This measure aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from port operations by advancing the adoption of low-carbon fuels, electrifying equipment, and implementing operational improvements. The measure modernizes cargo handling, optimizes freight movement, and reduces reliance on diesel trucks. It also supports pilot projects and partnerships to improve efficiency and sustainability throughout the regional supply chain. These efforts will not only help ports meet ambitious emission reduction targets but also improve local air quality, promote public health, and strengthen the resilience of port operations.

This measure is most appropriate for regional entities and private businesses.

KEY ACTIONS

NEAR TERM

1. Utilize the port to develop sustainability initiatives throughout the region by reducing the number of trucks traveling between Hampton Roads (HR) and Richmond Marine Terminal (RMT), electrifying operations, and making container size changes and barge capacity. Key Actors: Regional entities and private businesses.

VISIONARY

1. Conduct a commodity flow analysis for barge vs truck delivery (more barges will require capital investment at the port to expand capability); storage could also be a limiting factor. Key Actors: Regional entities.
2. Leverage connections with trucking industries to identify areas for incentivizing efficiency approvements and facilitating the adoption of zero-emission trucks (ZEVs). Key Actors: Private businesses, regional entities.

Outcomes

To reduce emissions from the transportation sector, this measure focuses on accelerating the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and developing a regional, equitable charging network. This measure will be supported through the creation and expansion of a robust charging network, development of incentive programs, workforce development, and other activities to encourage widespread adoption of EVs. Localities may also electrify their municipal fleets and equipment, such as school buses, public works trucks, refuse trucks, and department vehicles. Indirect co-benefits of this project, including improved public health and the creation of clean energy jobs, will spread throughout communities, with a particular emphasis on benefits to overburdened communities. These efforts will reduce transportation-related emissions, improve local air quality, and position the region as a leader in clean mobility innovation.

This measure is most appropriate for localities, regional entities, state agencies, and private businesses.

KEY ACTIONS

NEAR TERMS

1. Develop a pilot project for solar and storage charging for depot sites that may have limited grid capacity, such as school bus depots or municipal fleet depots. Key Actors: Localities
2. Promote zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and alternative fuel vehicle options in coordination with Virginia Clean Cities. Create a model ZEV procurement policy for fleet managers to adapt. Key Actors: Regional entities, private businesses.
3. Adopt a ZEV procurement plans for municipal fleets, school fleets, and public transportation fleets. Key Actors: Localities.
4. Pursue ChargeSmart designation at the local level to reduce the soft costs of expanding EV infrastructure. Key Actors: Localities.
5. Review permitting process for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) installation and recommend changes to streamline the process. Key Actors: Localities and regional entities
6. Develop incentives for commercial properties to install EV charging infrastructure for employees and/or the public. Key Actors: Localities.
7. Collaborate with VDOT to ensure that all rest areas have EV charging infrastructure. Key Actors: State agencies, regional entities, localities.
8. Update the 2013 REVI Plan for the PlanRVA region. Following that model, conduct planning assessments in the Crater region and other non-PlanRVA localities. Key Actors: Regional entities.

VISIONARY

1. Build out a hydrogen refueling network that can support medium and heavy-duty vehicles. These stations should consider logistical needs for primary users and connect key infrastructure in the region, such as the port, large distribution warehouses, etc. They may also be located near industrial sites that may produce or consume hydrogen in the future to centralize necessary distribution infrastructure. Key Actors: Regional entities, private businesses, localities.

Outcomes

This measure aims to significantly increase public transit use and reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles by expanding and enhancing local and regional transit options. By improving service frequency, connectivity, and convenience, especially in key development areas, the measure will make transit the most attractive choice for longer trips. It supports the implementation of new and innovative transit solutions, such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), micro-transit, and enhanced rail service, while addressing service gaps and accessibility for all populations. These efforts will lower transportation-related emissions, improve mobility, and support sustainable, equitable growth throughout the region.

This measure is most appropriate for localities and regional entities.

KEY ACTIONS

NEAR TERMS

1. Make transit the most convenient mode for longer trips by providing frequent service in and between locally designated development areas. Key Actors: Localities, regional entities.
2. Implement Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project to expand the North-South corridor. Key Actors: Regional entities, localities.
3. Expand micro-transit. Micro-transit refers to on-demand public transportation options that utilize dynamic routing and usually serves as a connection to fixed-route public transportation systems or may serve specific populations such as the elderly or people with disabilities. Key Actors: Regional entities.
4. Increase the frequency and availability of public transportation. Expand service to operate seven days per week where feasible, extend weekend service hours, and reduce wait times on existing routes to improve convenience and accessibility for riders. Key Actors: Regional entities
5. Continue to study how zero-fare policies could benefit transit operators by increasing ridership and improving equity. Key Actors: Regional entities
6. Provide subsidies or other incentives to employees who utilize public transit to get to work. Key Actors: Localities, private businesses
7. Continue to study gaps between micro-transit & current fixed routes. Study how well existing micro-transit and fixed route public transportation systems serve the unique needs of specific populations, including seniors, people with disabilities, youth, and women. Key Actors: Regional entities
8. Implement Greater Richmond Transit Vision Plan frequent network. Key Actors: Regional entities.
9. Implement RRTPO Park & Ride Strategy lots and expansions. Key Actors: Regional entities, local governments.
10. Support implementation of the Commonwealth Corridor, which would expand rail service between Blacksburg, Roanoke, Charlottesville, Richmond, Williamsburg, and Hampton Roads. Key Actors: Regional entities, state agencies, localities, private businesses.
11. Modernize rail stations and provide multimodal connections between stations and activity centers.

VISIONARY

1. Improve north-south connectivity within the City and Richmond and between Richmond and Tri-Cities. Key Actors: Regional entities, localities
2. Improve frequency and reduce delays between Richmond and DC. Explore ways to reduce travel time and to keep fares low for this high-traffic route. Key Actors: Private businesses, regional entities

Outcomes

This measure aims to make active and low-emission travel options more accessible and appealing by investing in micromobility and micro-modal infrastructure. Through a coordinated expansion of trails, walkable connections, and neighborhood networks, the measure seeks to make non-car modes of travel the mainstream choice for short and medium-length trips. By integrating these improvements with transit and regional planning efforts, the measure supports healthier, more connected communities while advancing climate and mobility goals.

This measure is most appropriate for localities, regional entities, and non-profits.

KEY ACTIONS

NEAR TERMS

1. Work with communities to identify future bike/ped routes to be incorporated into the plan; connected to the spines under development with Virginia Capital Trail & Fall Line Trails. Key Actors: Regional entities, localities, non-profits
2. Provide subsidies or other incentives to employees who utilize active transportation to get to work. Key Actors: Localities, private businesses
3. Map pedestrian networks, especially as they connect to public transportation systems and public green spaces. Identify gaps and prioritize projects to fill gaps.
4. Develop walkable routes between neighborhoods and transit stops (accessible sidewalk networks). Key Actors: Localities
5. Leverage the Safe Routes to School program to bring investment to improving the availability and safety of active transportation routes to public schools. Key Actors: Localities, non-profits

VISIONARY

1. Make active transportation the most convenient mode for shorter trips by completing networks in locally designated development areas.

Outcomes

This measure advances climate and sustainability goals in the MSA by increasing the use of low-carbon construction materials in transportation projects. Low-carbon transportation materials, also called low-embodied carbon (LEC) materials, include asphalts, concrete, glass, steel and other construction materials that have lower climate impacts throughout their life cycle. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) provide transparency on how lifecycle carbon is reduced, through either the inclusion of bio-based or recycled materials and/or more sustainable practices in the production stage. By prioritizing materials such as low-carbon asphalt, concrete, steel, and glass, the measure aims to lower the embodied carbon footprint of new and rehabilitated transportation infrastructure in the MSA. These efforts will support regional decarbonization targets, stimulate local demand for cleaner materials, and help build a more resilient transportation network.

This measure is most appropriate for regional entities, state agencies, private businesses, and localities.

KEY ACTIONS

NEAR TERM

1. Develop procurement policies or incentives to encourage the use of low-carbon materials in transportation projects. Key Actors: Localities, regional entities, state agencies
2. Use Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) when evaluating and selecting construction materials to consider the embodied carbon content of infrastructure projects. Key Actors: Localities, state agencies.
3. Provide training and technical assistance to locality staff and project partners on best practices for low-carbon material selection and reporting. Key Actors: Private businesses, localities, state agencies, regional entities

Outcomes