OmniRide

News

OmniRide Expansion Marks New Era Following State Law Change

By Uriah Kiser

OmniRide, the public transit agency operated by the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), is entering a new era of service expansion thanks to a newly passed state law.

The passage of Senate Bill 1317, unanimously approved by the Virginia General Assembly and currently awaiting the Governor’s signature, officially grants PRTC the authority to expand transit service beyond its founding jurisdictions. The move clears the path for the agency’s recent expansion into Front Royal, in Warren County, marking the first time PRTC has offered service outside its original member localities.

Go to OmniRide Expansion Marks New Era Following State Law Change Read more
News

COG Director: Don’t Expect Metro to Expand to Prince William Anytime Soon

By Uriah Kiser
Clark Mercer, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

Despite renewed interest in expanding Metro to Prince William County, the region’s top transportation planner says it’s unlikely anytime soon.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to COG Director: Don’t Expect Metro to Expand to Prince William Anytime Soon Read more
News

OmniRide Sees Ridership Surge, But Funding Challenges Loom

By Uriah Kiser
An OmniRide transit bus parked near a bus stop

The is experiencing a surge in ridership, with a 36% increase in February compared to January, despite one fewer service day. Early data from March indicates the trend is continuing, with ridership levels already outpacing previous weeks.

The boost in ridership was discussed at the March 6 Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) meeting and has been particularly strong on express routes, following a pattern seen across the region. Southern commuter routes, including Route 611 (Front Royal-Gainesville-Washington), Route 612 (Warrenton-Gainesville-Pentagon-L’Enfant Plaza-Navy Yard), and Route 622 (Haymarket-Rosslyn/Ballston), recorded their highest monthly ridership total yet, surpassing 11,000 trips combined.

Go to OmniRide Sees Ridership Surge, But Funding Challenges Loom Read more
Press Release

OmniRide Bus Catches Fire on I-95 in Woodbridge After Flat Tire

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Prince William Professional Firefighters Facebook Page]

The incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. on March 4, 2025, when OmniRide coach number 3005, returning to Washington, D.C., after dropping off passengers in Spotsylvania County, experienced a flat tire. There were no passengers on board at the time.

According to OmniRide, the bus operator safely pulled over and contacted dispatch for further instructions. However, the flat tire wrapped around the axle and began to smoke, ultimately leading to a fire that spread throughout the vehicle. By the time fire services arrived, the coach was engulfed in flames.

Go to OmniRide Bus Catches Fire on I-95 in Woodbridge After Flat Tire Read more
Fredericksburg

Commuting Resurgence in the Region: Increased Demand for Ridesharing Services

By Uriah Kiser
Looking south along the I-95 E-ZPass Express Lanes near Springfield. [Photo courtesy of Transurban]

Surge in Commuting Demand

According to GWRC’s Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program, GWRideConnect, inquiries about ridesharing options have increased substantially. Commuters from Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford are turning to ride-sharing to ease their daily travel.

Go to Commuting Resurgence in the Region: Increased Demand for Ridesharing Services Read more
Breaking News

OmniRide Adjusts Service for January 7, FXBGO! Suspends Operations

By Uriah Kiser

 

OmniRide has announced adjusted operations for Tuesday, January 7, in response to anticipated inclement weather conditions. Fredericksburg Regional Transit (FXBGO!) has also confirmed the suspension of all transit services on Monday, January 6, due to the weather, with plans to resume operations on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Go to OmniRide Adjusts Service for January 7, FXBGO! Suspends Operations Read more
News

OmniRide Announces Service Changes Effective December 9

By Dalila Conde

OmniRide will introduce significant service changes starting Monday, December 9, affecting all Express, Metro Express, and Local routes.

As part of these updates, the organization will begin serving the newly opened Neabsco Commuter Garage in Woodbridge, replacing the OmniRide Transit Center for several routes. Additionally, two western Express routes will be extended: the Gainesville-Washington route will now originate in Front Royal, and the Gainesville-Pentagon-L’Enfant Plaza-Navy Yard route will start in Warrenton. However, the Gainesville-Dulles/Herndon/Reston route will be discontinued.

Go to OmniRide Announces Service Changes Effective December 9 Read more
Prince William

Prince William County Unveils First-Ever Parking Garage in Woodbridge

By Uriah Kiser
Prince William County officials celebrate the opening the Neabsco Parking Garage in Woodbridge in November 2024.

Prince William County officials celebrated a milestone today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new six-level parking garage in Woodbridge.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to Prince William County Unveils First-Ever Parking Garage in Woodbridge Read more
Manassas

OmniRide Reports Steady Growth in Ridership, Despite Challenges

By Uriah Kiser

The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) has announced a sustained increase in ridership through August 2024, reflecting a growing reliance on public transit amid various operational challenges, including service reductions and fare adjustments.

In August 2024, PRTC experienced an average daily ridership of 2,753 passengers, a 22% increase compared to last year. This rise comes despite significant service cuts implemented at the end of July and a $2 fare increase at the start of the month. Even a tropical storm at the beginning of August failed to significantly deter passengers, underscoring the essential role of PRTC in the daily lives of many in the region, said OmniRide CEO Dr. Robert A. “Bob” Schneider.

Go to OmniRide Reports Steady Growth in Ridership, Despite Challenges Read more
View More Stories