AGENDA DATE: 12/3/2025
TITLE:
Dissolution of the Jefferson Area Regional Transit Partnership (RTP)DY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Proposed resolutions to dissolve the Regional Transit Partnership (RTP) and approve a Memorandum of Understanding on the Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Transit Authority (CARTA)
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Filardo, Svoboda, Barnes, Swartzendruber
PRESENTER (S): Tonya Swartzendruber
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Following a recommendation from the Regional Transit Coordination Study, the Jefferson Area Regional Transit Partnership (RTP) was established in 2017 to serve as an interim body and precursor for establishing a regional transit authority. Since its formation, the RTP has successfully provided a strong forum for communication and coordination between transit providers and played a critical role in building consensus around regional transit priorities.
The General Assembly established the Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Transit Authority (CARTA) in 2009. The RTP completed a strategic plan (2018), Albemarle County Transit Expansion Study/Micro-CAT (2022), Regional Transit Vision Plan (2022), and Transit Governance Study (2024) that provided the foundation for CARTA activation in 2024. As a result of the work of the RTP, the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County now have a regional transit vision that community members and transit providers’ support. CARTA approved bylaws on March 27, 2025, and its governing board continues to meet every other month The activation of CARTA represents a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to formalize a unified approach to regional transit planning and governance.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Infrastructure & Placemaking - Invest in infrastructure and amenities that create connection, opportunity, and well-being.
DISCUSSION: The principal guiding document that identifies partners, roles, and responsibilities for the RTP is the attached Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (Attachment A). It reflects the shared commitment of its signatories, the region’s transit partners:
- Albemarle County
- Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan Planning Organization (CA-MPO)
- City of Charlottesville, on behalf of Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT)
- Jaunt
- Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC)
- University of Virginia (UVA)
According to Article 6 - Amendments: “Amendments to this AGREEMENT, as mutually agreed to, may be made by written agreement between all parties of this AGREEMENT.” Pursuant to Article 6, by letter (Attachment B), the TJPDC is requesting that the Board of Supervisors concur with the formal dissolution of the Regional Transit Partnership.
Staff is recommending approval of separate resolutions authorizing the County Executive to sign both
(a) an amendment to the RTP MOU (Attachment C), dissolving the RTP, and
(b) a CARTA MOU (Attachment D).
The draft resolutions are attached as Attachment E and F.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budget impact associated with this agenda item.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Board approve the attached resolutions that dissolve the RTP and approve a CARTA MOU.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Jefferson Area Regional Transit Partnership (RTP) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
B - Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC) Letter Requesting RTP Dissolution
C - RTP MOU - Amendment
D - Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Transit Authority (CARTA) MOU
E - Resolution for the Dissolution of the Jefferson Area Regional Transit Partnership (RTP)
F - Resolution to Approve a Memorandum of Understanding on the Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Transit Authority