With the passage of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA))—along with funding allocated in the American Rescue Plan—2021 saw unprecedented investments earmarked by Congress to update our national infrastructure. The next 8 years will see major projects aimed at updating and retrofitting our infrastructure across the country. Regionally, we anticipate major action will be taken on updating our commuter infrastructure in a few key areas.
Modes to Watch
Electric vehicles
The IIJA will invest $30.7 billion over the next 8 years in electric vehicle development and grants. Notably, $7.7 billion will be allocated to developing a national grid of electric vehicle charging stations. $12.7 billion in grant money will also go towards developing publicly accessible EV infrastructure in rural and low income communities.
These initiatives will dramatically increase the viability of electric vehicles and inject much needed capital into the development of properties capable of accommodating electric vehicles infrastructure.
Commuter rail and public transportation
As a result of the IIJA being signed into law, a historic $89.9 billion will be going towards modernizing public transportation and getting public works projects that have been backlogged moving again. This means that Virginia will receive an additional $1.2 billion to put towards making necessary improvements in its public transit infrastructure. This should help finance an extension of its commuter rail, the VRE.
Additionally, the new law will reauthorize WMATA’s funding through 2030 and allow for a critical retrofitting of our metro system. ATP can help your property stay up-to-date on all the changes that will occur throughout 2022.
Transportation network services
COVID-19 has changed the way people commute, which in turn has also further normalized the integration of transportation access with our smartphones.
As this becomes even more commonplace, we anticipate that companies like WhipEV, Helbiz, and Free2Move will be among those leading the way, as they aim to connect commuters to scooters, mopeds, Tesla EVs, and fuel-efficient cars that can be rented through their apps.
Electric bikes
Throughout the pandemic, bicycle commuting has become more prevalent in our area. With that, demand for electric bikes (e-bikes) has spiked. As Capital Bikeshare expands in the DMV region—and introduces its equity program Capital Bikeshare for All—the growing ease of public access to an affordable fleet of electric bikes may also incentivize residents who depend on this mode of transportation to purchase and build their own.Establishing a fix-it station or a Bike Tune-Up event for your community has never been more important.
Helping You Prepare
With so many changes set to be driven by these historic investments, it has never been more important to have a cutting-edge transportation strategy prepared for your residents.
Arlington Transportation Partners can help you not only conceptualize your updated strategy, but we can also guide you through its implementation.
Photo Credit: Sam Kittner/Kittner.com for Arlington Transportation Partners
