Area transit services will operate on a normal schedule if there is a shutdown of the federal government on Monday.
Virginia Railway Express says 35 percent of its riders are not federal employees and will continue to run trains on a regular schedule.
The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission’s OmniRide commuter bus service will continue to operate on a regular schedule on Monday and Tuesday, but ridership will be evaluated and necessary adjustments made on Wednesday morning.
“We plan to operate regular service for OmniRide commuter buses on Monday and Tuesday because many of our passengers do not work for the federal government and because other passengers who do work for the federal government will be deemed ‘essential’ personnel who are expected to report to work as usual. Also, we understand that some federal agencies will have their employees come in for up to four hours on Monday morning to close up shop,” said PRTC spokeswoman Christine Rodrigo.
Passengers who subscribe to OmniRide’s Rider Express email service will automatically be notified of any schedule changes that may be implemented Wednesday. Riders can also call 703-730-6664 for more information about scheduling.
Fairfax County Connector buses will also run on a normal schedule Monday despite any federal closure, the agency stated Friday.
The potential government shutdown would affect essentially stop paychecks for federal workers, contractors, and would close all of the National Parks.
It also means U.S. military service men and women and Department of Defense workers would not be paid until congress and the president come to an agreement on a funding measure.
If a funding bill is not passed by midnight to avert a shutdown, active duty and reserve military personnel will be paid what they earned prior to the shutdown, which amounts to about half of their normal mid-month paycheck, according to Defense Finance and Accounting Service.
Any shutdown would not affect payments made to those retired from the military.
