public transportation

FCDOT seeks input on bus route changes in Springfield area, including new Tysons service

Published September 16, 2026 at 9:15AM

A Fairfax Connector bus passes Springfield Plaza (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is considering a number of service changes for its Fairfax Connector bus system next spring, including cutting four routes due to low ridership and adding new limited-stop service between the Tysons and Franconia-Springfield Metro stations.

In advance of the service changes, which are concentrated in the Franconia and Springfield area, FCDOT will host two virtual community information meetings: one on Sept. 23 at noon, and another on the same day at 7 p.m. Residents can also leave feedback via an online survey that will be open through Sept. 30.

Countywide

Fairfax Connector, CUE see drops in ridership despite broader N. Va. transit growth

By Scott McCaffrey

Published September 9, 2026 at 9:15AM | Updated September 10, 2026 at 11:13AM

A Fairfax Connector bus on Scotts Crossing Road in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Local bus networks serving both Fairfax County and Fairfax City posted year-over-year passenger declines in fiscal year 2026, even as transit usage increased more broadly across Northern Virginia.

Fairfax Connector saw a drop of 1.1% and Fairfax City’s CUE service was down 4.5%, according to data from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation as analyzed by FFXnow.

Countywide

Fairfax Connector launches free fare program, increasing help for some lower-income riders

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published August 31, 2026 at 9:15AM

A Fairfax Connector bus on International Drive at Chain Bridge Road in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Some Fairfax Connector riders may now be able to ride free, thanks to help from new state funding, the county bus system announced last Thursday (Aug. 27).

The Connector will offer a new Transit Ridership Incentive Program, called TRIP100, offering 100% off fares to eligible riders, up from the 50% discount previously provided.

News

Track work on Metro’s Orange Line will reduce service in Fairfax this weekend

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 24, 2026 at 1:45PM

Commuters exit an Orange Line train during a weekday rush hour at the Vienna Metro station (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Head’s up to Fairfax County travelers: Metro rides into D.C. might take longer than usual this weekend due to planned track work.

Orange Line trains will single track between the Vienna and West Falls Church stations tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday (July 26), the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced earlier this week.

News

Fairfax City seeks voter referendum on sales tax to fund school improvements

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published July 20, 2026 at 10:00AM

Fairfax City Hall (staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

Fairfax City voters will decide in November whether to approve a general retail sales tax increase of up to 1% that could generate up to $13.5 million to fund construction projects and long-term maintenance of the city’s schools.

The Fairfax City Council voted unanimously last Tuesday (July 14) to request that the Fairfax Circuit Court order a special election on Nov. 3 asking voters whether the city should levy the tax. Long sought by the city, the ability to implement the sales tax was authorized by the General Assembly’s new state budget late last month.

Countywide

Lawmakers weigh merging Northern Virginia transit agencies to cut costs

By Nathaniel Cline / Virginia Mercury

Published June 23, 2026 at 1:45PM

A Fairfax Connector bus in Reston Station (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Virginia lawmakers want to examine consolidating Northern Virginia’s transit agencies to assess potential cost savings and service improvements.

The proposal, which is included in the two-year budget lawmakers passed Monday, directs the Department of Rail and Public Transportation to include in its report not only the cost savings and long-term financial impacts of merging multiple systems, but also how potential changes would affect riders through fare structures, service reliability and accessibility.

Countywide

Plan for dedicated Metro funding wins support from key D.C. region leaders

By Scott McCaffrey

Published November 17, 2025 at 3:45PM | Updated November 17, 2025 at 4:06PM

Boarding a Metro train at the Vienna Metro station (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A plan to upgrade Metro’s service and long-term sustainability by establishing dedicated funding for the transit system won backing Monday afternoon (Nov. 17) from two key panels.

The boards of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) each formally endorsed the funding plan laid out in late October by the DMV Moves Task Force at a joint meeting.

Countywide

Fairfax Connector celebrates 40 years, salutes those who keep the buses running

By Scott McCaffrey

Published October 2, 2025 at 9:15AM | Updated October 2, 2025 at 3:57PM

Commemorative design on Fairfax Connector bus (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

As county and regional leaders gathered yesterday (Wednesday) to mark the 40th anniversary of the Fairfax Connector bus service, nearly everyone wanted to get a photo taken with John Ashford.

Ashford was one of the original drivers when the local bus system began operations in September 1985, and he remains behind the wheel today.

Countywide

How the Metrobus overhaul, launching Sunday, will affect Fairfax service

By Vernon Miles and Angela Woolsey

Published June 27, 2025 at 3:00PM

A sign posted to a light pole in Fairfax City notifies Metrobus riders of the upcoming Better Bus Network launch (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Metro’s first major overhaul of its bus network in decades is set to take effect this coming Sunday (June 29).

Approved by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Board of Directors last November, the Better Bus Network redesign will introduce revised routes and new signage, while also eliminating a number of stops.

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.