NVTC gets clearance to invest in nine bus projects along I-66 corridor

The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) will be allowed to use nearly $20 million in toll revenues to fund 13 projects that benefit commuters in the I-66 corridor, including nine that will either enhance or start new bus service.  

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) voted June 19 to allow NVTC to use the funds for the I-66 projects. 

"We appreciate the CTB's support as we fund 13 projects that will provide connections to places people want to go, add options for commuter and local bus riders, encourage ridesharing and make it easier to choose transit," said NVTC Executive Director Kate Mattice. "The projects funded through I-66 Commuter Choice will save Northern Virginia commuters approximately 485,000 hours of travel delay each year and move over 3,000 additional people through the corridor during rush hour," she said.

NVTC explained that the highly competitive application process resulted in a slate of projects that improve transit service, move more people and enhance transportation connectivity in Northern Virginia. About 87 percent of the funds, or $17 million, will support four new bus routes and improve the services of five existing bus routes. Three of the approved bus route projects will continue successful services initiated during the first I-66 Commuter Choice program launched in 2017.  The remaining 13 percent, or $2.6 million, supports transit incentives, alternative travel options and program administration. 

The new and enhanced bus service projects include:

Arlington County - Enhanced Bus Service on Metrobus 3Y: Lee Highway-Farragut Square

This project increases the peak-period frequency of Metrobus 3Y, a peak-direction route that operates between the East Falls Church Metro and downtown Washington, D.C. via Lee Highway.

Fairfax County - Enhanced Bus Service - Government Center to D.C.

This project enhances the service of the in-demand 699 on 66 bus, which runs from the Fairfax County Government Center to major employment areas in Washington, D.C. including the George Washington University campus, U.S. Department of State, and the World Bank. By adding three morning and three evening peak-direction trips to the existing 10 trips in each direction per day, the project offers commuters more travel choices. 

Fairfax County - New Bus Service - Stringfellow to L'Enfant Plaza

This project will fund the purchase of six new buses and operating costs for new express bus service from the Stringfellow Park and Ride to L’Enfant Plaza in Washington, D.C. The route will feature 10 morning and 10 evening peak-direction trips and provide access to major employment areas in Washington, D.C. including federal agencies along the National Mall and Seventh Street SW.    

Loudoun County - Enhanced Bus Service - Stone Ridge to D.C.

This project will fund operating costs to run two additional morning and two additional evening peak-direction buses from the Stone Ridge Park and Ride lot to major employment areas Washington, D.C. including the State Department and the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.     

Loudoun County - New Bus Service - Stone Ridge to Pentagon

This project will fund operating costs for new express bus service from the Stone Ridge II Park and Ride lot to the Pentagon and capital costs for a new bus. This service enhances connectivity as riders can access multiple Metrorail lines, other regional bus providers and government shuttle routes at the Pentagon. The route will feature two morning and two evening peak-direction trips.     

Loudoun County - New Bus Service - Purcellville to D.C. 

This project will fund the purchase of a new bus and support operating costs for new express bus service from the Purcellville Park and Ride lot to major employment areas in Downtown Washington, D.C. including the State Department and the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. The route will feature one morning and one evening peak-direction trip.    

PRTC/OmniRide - Enhanced Bus Service - Gainesville to D.C.

This project will fund the purchase of two new buses and operating costs to run two additional morning and two additional evening peak-direction buses between the Cushing Road Gainesville Commuter Lot and major employment areas in Washington, D.C. including the State Department, the World Bank and the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. 

PRTC/OmniRide - Enhanced Bus Service - Gainesville to Pentagon

Funded in the inaugural year of the Commuter Choice program, this project supports and enhances the Gainesville to Pentagon OmniRide Express bus, which averages 300 daily riders. The route enhances connectivity as riders can access multiple Metrorail lines, other regional bus providers and government shuttle routes at the Pentagon. Funds will cover the purchase of three new buses and add eight trips to the route.     

PRTC/OmniRide - New Bus Service - Haymarket to Rosslyn

This project will fund a new express bus service between the Haymarket Park and Ride lot and the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor. Completed in December 2018, this new lot offers 230 parking spaces and access to buses that connect to the Ballston, Clarendon, Courthouse, and Rosslyn Metrorail stations and the Arlington campus of George Mason University. 

NVTC previously funded 25 projects, totaling $21.8 million in the I-66 corridor. I-66 Commuter Choice, a 40-year partnership between the Commonwealth and NVTC, is designed to move more people, enhance transportation connectivity, improve transit service, reduce roadway congestion and increase travel options for commuters in the corridor.