Arlington County's Board unanimously endorsed a regional transit plan on Dec. 16 that asks jurisdictions and the state to secure new funding and operational changes to stabilize and improve the Washington region's transit network.

The resolution, put forward after an 18‑month DMV Moves study led by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and WMATA, calls for $460 million a year in new dedicated Metro capital funding with indexing to inflation, adoption of seven prioritized bus‑priority corridors in the next six to eight years (including Route 7 and Columbia Pike), additional state support for local bus and commuter rail operations, and stronger coordination among the region's 14 transit operators.

Board members and the COG presenter said the recommendations are intended to restore fiscal stability and make transit a reliable option across the region. The DMV Moves team estimated Arlington's local transit needs at roughly $6.8 million per year for operations and $2.8 million in capital to support service enhancements.

"This is about protecting WMATA and the regional system that Arlington relies on for jobs, schools and daily life," one Board member said during discussion. Vice Chair De Ferrante and Board members praised the chief administrative officers and transportation staff for negotiating the plan’s reduction from an earlier billion‑dollar ask to the current $460 million capital target.

The County Board’s endorsement directs county leadership to support the conceptual funding elements as legislation in the 2026 General Assembly session and to work with regional partners on implementation plans. The motion passed unanimously.

What happens next: the endorsement signals Arlington’s support as the COG and member jurisdictions pursue state and federal legislative actions, and staff will continue to coordinate on corridor planning and local funding options.