◈ State of the Region Transportation Network ◈

On October 22, NVTA hosted our second State of the Region’s Transportation Network event. Phyllis J. Randall, Chair, NVTA and the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, opened the event by highlighting NVTA’s role in moving Northern Virginia forward, followed by Monica Backmon, CEO, NVTA, who presented how NVTA is addressing regional transportation challenges and future growth.

A lively panel discussion featured Alyia Gaskins, Mayor, City of Alexandria, Virginia; Clark Mercer, Executive Director, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG); and Nuria I. Fernandez, President/CEO, AMDC Consulting, LLC, who explored opportunities and challenges in implementing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) across the region. All speakers emphasized advancing transit is about moving our community efficiently.

The event concluded with remarks from Bill Cuttler, Northern Virginia District Engineer, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), who reflected on the region’s impact and the power of collaboration across the Commonwealth. By working together, NVTA and our partners are building a transportation future that connects people, strengthens communities and supports Northern Virginia’s growth.

◈ Milestone Celebrations ◈

Fairfax Connector's 40th Anniversary

On October 1, NVTA celebrated 40 years of Fairfax Connector! For four decades, they've kept our region connected and moving forward. NVTA is proud to support this vital service, from new bus fleets to maintenance facilities. We're especially excited to see eight new Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) battery-electric buses hit the road.

Manassas Park VRE Ribbon Cutting

On October 21, NVTA joined the City of Manassas Park and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) to celebrate the completion of the Manassas Park VRE Parking Garage. NVTA invested $2.5 million to support the project’s design, marking the first NVTA Regional Revenue funded project completed in the City of Manassas Park.

Army Navy Drive Ribbon Cutting

On October 29, NVTA joined Arlington County leaders in celebrating the completion of the Army Navy Drive project. NVTA invested $9.7 million to help bring this project to life. The improvements will reduce congestion, expand transit capacity, and enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety, making it easier for residents to connect to nearby areas, as well as destinations beyond Arlington County. Through strategic investments - $350M+ in Arlington alone, - NVTA continues to advance a multimodal network that reduces congestion across the region.

DASH Facility Expansion Groundbreaking

On October 30, NVTA joined the City of Alexandria, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and DASH to celebrate the groundbreaking of the DASH Facility Expansion project. NVTA’s $11.9 million investment in this project funds eight new battery electric buses and electric charging infrastructure, enhancing service reliability, expanding travel options and strengthening connectivity along Eisenhower Avenue, Potomac Yard and beyond.

◈ Regional Collaboration ◈

Governor's

Transportation Conference

On October 17, NVTA CEO Monica Backmon joined a panel discussion during the Governor’s Transportation Conference, highlighting NVTA’s ongoing collaboration with local jurisdictions and agencies across Northern Virginia. She emphasized how NVTA’s regional investments and partnerships continue to strengthen Northern Virginia's transportation network and have economic impacts across the Commonwealth.

Joint Transportation Meeting

On October 20, NVTA joined regional partners and engaged with the community during the Annual Joint Transportation meeting and open house. During the panel discussion, Ms. Backmon and other regional transportation leaders discussed current/future initiatives that are shaping the region's future.

What You Need to Know About Transportation

On October 24, the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance hosted its 21st Annual What You Need to Know About Transportation event. Governor Glenn Youngkin emphasized the importance of reducing congestion, improving reliability and connecting multimodal capabilities across the region.

Ms. Backmon built on that message, highlighting how the Authority’s multimodal investments are keeping the region and the economy moving. Additionally, she reflected on a century of remarkable transportation growth, from 1925 to 2025, and the continued progress ahead.

◈ GoMyWayVA Launch ◈

As a proud project partner, we’re excited to announce the release of GoMyWayVA™ — the new, smart travel app that transforms your commute in and around Northern Virginia.

GoMyWayVA™ uses real-time traffic data and your travel habits to deliver personalized suggestions and reward you for making better travel choices — like avoiding traffic or traveling off-peak. What makes it different:

🔹 Smart tips based on your routine

🔹 Real rewards you can actually use

🔹 Flexible options when plans change

Download the App

◈ Staff Spotlight ◈

Introducing NVTA's new Executive Assistant to the CEO, Tara Dunion! We’re thrilled to have her as part of the team, bringing her expertise to support NVTA’s work.

Background: Tara Dunion joins NVTA as Executive Assistant to the CEO. She is a communications professional who has worked across the DMV for mission-focused nonprofits including AARP and the Consumer Technology Association. Her work has focused on an array of relevant issues such as autonomous vehicles, livable communities, smart cities, and affordable housing.

What She's Excited About: As an avid biker, Tara is excited to help enhance multimodal transportation options across the DMV region.

Fun Fact: Tara has lived on three continents (North America, Europe and Asia) and loves to travel internationally, nationally and regionally.

◈ Upcoming Events ◈

NVTA's InNoVAtion Lunch and Learn

Join us for our next InNoVation Lunch & Learn on Thursday, November 6, at 12:00 p.m.! Rama Mitry, Charge Up Fairfax Program Manager, Fairfax County, and Julie Gurnee, EV Readiness Strategy Program Manager, Fairfax County, will discuss how countywide programs such as Charge Up Fairfax are shaping EV readiness, the future of sustainable mobility in Northern Virginia. We look forward to seeing you there!