Our Vision

The Commonwealth Transportation Board's (CTB) vision, goals, and objectives guide all of our work.

They help us identify and prioritize transportation needs. They also highlight long-term risks and opportunities.

Renewing the Vision

An updated vision was released in April 2025 by the Commonwealth Transportation Board:

"Virginia’s best-in-class multimodal transportation system provides safe and reliable mobility, connects people and commerce, fosters economic growth and investment, embraces environmental stewardship, and enhances quality of life."

Guiding Principles

Our guiding principles (GP) were created from our vision. They state our beliefs and philosophy in more detail. The GPs guide VTrans' actions and approaches.

	Guiding Principles
GP1	Promote Safety, Security, and Resiliency: Provide a safe transportation system for all users that is responsive to short-term events such as weather or security emergencies and adapts effectively to long-term issues (e.g., resiliency).
GP2	Optimize Return on Investments: Implement the right solution at the right price to meet identified needs while advancing long-term prosperity and livability
GP3	Deliver Programs Efficiently: Deliver high-quality projects and programs in a cost-effective and timely manner.
GP4	Implement Operational Improvements and Demand Management First: Optimize the capacity of the transportation network by managing the demand through increased use of technology and operational improvements before investing in major capacity expansions.
GP5	Ensure Transparency, Accountability, And Promote Performance Management: Work with stakeholders in developing transportation plans and programs. Establish performance targets, measure progress, and adjust programs and policies as necessary.
GP6	Enhance Coordination Between Transportation and Land Planning: Inform and advise local governments to ensure coordination between local land planning and potential impacts on transportation.
GP7	Ensure Efficient Intermodal Connections: Provide seamless connections between modes of transportation.
GP8	Maintenance First: Maintain the current system to the agreed-upon performance standards at the lowest life-cycle cost.

Goals and Objectives

VTrans' goals support the VTrans vision. They are critical in that they:

Measure progress towards the vision.
Identify transportation needs that can help us achieve the vision.

Goal A: Transportation System Safety

Reduce fatalities and serious injuries to make the transportation network safer for the traveling public

Objectives:
A.1. Reduce the number and rate of motorized fatalities and serious injuries through implementation of the Strategic Highway Safety Plan.
A.2. Reduce the number of non-motorized fatalities and serious injuries through implementation of the Strategic Highway Safety Plan.
A.3. Reduce fatalities and serious injuries by implementing annual Safety Performance Targets in Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans.

Goal B: System Preservation

Provide well-maintained and managed transportation infrastructure and services across the Commonwealth.

Objectives:
B.1. Obtain the following outcomes through the implementation of the recommendations from VDOT’s Maintenance and Operations Comprehensive Review.
- Meet long-term sustainable pavement and bridge performance targets adopted by the Board.
- Maintain VDOT’s special structures in accordance with the annually updated 50-year special structures plan.
- Meet routine maintenance best practices performance metrics.
B.2. Ensure transit state of good repair through the prioritization of investments and implementation of performance targets in Transit Asset Management plans
B.3. Ensure transit state of good repair through the prioritization of state capital investments in public transportation.
B.4. Maximize the benefits of the Rail Preservation Fund through effective allocations to Class 2 (Shortline/Freight) and Class 3 (Passenger Rail) track improvements.

Goal C: Economic Competitiveness through Travel Time Reliability

Encourage economic competitiveness and prosperity by improving travel time reliability by minimizing congestion and considering modal options.

Objectives:
C.1. Improve travel time reliability and throughput by reducing the amount of travel that takes place in congested conditions by prioritizing performance-based investments, including operational improvements.
C.2. Improve freight throughput through the implementation of the Virginia Freight Plan and 2022 Statewide Rail Plan.
C.3. Improve transit efficiency and effectiveness by implementing system-wide and route-level performance standards established in Transit Strategic Plans and Transit Development Plans.

Goal D: Inter-Connected Systems and Services

Provide an integrated multimodal transportation system for better accessibility and travel options.

Objectives:
D.1. Create multimodal redundancy to support network resiliency by providing alternative modes of travel where appropriate.
D.2. Increase bus ridership by improving bus stop condition and accessibility.
D.3. Enhance freight rail movements to support economic development and freight fluidity for the Port of Virginia by implementing the 2022 Statewide Rail Plan.
D.4. Support economic development initiatives through investments in site accessibility.

Goal E: Environmental Stewardship

Provide transportation solutions that enhance the quality of life while preserving agricultural, natural, historical, and cultural resources.

Objectives:
E.1. Deliver transportation solutions that consider watershed impacts, habitat preservation, and required environmental regulatory review.
E.2. Implement solutions to support the attainment of National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

Last updated: September 1, 2026