If you’re riding OmniRide tomorrow, get ready for some delays due to the lighting of the National Christmas Tree.
This is the official word sent out to bus riders from the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission:
This is a reminder that the National Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for the evening of Thursday, December 3, on the Ellipse near the White House. In anticipation of the extreme traffic congestion, PRTC will activate the Emergency Service Plan for the AFTERNOON/EVENING commute on December 3.
Beginning at 2 p.m., OmniRide buses will only pick up from the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station for eastern Prince Willi am County passengers and Tysons Corner Metro Station for Manassas, Gainesville and Linton Hall passengers. Midday trips meeting at the Pentagon at 12:34 p.m. will operate at the normal times along the regular routes. All other afternoon/evening trips will depart from the Metro stations. All regular drop-off stops will be served. Services from the Metro stations will continue until 7:30 p.m. except for Prince William and Manassas Metro Direct buses, which will continue operating until their last published departure time.
Bus fares will be $3.85 cash or $3.10 on your SmarTrip card.
It’s also time for PRTC’s Fall Service Change. The commuter bus operator says to expect changes to some schedules:
Timetable changes will be made to the following schedules. Routes not listed below will not change.
-Dale City – Pentagon/Crystal City – Timetable changes.
-Dale City – Navy Yard – Timetable changes.
-Lake Ridge – Pentagon/Crystal City – Timetable changes.
–Montclair – Timetable changes.
-Manassas — The route will no longer serve Williamson Boulevard. Additionally, three more AM Manassas OmniRide trips will become express trips, originating at the Portsmouth Commuter Lot. This is in addition to the three express trips on the current AM schedule.
–Woodbridge/Lake Ridge – Timepoint changes from Prince William & Hoffman to Prince William & Hillendale; timetable changes.
-Dale City – The first three weekday inbound trips will begin at Dale Blvd. & Orangewood instead of the Chinn Center. Alternate service from Chinn Center is available on Woodbridge A OmniLink. Timepoints change from Mapledale Plaza to Dale & Orangewood/Dale &Trident.
-Dumfries – First three AM weekday trips and first AM Saturday trip will begin at the Lofts instead of the 7-11 on Fuller Heights Road.
–Route 1 OmniLink – Timepoint changes from Dumfries Shopping Center to Fraley & Williamstown.
-Manassas – Timetable changes.
–Manassas Park – Timetable changes.
-Manassas Metro Direct – Timetable changes.
-Linton Hall Me tro Direct – Timetable changes.
Cross County Connector – Timetable changes.
OmniRide commuter buses provide transit services for those traveling from Prince William County and Manassas to points in Northern Virginia and Washington. OmniLink local buses provide transit services for those traveling inside Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.
