, transportation affects key decisions about daily life – including where they work, how they reach medical appointments, and whether they can access education or job training. When travel options are reliable and affordable, households have greater flexibility to manage both their time and their budgets.

Transportation, for most families, is one of their largest expenses, second only to housing. According to data highlighted by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), the average American household spends more than $12,000 per year to own and operate a personal vehicle, including fuel, insurance, and maintenance. By comparison, average household spending on public transit fares is under $800 per year. In Virginia, 13 transit systems currently operate fare-free through DRPT’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP), helping riders further reduce transportation costs.

That affordability also strengthens Virginia’s economy. Employers depend on workers who can reach job sites reliably and consistently. When transit is dependable and accessible, businesses can draw from a broader labor pool, and employees can take jobs they might not otherwise be able to reach as easily. Transit investments also support jobs directly: nationally, every $1 billion invested in public transportation supports approximately 50,000 jobs in construction, manufacturing, and operations.

To see how public transportation is improving lives in communities statewide, visit DRPT’s Your Story page, which highlights how transit supports workers, families, businesses and the environment.

Affordable public transportation puts opportunity within reach and keeps Virginia moving forward.

"Riding the 78 with my 2 kids (5 and 8) from a stop 2 blocks from our neighborhood. Their sense of empowerment knowing that soon, they will be able to ride the bus alone."

"I was able to take my kids to downtown DC to see some museums. They love riding the VRE and looking out the window. I can explain what we are seeing since I don’t need to look at the road. It’s also amazing having taken my niece and nephew who has never ridden on a train before, it was a new thing!"

"I am a retiree on a fixed income, and transit helps us save a lot of money by getting by with one vehicle. And when we had health problems that prevented us from driving, transit was a lifeline."

"Often drivers will help me in knowing my stops, this is because they know me by name. 'Ms. Deborah this is your stop' or hand me my bags. This is because I am always talking to other riders and sharing stories on the bus. My daughter, Jackie always keeps extra change on her in case someone is short of the fare. Jackie is disable and this keeps her happy to serve others. The bus sometimes becomes our ministry to serve."

"I ride the Tide almost every day. Several workers in my building do too, and I've gotten to know them better from those shared Tide rides! PT is a connector of people not just places."