WOODBRIDGE, Va. — The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission is 30 years old.
The transit agency that operates OmniRide and OmniLink buses in Prince William County, as well as plays a role in Virginia Railway Express, held a celebration on October 8 to mark the occasion, at the PRTC Transit Center in Woodbridge.
Former Virginia Delegate David Brickley, who sponsored PRTC’s founding legislation, talks about the history of the agency during its 30th-anniversary celebration. Joining him (l –r) were Eric Marx, PRTC Interim Executive Director, and PRTC Board Chairman Frank J. Principi.
From Interim Executive Director Eric Marx:
PRTC celebrated its 30th anniversary earlier this month by hosting a community celebration with family-friendly entertainment, bus excursions and tours of the Transit Center. We didn’t invite the rainy weather, but it showed up anyway. Yes we got a little wet, but it was dry under the large tent that was temporarily placed in our parking lot.
Those who didn’t let the raindrops discourage them had a fun time watching the talented young folks who performed in our Youth Showcase, laughing with our juggler/entertainer, being amazed by many fabulous balloon art creations, taking silly photos in our photo booth, watching a police K-9 demonstration , climbing in and out of various emergency vehicles , and enjoying delicious treats from multiple food trucks.
The public was amazingly generous, donating so many non-perishables and toiletries that we were able to fill 10 good-sized boxes that will be distributed to area homeless shelters over the next week. What great timing with the holiday season just around the corner!
I want to publicly thank the many groups and individuals who made our day special:
· The elected officials and dignitaries who kicked off our celebration by recalling our 30 years of history;
· The youth groups who showed off their skills and kept us entertained;
· The Prince William County police and fire/rescue departments who brought vehicles so the children could experience them up-close;
· The county’s Public Works department, which staffed a table educating people about pests and even brought along a snake;
· The Virginia State Police who brought an explosives-sniffing K-9 for a demonstration;
· The many members of the public who helped us to celebrate our day; and
· My wonderful staff who poured their hearts and souls into planning the celebration
Among the dignitaries celebrating PRTC’s 30th anniversary were Virginia Delegate Mark Dudenhefer, Virginia Delegate Richard Anderson, Prince William County Supervisor Ruth Anderson, former Virginia Delegate David Brickley, and former Stafford County Chairman Robert Gibbons.
