Woodbridge, Va. –– As gas prices rise and the demands on local transit agencies increase, one commuter bus operator says it’ll be tough to add more services.
Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Director Alfred H. Harf says trips on OmniRide commuter buses from Washington to Prince William County are filling up, particularly in the afternoons, but with every bus they own in service there is little they can do about the crowded conditions.
“PRTC cannot buy or lease more buses without additional funding from Prince William County and, given the current economic climate, that’s simply not possible…Even if PRTC had more buses, there is little money in the current budget to pay for the staffing, fuel and other costs necessary to run additional bus trips,” said Harf.
The director is also quick to point out that PRTC isn’t making a profit off of the increased ridership, noting fares cover just 56 percent of the total cost of operations and just 10 percent on local OmniLink buses.
His comments come as gas prices in the region average $3.89 per gallon, and are expected to increase to $4 per gallon.
Harf suggested riders take later trips, try working from home or teleworking, and to use Slug system where cars with three or more occupants can ride free on the High Occupancy Vehicle lanes on Interstates 95 and 395.
He also addressed the recent commuter parking challenge as of late, after Potomac Mills mall on Valentine’s Day slashed the number of commuter parking spaces there from 750 to 250.
The lot was popular among Slugs because of its proximity to Interstate 95.
Harf reminded riders a newly expanded, 600-space commuter lot is going to be built near the Horner Road lot off Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge, and that PRTC on May 2 will begin running shuttle service between the crowded Horner Road commuter lot at the newly created commuter lot at the First Baptist Church of Woodbridge at Prince William Parkway and Minnieville Road.
“The ride will be free for those transferring from another OmniRide bus or $1.20 for others payable with cash or SmarTrip card. Shuttles will leave Horner Road at 7:05 p.m., 7:26 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and arrive at First Baptist approximately 10 minutes later. This shuttle service will use buses that normally would be going out of service for the night, and will cost PRTC just $15,000 annually thanks to the creative use of resources,” said Harf.
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