DMVMoves, a major regional initiative led jointly by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). While no vote will be taken at this meeting, the discussion is an important opportunity to understand how long-term regional transit decisions could shape mobility, sustainability, and economic vitality in College Park and across the DMV region.
DMVMoves is a coordinated effort to create a unified vision and sustainable funding strategy for public transit throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Today, the region is served by 14 transit operators and 12 bus systems, each with its own rules, fares, and infrastructure. DMVMoves seeks to improve coordination across these systems so riders experience transit as one connected regional network rather than a patchwork of services.
Metro and regional transit systems are facing a serious long-term capital funding challenge. Inflation, rising construction costs, and fixed funding sources have significantly reduced purchasing power. Without additional, predictable funding, Metro is projected to reach its debt capacity limit by FY2029, which would force major reductions in capital investments. DMVMoves responds to this challenge by proposing a long-term funding framework paired with reforms that improve efficiency, accountability, and customer experience.
The initiative focuses on several core strategies: reinvesting in and modernizing Metro infrastructure, creating a regional bus priority network, improving local bus service, and advancing commuter rail toward a true regional rail system. It also emphasizes consistent service guidelines, integrated fare policies, shared resources, and clearer, more uniform customer information across jurisdictions. Together, these actions aim to make transit faster, more reliable, easier to use, and more equitable.
College Park is uniquely positioned within the regional transit network, with Metrorail, MARC, multiple bus systems, and the future Purple Line serving our community. Regional decisions about transit funding, bus priority corridors, and service integration directly affect our residents, students, workers, and businesses. DMVMoves aligns closely with the City’s priorities around sustainability, access to opportunity, reducing traffic congestion, and supporting transit-oriented development along key corridors such as Route 1.
At the Worksession, Council members will hear an overview of the DMVMoves initiative, its goals, and its potential implications. The discussion will focus on understanding the proposal, asking questions, and considering how College Park can engage in future regional advocacy and coordination efforts. This item is informational and does not involve any immediate financial commitment or Council action.
DMVMoves represents a long-term, regional conversation about how we invest in transit and how we work together across jurisdictions to support a growing and evolving region. As the initiative moves forward, there will be additional opportunities for local governments, including College Park, to weigh in on priorities, partnerships, and next steps. This Worksession marks an important first step in that ongoing dialogue.