Commuter Assistance Program

The Commuter Assistance Program (CAP), administered by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), is a statewide initiative aimed at enhancing the use of transit, vanpools, and carpools. The program's primary goal is to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce single-occupant vehicle trips, decrease vehicle miles traveled, cut down on air pollution, and lower fuel costs for Virginians. CAP is divided into two main funding streams: Operating Assistance and Project Assistance, both of which offer 80 percent state funding with a requirement for a 20 percent local cash match. The CAP Operating Assistance grant supports the operation of local and regional commuter assistance programs. These programs are tasked with promoting the use of transit, carpools, and vanpools through services such as ridematching, commuter assistance websites, trip planning, and guaranteed ride home programs. Eligible applicants include local and state governments, transportation district commissions, public transportation operators, and similar organizations. The program requires applicants to demonstrate a measurable increase in the use of DRPT-approved ridematching services. Eligible expenses for the Operating Assistance grant include ridematching services, marketing and outreach activities, necessary staff and contractor support, and promotional items with a unit cost of $5 or less. However, expenses such as capital costs, meals, and indirect costs are ineligible. Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as project description, scope, marketing efforts, and cost-effectiveness, with a total of 100 points possible. The application process is conducted online through DRPT's WebGrants portal, with a grant period running from July 1 to June 30. The CAP Project Assistance grant is a competitive program that funds transportation demand management projects aimed at increasing the public's use of carpools, vanpools, transit, and bicycle commuting. Eligible projects include employer trip reduction initiatives, vanpool projects, and transit marketing campaigns. Applicants must demonstrate measurable results, such as increased ridership or carpooling rates. The program encourages the use of DRPT-produced advertising to reduce costs and maximize the impact of marketing efforts. Eligible applicants for the Project Assistance grant include local and state governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and vanpool operators, among others. Similar to the Operating Assistance grant, applicants must provide a 20 percent local cash match, and prior funding does not guarantee future awards. Ineligible expenses for this grant include public notices, capital expenses, and costs related to other programs or lobbying activities.

For further assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact their DRPT Program Manager to discuss eligibility and application requirements.