bus | FFXnow - Part 6

Transportation officials suggest upgrading popular Metrobus route ahead of Route 7 BRT

Published June 25, 2024 at 10:15AM | Updated June 26, 2024 at 9:43AM

Metrobus 28A going to Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

With Route 7 still years away from getting a bus rapid transit (BRT) system, regional transportation planners want to improve Metro’s existing service in the corridor from Tysons to Alexandria.

In response to feedback suggesting the process could be sped up, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) is developing a strategic implementation plan that considers short-term enhancements for Metrobus 28A, even as it keeps studying how to eventually convert the route into a higher-capacity, higher-frequency BRT.

News

Monument Drive commuter garage to begin operations this Saturday

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published June 17, 2024 at 11:30AM | Updated August 1, 2024 at 10:15AM

A Fairfax Connector bus at the new Monument Drive Commuter Parking Garage and Transit Center (via Fairfax County's Channel 16)

Commuters in the Fairfax Corner and Fair Oaks area will soon have a brand-new facility where they can park their car or bicycle before catching a bus or rideshare.

The Monument Drive Commuter Parking Garage will become operational this Saturday, June 22, following a ribbon cutting on Thursday (June 20), according to a Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) spokesperson.

Countywide

County requests federal funding for hybrid and diesel Fairfax Connector buses

By James Jarvis

Published May 17, 2024 at 11:30AM

Fairfax Connector (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) has the green light to apply for a federal grant to replace dozens of buses in its Fairfax Connector fleet.

However, none of the new buses will be all-electric, despite the county’s earlier pledges to electrify its fleet of vehicles.

Countywide

Fairfax Connector proposes bus service changes, fare hike

By Jamie Rogers

Published May 16, 2024 at 10:30AM | Updated July 10, 2024 at 4:45PM

The side of a Fairfax Connector bus (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax Connector is gathering public input on a plan to adjust bus service while increasing fares by 12.5%.

The Connector is increasing its base fare from $2 to $2.25 and express fares from $4.25 to $4.80 to match Metrobus fares, which will increase in an effort by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to address a budget shortfall.

News

FCPS and local elected officials celebrate roll out of 42 new electric buses

By James Jarvis

Published April 17, 2024 at 3:45PM | Updated April 17, 2024 at 4:39PM

FCPS School Board Chair Karl Frisch speaks at Lorton Station Elementary School (staff photo by James Jarvis)

(Updated at 4:45 p.m.) Local elected officials, including Rep. Gerry Connolly, gathered in Lorton on Wednesday to celebrate the introduction of 42 new electric buses to the division’s fleet.

These buses, which were funded by a $16.5 million federal grant announced in January, join the 18 electric buses already in operation. Although the division currently operates over 1,600 diesel buses, county officials emphasized that these new electric buses mark the start of a larger transition.

Countywide

UPDATED: Fairfax Connector strike ends as union members approve new contract

By Angela Woolsey

Published March 5, 2024 at 8:40PM | Updated March 6, 2024 at 9:47PM

Fairfax Connector workers represented by ATU Local 689 strike outside the West Ox Bus Facility (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Updated at 9:45 p.m. on 3/6/2024 — Fairfax Connector workers with ATU Local 689 voted today (Wednesday) to ratify a new contract with bus operator Transdev, ending a 15-day strike, the union announced.

The bus system will officially resume service on Friday (March 8), according to Transdev and the Fairfax County Department of Transportation.

News

FCPD: Boy injured in crash on Gallows Road involving Metrobus

By Angela Woolsey

Published March 4, 2024 at 11:00AM | Updated March 4, 2024 at 11:22AM

Gallows Road and Anderson Road in Merrifield (via Google Maps)

(Updated at 11:20 a.m.) A boy was taken to the hospital yesterday (Sunday) after a crash near Inova Fairfax Hospital.

The Fairfax County Police Department reported at 6:32 p.m. that officers were on scene of a crash involving a sedan and a bus on Gallows Road at Anderson Road in Merrifield.

Countywide

Poll: Have you been affected by the lack of Fairfax Connector service?

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 27, 2024 at 9:30AM | Updated February 27, 2024 at 10:32AM

Fairfax Connector buses parked at the West Ox Bus Facility (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

(Updated at 10:30 a.m.) Fairfax Connector is now in its sixth consecutive day without service, as workers continue their strike for better pay, benefits and working conditions.

More than 600 bus drivers and mechanics ceased working last Thursday (Feb. 22) when their union — Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689 — called for a strike after months of negotiations with Transdev, the private company that operates Fairfax Connector, for a new labor contract to replace one that expired on Nov. 30.

Countywide

FCPS pushes forward with plan to push back middle school start times

By Acacia James

Published February 26, 2024 at 3:30PM

Fairfax County Public Schools bus on the road (file photo)

The Fairfax County School Board is moving ahead with its plan to change middle school start times.

According to Fairfax County Public Schools, research has shown that later start times could positively influence student academic performance and mental and emotional well-being.

Countywide

Striking Fairfax Connector workers demand better benefits and support from contractor

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 23, 2024 at 10:30AM | Updated February 23, 2024 at 3:54PM

Fairfax Connector workers represented by ATU Local 689 are on strike (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Updated at 3:55 p.m. — Fairfax Connector service will stay suspended at least through this weekend (Feb. 24-25) as drivers and mechanics continue their strike, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation has announced.

FCDOT says it “expects negotiations to continue in good faith with the goal of completing a new contract very soon.”