The Future of Transportation is Here.
We believe Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is key to transforming the way you travel across our region.
Our goal is to provide you with transportation options that improve your daily travel across Northern Virginia and beyond.
That’s why we’ve created a blueprint for a regional BRT system.
BRT System Facts:
NVTA’s draft BRT system includes up to 28 potential routes to expand connectivity across the Washington-Metropolitan Area.
Several routes have been identified to complement and extend existing transit service, including Metro, VRE and local commuter bus systems.
Routes were also identified to improve connections to the places where people live, work and shop.
Together, we’re shaping the future of public transportation in Northern Virginia!
Get to Know BRT
What is BRT?
BRT is a bus-based transit system that delivers fast, frequent and reliable transit service. Think of it as the efficiency of rail with the flexibility of buses, helping reduce congestion and create a greener, more connected Northern Virginia.
A connected BRT system will provide our region with:
- New travel options/alternatives to driving
- Reduced travel times
- Improved access to jobs and destinations
- Increased economic growth
How Does BRT Work?
Basic
Shares the road with regular traffic, with some intersection priority and enhanced passenger amenities at popular locations.
Improved
Provides faster service with level boarding, off-board fare payment, priority at most intersections, and some dedicated lanes, along with significant passenger amenities.
Advanced
Operates in dedicated lanes that are not fully separated from traffic, with high-quality stops and stations, advanced technology, and passenger amenities.
Dedicated
Runs in fully dedicated, bus-only lanes separated from traffic, ensuring the highest level of service reliability, with premium stops, stations, and passenger amenities.
Express
Provides point-to-point express service that often uses limited access roadways.
We’re just getting started.
NVTA has already invested in five BRT segments, leading the charge across our region.
Funded Projects
The One (Richmond Highway) $638 Million
| Jurisdiction Served |
| Fairfax County |
| NVTA Funded Projects |
|
Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit – Phases I & II ($330 Million) Route 1 Widening – Mount Vernon Memorial Highway to Napper Road ($308 Million) |
Duke Street Transitway - $87 Million
| Jurisdiction Served |
| City of Alexandria |
| NVTA Funded Projects |
West End Transitway - $20 Million
| Jurisdictions Served |
| City of Alexandria, Arlington County |
| NVTA Funded Projects |
|
West End Transitway: Northern Segment (Phase 1) ($5 Million) West End Transitway Phase 1b: South Van Dorn Street and Bridge Design ($15 Million) |
Route 7 - $102 Million
| Jurisdictions Served |
| Fairfax County, City of Falls Church, Arlington County, City of Alexandria |
| NVTA Funded Projects |
|
Route 7 Multimodal Improvements (I-495 to I-66) ($101 Million) Transit Alternatives Analysis Study in the Route 7 Corridor ($1 Million) |
Metroway - $36 Million
| Jurisdictions Served |
| City of Alexandria, Arlington County |
| NVTA Funded Projects |
|
Pentagon City Multimodal Connections and Transitway Extension ($29 Million) |
Community Engagement
Outreach
We know community input is key to building a vision for the future of transportation in our region. During the summer of 2024 and the spring of 2025, we held 20 pop-up events across Northern Virginia, sought feedback through two online surveys, held eight focus groups and four working groups with our partners/stakeholders.
20
Pop-up Events
1,800+
Survey Responses
8
Focus Groups
4
Working Groups
Just One Word Speaks Volumes.
We asked the community to share their thoughts on the current state of Northern Virginia’s transportation network and their vision for the future using only one word.
We heard you.
Together, we’re committed to making the vision for the future a reality.
