transit | FFXnow

County to seek $463 million in regional funds to boost Route 1 bus project

Published October 7, 2025 at 3:45PM

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)

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors authorized a number of procedural steps last Tuesday (Sept. 30) to advance plans for the nearly billion-dollar Richmond Highway bus rapid transit (BRT) initiative known as The One.

In actions combined into a larger consent agenda approval, supervisors formally requested Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) funding to support the project and scheduled an upcoming public hearing to address the acquisition of easements from property owners along the route.

Countywide

Metro looks to improve bus service after reliability dropped last year

By Scott McCaffrey

Published September 16, 2025 at 8:30AM

A Metrobus in Seven Corners (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

On-time Metrobus performance declined in fiscal year 2025 from the previous two years, leading transit leaders to plan more aggressive moves to keep the buses on schedule.

“We’ll be focusing on things in our direct control,” said Jordan Holt, senior director of performance, benchmarking and customer service at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) at the Sept. 11 meeting of WMATA’s safety and operations committee.

News

Bus rapid transit could be coming to Herndon, but dedicated bus lanes are unlikely

By Vernon Miles

Published September 15, 2025 at 11:45AM | Updated September 15, 2025 at 4:02PM

BRT designs being considered for Herndon (image via Town of Herndon)

Herndon may be getting bus rapid transit, but plans presented to the Herndon Town Council show it might look a little different from the rest of the region.

Bus rapid transit (BRT) involves some form of dedicated bus lanes and other systems designed to prioritize transit on major roadways with the goal of making bus transportation more appealing.

Countywide

N. Va. leaders fear potential changes could reduce state funding for region’s transit

By Scott McCaffrey

Published September 9, 2025 at 10:00AM

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

Northern Virginia leaders are hoping changes to statewide transit funding policy don’t hurt the bottom line for local bus systems.

“We’re beginning to understand some of the proposed changes that are being examined,” Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) Executive Director Kate Mattice said at the body’s Sept. 4 board meeting.

Countywide

Metro unveils possible new train designs for public vote

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 18, 2025 at 1:45PM

Proposed exterior design options for Metro's upcoming 8000-series rail cars (via WMATA)

While regional leaders continue to discuss a path forward for funding transit, Metro is turning to the public for help on deciding a look for its newest trains.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) unveiled three options today (Monday) for the exterior design of its incoming 8000-series rail fleet, which is expected to arrive next year.

Around Town

MetroFest to celebrate transit at Vienna station this weekend

By Jared Serre

Published July 23, 2025 at 8:30AM

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

Metro’s summer celebration will be held in Vienna this weekend.

Transit fans of all ages can indulge in a variety of WMATA-themed activities at MetroFest on Saturday (July 26), providing them a behind-the-scenes look at the D.C. region’s largest public transportation provider.

News

Federal workforce changes create questions for newly approved VRE 2050 growth plan

By Scott McCaffrey

Published July 22, 2025 at 3:45PM

Virginia Railway Express station tracks and platform in Alexandria (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Virginia Railway Express (VRE) now has a road map taking it to mid-century. How many detours and speed bumps there might be along the way remains to be seen.

The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) voted 19-0 on July 17 to support the “VRE System Plan 2050,” replacing a plan adopted in 2014 that looked as far out at 2040.

Countywide

Busy travel period expected on roads, rails and airplanes for Independence Day

By Scott McCaffrey

Published July 2, 2025 at 8:30AM

Traffic on Route 28 in Chantilly near the Route 50 interchange (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

For Fairfax County residents preparing to make a getaway for the Independence Day holiday, planning ahead could ease hassles no matter the mode of travel.

Here’s what to expect if you’re traveling for the extended weekend, from driver and airplane passenger projections to Metro and bus service impacts.

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

New data suggests increased flooding risks for D.C. region’s roads and transit systems

By Scott McCaffrey

Published June 23, 2025 at 1:45PM

Vehicles drive through accumulating rainwater on Maple Avenue in Vienna in January 2024 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The D.C. region’s roads and other transportation infrastructure is more at risk from future flooding than previously thought, a new analysis found.

The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) outlined its findings to leaders of member jurisdictions, including Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn and Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw representing Fairfax County, at a meeting last Wednesday (June 18).