Transit Technology focuses on improving transit through innovative and emerging technology. Specifically, the Transit Technology Program oversees the development and implementation of NVTC’s Northern Virginia Zero-Emission Bus Strategic Plan and Regional Fare Collection Strategic Plan.
Zero-Emission Buses
Northern Virginia continues to work to reduce emissions and lower dependence on traditional fuel sources as its transit agencies incorporate zero-emission buses (ZEBs) into their fleets. ZEBs are buses that produce no tail pipe emissions and are powered by electricity or hydrogen.
As of March 2026, DASH, Fairfax Connector, Arlington Transit and Loudoun County Transit have battery electric buses (BEBs) in service. Hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) are another zero-emission option, and agencies in the region are interested in testing them for longer distance routes. As ZEB technologies mature, NVTC plays an important role by fostering conversations about lessons learned and evaluating ways to share resources across the region.
Northern Virginia Zero-Emission Bus Strategic Plan
The Commission, with support from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), published its Northern Virginia Zero-Emission Bus Strategic Plan in January 2024.
The plan identifies six strategies to support Northern Virginia transit agencies’ zero-emission bus transitions over the next five years:
- Serve as a regional ZEB forum.
- Advocate for consistent and supportive ZEB standards and policies.
- Provide regional ZEB funding coordination.
- Support development of shared BEB charging infrastructure.
- Evaluate opportunities for private partnerships related to ZEBs.
- Support ZEB workforce training and education.
Advancing the Strategic Plan
In January 2026, NVTC launched the ZEB Technical Assistance, an effort to support agencies as they incorporate ZEB into their fleet. Funded through NVTC’s research budget and a DRPT Technical Assistance grant, NVTC is partnering with a consultant to gather lessons learned and research priority topics to support ZEB procurement, maintenance and operations. Over the next two years, NVTC will produce targeted technical memorandums that provide actionable guidance for agencies in deployment and operation of ZEB fleets.
Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) Working Group
Since March 2022, NVTC has convened a regional ZEB Working Group that serves as a forum to discuss key issues or areas of collaboration for ZEB technology. The group meets quarterly to discuss emerging trends, present research on topics of interest and provide feedback to inform NVTC’s technical assistance work.
Fare Collection & Policy
Northern Virginia transit systems envision an enhanced, regionally integrated fare collection system with local flexibility to meet evolving customer expectations. As a result, NVTC works closely with its regional partners and WMATA to coordinate improvements to fare collection technology and track trends in fare policy.
Zero-Fare and Reduced-Fare Options for Northern Virginia Transit Providers
A 2021 analysis by NVTC found that eliminating or reducing fares for public transit users can improve access, increase ridership and produce added community benefits. NVTC’s Zero-Fare and Reduced-Fare Options for Northern Virginia Transit Providers white paper provides Commissioners and policy makers a high-level overview of options and considerations when evaluating potential zero- or reduced-fare programs. The September 2021 publication of the report remains timely, as more transit systems across the nation weigh the advantages and considerations of zero or reduced fares.
Northern Virginia Regional Fare Collection Strategic Plan
NVTC, in coordination with Northern Virginia transit agencies, developed the 2021 Northern Virginia Regional Fare Collection Strategic Plan to guide fare collection initiatives for Northern Virginia. It establishes thirteen actions that support and promote the enhancement of the fare collection systems used by Northern Virginia transit systems and WMATA.
