To provide funding for virginias state safety oversight (SSO) program ensuring the continued and consistent safety performance of the urban rail fixed guideway system in the hampton roads area…

The Federal Transit Administration awarded the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation $689,303 on April 20, 2026, under the Rail Fixed Guideway Public Transportation System State Safety Oversight Formula Grant Program (CFDA 20.528) to fund Virginia's state safety oversight program for the Tide light rail system in the Hampton Roads area.

VDRPT will use the funding for consultant services to support one full-time state safety oversight staff member and to cover payroll and administrative expenses for that employee's compliance work. The award enables VDRPT to maintain effective oversight of the Virginia safety program standard and benefits Hampton Roads Transit, passengers, employees, and the community served by the Tide light rail system.

The period of performance runs through December 31, 2029, with place of performance in Virginia. The assistance type is a formula grant. No sub-recipients are identified for this award.

Activities

Funds will be used for consultant services needed to assist the one full-time staff member at vdrpt responsible for state safety oversight. The funds will also cover payroll and administrative expenses for the vdrpt employee in charge of compliance with the SSO program.

Expected outcomes

Funding will permit vdrpt to continue effective oversight of the virginia program standard.

Intended beneficiaries

Hampton roads transit along with the passengers employees and the community served by the tide light rail system.