WHEREAS, public transit is vital for the equitable growth of the Commonwealth's economy, transportation infrastructure, and sustainability efforts; and

WHEREAS, people across the Commonwealth rely on public transit to reach employment opportunities, socialize with friends and family, connect with their communities, and meaningfully participate in our society; and

WHEREAS, many transportation systems in the Commonwealth lack the necessary infrastructure to provide essential public transit needs; and

WHEREAS, in order to make public transit in the Commonwealth a world-class transportation system, we must analyze equity issues as we focus on improvements, increased efficiency, and modernization; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Department of Rail and Public Transportation be requested to study transit equity and modernization in the Commonwealth.

In conducting its study, the Department of Rail and Public Transportation shall complete a needs assessment focusing on the equitable delivery of transportation services and modernization of transit in the Commonwealth. The Department of Rail and Public Transportation, with the cooperation of all transit agencies that receive funding pursuant to subdivision D 1 of §33.2-1526.1 of the Code of Virginia, shall complete a study of transit accessibility, adequacy of transit infrastructure, implementation of emerging technology, transit safety, and transit system engagement.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Department of Rail and Public Transportation for this study, upon request.

The Department of Rail and Public Transportation shall complete its meetings for the first year by November 30, 2021, and for the second year by November 30, 2022, and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an executive summary and report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document for each year. The executive summaries and reports shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports no later than the first day of the next Regular Session of the General Assembly and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.