Bill To Limit Tolls on Dulles Greenway Passes In Virginia Senate

ASHBURN, VA — A bill has passed that will require new criteria for any future toll increases on the Dulles Greenway in Loudoun County. The bill still needs to pass in the House before heading to the governor's desk for approval.

The bill was sponsored in the Virginia Senate by Sen. John Bell, who represents parts of Loudoun and Prince William counties. The bill will require the Dulles Greenway's operators to receive approval from the Virginia Department of Transportation before instituting any toll increases.

The language of the bill specifies that any future tolls on the Dulles Greenway "must be reasonable, not materially discourage use of the roadway, and provide the operator no more than a reasonable return," according to Senator Bell's office.

The bill notes that a toll increase that fails to meet any of the criteria is subject to rejection from the State Corporation Commission.

"This is a big win today for Loudoun County and Northern Virginia commuters. Passing this legislation would not have been possible without the support of the Loudoun delegation and the Loudoun County of Board of Supervisors," said Senator John Bell in a press release. "We have been working on this issue for a long time, and I’m proud that we were able to come together and achieve bipartisan support on this important issue facing our region."

The bill passed through the Virginia Senate on a 32-5 vote. It has also received support from the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, according to Senator Bell's press release. The bill will now be heard in the Virginia House of Delegates.

In his press release, Senator Bell was optimistic about the bill's future. "I look forward to passing this bill through the House and finally bringing relief to Northern Virginia commuters."

The Dulles Greenway is owned and operated by Toll Road Investors Partnership II, and covers 14 miles of road from the Dulles airport to the town of Leesburg.