Fairfax Connector | FFXnow

UPDATED: Police identify man behind alleged bus driver assault in Lorton

Published July 11, 2025 at 3:45PM | Updated July 21, 2025 at 2:46PM

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

Updated — An 18-year-old man from Lorton has been charged with aggravated malicious wounding for allegedly assaulting a Fairfax Connector bus driver earlier this month.

The Fairfax County Police Department announced on July 21 that Javantai Johnson was identified as the man behind the assault based on a community tip. He was arrested on Saturday, July 19 in Stone Ridge with help from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and is now in custody at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond.

Countywide

N. Va. leaders: More funding is not guaranteed for proposed Metro improvement plan

By Scott McCaffrey

Published June 9, 2025 at 2:45PM

Electronic display shows a system map at the Vienna Metro station (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Northern Virginia political leaders at the local and state levels seem to have a firm dollar figure associated with the proposal to improve Metro service across the region. There remains a question, however, regarding whether they’ll be able to come up with the funding.

The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) is preparing to adopt a resolution on July 17 acknowledging that Virginia will need to commit an additional $153 million in fiscal year 2027 to implement operational upgrades and keep the transit system on track.

Countywide

D.C.-area leaders support more bus-system collaboration, but remain uneasy over specifics

By Scott McCaffrey

Published May 21, 2025 at 11:45AM

A Metrobus at the Tysons Metro station (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

D.C.-area leaders continue to find common ground elusive when it comes to increased collaboration between the region’s bus systems.

While the possibility of merging all local bus systems has already been taken off the table, the DMV Moves task force is still searching for the sweet spot where systems could work better among themselves and with Metrobus.

News

FCDOT credits Monument Drive transit center with jump in I-66 bus ridership

By Vernon Miles

Published May 15, 2025 at 3:45PM

Monument Drive Transit Center (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

The Monument Drive Transit Center is a fairly grandiose name for what’s basically a large parking garage and bus stop, but as the facility approaches its one-year anniversary, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation credits the facility for an uptick in bus ridership along I-66.

The $43 million facility launched at 12113 Government Center Parkway near Fairfax Corner last June with 820 free parking spaces, electric vehicle charging stations, a secure bike room and bike racks. It connects to a large roundabout for buses that serve 13 Fairfax Connector routes and two Metrobus routes.

News

Richmond Highway BRT, other bus lines set to receive regional transit funding

By Scott McCaffrey

Published May 5, 2025 at 11:45AM | Updated May 5, 2025 at 2:03PM

Residents attend an in-person update on the Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project at the Gerry South Hyland Government Center on Jan. 15, 2025 (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Fairfax County’s plan to finance a nearly billion-dollar bus rapid transit (BRT) network along Richmond Highway is about to get another boost.

In June, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) is expected to support an additional $10 million in funding for the project. It would be the second installment in a $20 million promise to help the county finance the new bus system.

Countywide

D.C.-area transit task force pumps brakes on suggested local bus systems merger

By Scott McCaffrey

Published March 31, 2025 at 11:15AM

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

Finding better ways for bus networks across Northern Virginia to better collaborate seems to be a priority for local representatives on the DMV Moves task force.

However, the possibility of consolidating the disparate systems into one appeared to be a non-starter, especially for Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay.

Countywide

More clarity on funding options for Metro and other transit expected this month

By Scott McCaffrey

Published March 13, 2025 at 9:00AM

Metrobus (staff photo by James Jarvis)

By the end of this month, local residents should have a better idea of options on the table, as regional leaders attempt to find dedicated funding streams for transit service in the D.C. area.

“We do expect information to be shared” at the next meeting of the DMV Moves task force, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) Executive Director Kate Mattice told the commission’s board at a meeting last Thursday (March 6).

News

Fairfax mulls providing free Metrobus rides to more high school students

By Scott McCaffrey

Published February 26, 2025 at 9:00AM

A Metrobus at the Tysons Metro station (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County transportation planners are considering enabling more secondary schools to participate in a program giving students free Metrobus rides in Northern Virginia.

Five schools have been identified as potential expansion sites to the program, which already is in place at Justice, Annandale, Falls Church and George C. Marshall high schools and the Davis Center.

Countywide

See how snow amounts from Monday’s storm varied across Fairfax County

By Angela Woolsey

Published January 7, 2025 at 10:45AM | Updated January 7, 2025 at 11:09AM

Snow covers a fire hydrant on Park Street in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Snowfall estimates from yesterday’s storm are in, suggesting experiences varied drastically across Fairfax County.

On the low end, residents in the northwestern area of the county, including Herndon, saw approximately 5.9 to 6.1 inches of snow, based on unofficial observations reported at 4:39 a.m. by the National Weather Service.

Countywide

Photos: FCPS cancels classes again as snow blankets Fairfax County

By Angela Woolsey

Published January 6, 2025 at 3:45PM | Updated January 6, 2025 at 4:38PM

Sledding on Burke hill (staff photo by Dave Facinoli)

Fairfax County students will get a second extra day of winter break.

After a midday lull, snow is starting to fall again across the D.C. area, prompting Fairfax County Public Schools to cancel classes and all activities on its grounds for tomorrow (Tuesday). School-aged child care centers are included in the closures, and all workers not designated as “essential” have been granted administrative leave again.