On Sept. 21, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) celebrated the purchase of new buses funded by the NVTA FY2014 and FY2015-16 Programs.
In an afternoon ceremony held at the City of Fairfax City Hall, NVTA Chairman Martin E. Nohe (Prince William County Supervisor), City of Fairfax Mayor R. Scott Silverthorne, Fairfax County Board Chairman Sharon Bulova, Arlington County Board Chair Mary Hynes and PRTC Chairman John Jenkins (Prince William County Supervisor), along with NVTA members, legislators, regional leaders and local transportation agencies, celebrated the acquisition of 23 new buses that will add capacity to the transit network in our region. The Authority has programmed funding for an additional 11 buses to be purchased in the next year. This $16.5 million dollar bus investment is part of the approximately $535 million dollars in regional transportation projects programmed by the NVTA in just under two years for roadway and transit congestion reducing projects.
During his remarks, Chairman Nohe stated, “Buses are an integral part of our regional transportation network, reducing congestion; connecting people to jobs, school, shopping and recreation; and providing travel options. This purchase is part of a balanced investment in transit and roadways to ensure the most efficient and effective movement of people throughout the region.”
City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne welcomed those assembled and noted, “The CUE bus system was developed to connect students and workers at George Mason University with the City of Fairfax and Metrorail, exemplifying the type of collaboration for which this region is known. NVTA’s $3 million dollar investment will replace six buses in our fleet with larger buses, increasing capacity and removing single occupancy vehicles from the roadway.”
Chairman Nohe, Mayor Silverthorne, Chairman Bulova and Chair Hynes showcased how the Authority is helping jurisdictions and agencies expand bus service in the region:
In Prince William County (PRTC OmniRide): One new bus for $580,000 provides much-needed new direct commuter service between Gainesville, Tysons Corner and Washington, D.C.
In the city of Fairfax (CUE): six new buses for $3,000,000 replace six buses in the existing fleet with larger buses, increasing capacity and removing single occupancy vehicles from the roadway.
In Fairfax County (Fairfax Connector): 12 new buses for $12,000,000 allow for two new bus routes on regional corridors and additional service on nine existing regional routes.
In Arlington County (ART): four new buses for $1,000,000 increase north-south capacity as part of the new Silver line service, enabling commuters from the Metrorail Yellow and Blue lines, and the VRE Manassas and Fredericksburg lines, to transfer to bus routes with destinations at various points in Arlington.
By implementing regional projects, such as new buses that increase transit capacity and reduce congestion, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority continues to invest in transit and roadway solutions to ensure the most efficient and effective movement of people throughout the region. The Authority is proud to host this event as part of Try Transit Week.
