Email signup

Fairfax Connector proposes new bus service in I-66 corridor using future parking garages

Fairfax Connector bus to Springfield (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax Connector is shaking up its service along the I-66 corridor in anticipation of two major parking facilities finishing construction later this year.

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation has proposed adding or revising almost 30 routes in Tysons, Vienna, Springfield, Chantilly and Centreville, as it seeks to incorporate the upcoming Springfield and Monument Drive garages into its bus system.

According to FCDOT, the changes will improve travel throughout the D.C. region, with the Monument Commuter Parking Garage and Transit Center in particular supporting new connections between the eastern and western sides of the county.

“By creating a transfer point at the new Monument Park-and-Ride facility, riders will have the opportunity to transfer between local routes, access regional routes, and connect to the Vienna Metrorail Station, Franconia Metrorail Station, Tysons, or…D.C.,” FCDOT said in a news release.

Shaped by two previous rounds of public engagement, the proposed service plan will be presented today (Monday) at a 7 p.m. community meeting in the Franconia Government Center (6121 Franconia Road). Virtual meetings are also scheduled for 7 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday) and Thursday (May 25).

The public can also provide input through an online survey until June 5.

Monument Drive

The $43 million Monument facility will boast 820 parking spaces, eight bus bays, a pick-up and drop-off area, and bicycle racks and storage. Located at the Government Center Parkway intersection next to Fairfax Corner, it broke ground in November 2021 as part of the I-66 widening.

FCDOT has proposed adding the facility as a stop on Route 660, a cross-county connector from the Stone Road Park & Ride in Centreville to the Tysons Metro station that launched in February.

Other notable changes involving the Monument facility include:

  • Route 605: Reston Town Center Metro station to Fair Oaks Mall
  • Route 622: Fairfax Towne Center circulator with more local links and new weekend service
  • Route 625: New route to Random Hills Road and Pender Drive
  • Route 651: New seven-day service to the Westfields, Chantilly, and Fair Ridge areas
  • Route 663: Stringfellow Road Park and Ride to the Vienna Metro station
  • Route 670: New peak express service between Chantilly and the Franconia-Springfield
    Metro station
  • Route 671: New peak service from Chantilly to the Dunn Loring Metro station

Springfield

Construction on the Springfield Community Business Center Commuter Parking Garage began in the fall of 2021, disrupting the area’s popular slug lines. The six-level facility will have about 1,000 parking spaces, a transit center with seven bus bays, commuter spaces for slugging, a pick-up and drop-off area, and bicycle storage.

Costing an estimated $63.81 million, the project will also add community event and gathering areas as well as a pedestrian bridge over Old Keene Mill Road to Springfield Plaza.

FCDOT has proposed realigning five routes to serve the new garage, which is expected to be completed in December:

  • Route 310: Rolling Valley Park & Ride to Huntington Metro
  • Routes 321 and 322: Franconia Metro to Van Dorn Street Metro
  • Route 393: Saratoga Park & Ride to Pentagon Metro station
  • Route 396: Backlick North Park & Ride to Pentagon Metro

Tysons/Vienna

The most eye-catching proposal for the Tysons area is a Route 798 that would provide express, rush-hour service from the Tysons Metro station to Bethesda — a route also envisioned by Metro.

The buses would utilize the extended I-495 Express Lanes, though with Maryland’s Capital Beltway widening in limbo, it remains to be seen exactly how “express” the service will be.

Other changes include a new Route 427 between the Spring Hill Metro station and McLean Governmental Center and improved frequency in Central Tysons (Route 423), Vienna and Oakton (Route 461), and Vienna to Tysons Metro stations (Route 463).

Recent Stories

Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or Laura@GuidingYourMove.com. If…

Fairfax County’s child welfare system has seen abuse and neglect cases surge over the past year, taxing the dozens of volunteers charged with advocating for those children in foster care…

Another race is in the mix of Reston’s racing options: the Women’s Training Festival 5K. On June 25 at 9 a.m., women will take part in the event, which is…

Robeks, a smoothie franchise, is officially open in West Springfield. Located in Cardinal Forest Plaza (8324B Old Knee Mill Road), the location includes smoothies, juices, açaí bowls and toasts, according…

The Dragons Concord is now open at 11215L Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030! After some delays with construction, we’ve finally opened our doors and are accepting tabletop gamers of all types to come down and enjoy our tailored gaming space.

We have 7 tables exclusively dedicated to TTRPG and Miniature wargaming, including 3 custom gaming tables in their own private, themed gaming rooms. This isn’t the normal game store and while we do have a selection of harder to find retail in the back, our focus is on providing play space and gaming services such as an active roster of storytellers with regular scheduled games you can book through our website or Meetup (www.meetup.com/dragons-concord-gaming).

If you’ve been wanting to get into tabletop or miniature gaming, but haven’t because you couldn’t find a group or a comfortable place to play, come down and check us out!

Submit your own Community Post here.

Are you seeking a confidential space where you can explore your emotions, overcome challenges, and find inner peace? Look no further than our dedicated psychotherapy service! We understand that life can be overwhelming at times, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

At Peaceful Mind Solutions, our passion lies in helping individuals like you navigate life’s complexities and find the strength to thrive. Our skilled and compassionate therapist is committed to creating a warm, non-judgmental environment where you can express your thoughts and feelings openly. With our personalized approach, we tailor each session to address your unique needs and empower you to overcome obstacles.

Through evidence-based techniques and a deep understanding of the human mind, our therapist will guide you on a transformative journey of self-discovery. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply seeking personal growth, we’re here to provide guidance and practical tools for lasting change.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Army Birthday Festival – Free and Fun

Make Saturday, June 10, 2023 a great day!

Come celebrate the Army Birthday Festival at the National Museum of the U.S. Army from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Rain or Shine!

• Experience outdoor and indoor fun activities, for all

Unveiling of West Ford historical highway marker

Gum Springs will be celebrating 190 years of its founding by freedman West Ford on Saturday, June 17, 2023. To kick-off the celebration, there will be an unveiling of a Virginia historical highway marker for West Ford on Fordson Road

×

Subscribe to our mailing list