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.
Recent Stories
Northern Virginia could face more than 400 hours of power outages a year by 2030, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Energy, raising alarms about the region’s ability to keep up with the explosive growth of artificial intelligence and data centers.
The folks at Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation just told Potomac Local News that hikers now have more to explore at Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve in Stafford. A 1.2-mile extension to the popular Boykin’s Landing Trail is officially open—bringing the total length from Raven Road to 4.4 miles.
The folks at OmniRide just told Potomac Local News they’re rolling out schedule and route changes starting Sunday, August 10—and if you ride the bus in Woodbridge or Lake Ridge, this could affect your commute.
A Manassas man was killed Saturday evening in a fiery crash on I-66 westbound near the Fairfax County Parkway, and state police are still investigating what led to the collision.
SAVE THE DATE
September 11, 2025
Location: Sport Rock Climbing Center
9811 Washingtonian Blvd Ste 300, Gaithersburg, Md 20878
We’re excited to share that Molly’s Dog Care has officially opened its doors at 8525 Chevy Chase Lake Terrace, Suite 302, Chevy Chase, MD 20815!
Whether you’re looking for dog daycare, overnight boarding, grooming, or training, our experienced team is here to provide a safe, loving, and enriching environment for your furry family members. Our services are designed with your dog’s happiness and well-being in mind because at Molly’s, we treat every pup like our own.
A Message from Owner Aaron DeVane:
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
