Celebrating 2025’s Transit Growth
As 2025 ends, it’s exciting to look back at how public transportation continues to grow and evolve, both nationally and here in our region. Looking back at The American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) 2025 Fact Book, the data tells a story we know well at VRE: transit is vital, resilient, and growing.
Nationwide, Americans took 7.66 billion trips in 2024, marking five consecutive years of ridership growth. Public transit isn’t just moving people from point A to point B; it’s connecting riders to jobs, schools, their communities, and everyday opportunities. “Public transportation remains the backbone of economic mobility in communities across America,” said APTA President and CEO Paul Skoutelas.
Every day, our trains link commuters to work, families, and regional destinations, while keeping our shared transportation network running smoothly. Projects like the Long Bridge expansion, which begins its major construction phase next year, are designed with that bigger picture in mind. While there will be temporary adjustments to service during construction, the end goal is more frequent and reliable trains for all of us, and a stronger network across the region.
A Regional Win to Celebrate
This year, our regional partners also received recognition on a national stage. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) was named Outstanding Public Transit Agency of the Year by APTA — the transit industry’s top award. Metro’s honor highlights the dedication, innovation, and hard work it takes to keep a major transit system running efficiently. At VRE, we’re proud to work alongside WMATA to create a connected, seamless experience for riders.
Why This Matters for Riders
APTA’s data also emphasizes something riders already know: public transit drives more than convenience. It drives economic growth and opportunity. Ridership is steadily climbing, transit systems are expanding, and communities are benefiting from stronger connections to jobs, education, and regional destinations.
For VRE, that means the investments we make today, from safety programs and infrastructure upgrades to service expansions like the Long Bridge Project, aren’t just about keeping trains running. They’re about building a foundation for the future, ensuring that our service meets growing demand and continues to be a reliable option for generations to come.
As we look to 2026 and beyond, our focus remains the same: deliver safe, reliable service today while investing in a stronger, more connected network for tomorrow. Every ride you take, every connection you make, and every project we complete is part of a larger effort to keep our region moving efficiently and sustainably. Happy New Year, VIP’s!