The bad news: Bus fares for riders in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park will increase 5% next year.
Also, services like the Capitol Hill OmniRide route will be discontinued, and select trips and some neighborhood OmniRide routing on OmniRide routes will be eliminated. And trips on Manassas-area OmniLink service will be reduced by 25 percent.
The good news: it’s not as worse as some county transit officials feared. In January, officials painted a dire picture for the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Board of Commissioners, warning that a $9.2 million budget shortfall could end commuter bus service in the county as we know it. Instead of Washington, D.C., buses would take passengers only to Metro stations if the agency couldn’t find the operating cash in its 2017 budget.
A proposal from the Prince William County Budget Office provides $6 million to help close the funding gap. It also removes commuter railroad Virginia Railway Express from competing with PRTC for funds.
While the Prince William County Board of Supervisors must approve the funding in April, if it does pass, PRTC will have closed its5 $9.2 million budget gap for the upcoming year.
States PRTC in a press release:
These service cuts, fare increases, and other administrative modifications will result in a net savings to Prince William County of $1.7 million. Those savings, along with the $6 million in proposed funding from the county, would prevent further cuts to PRTC services in FY17, if the county budget is adopted as proposed. However, PRTC would still face a deficit of $2.2 million per year beyond FY17. If adequate funding isn’t found, PRTC will be forced to make even more drastic cuts, possibly including eliminating all OmniLink local bus service and operating OmniRide commuter buses only to and from Metro stations.
Prince William County stopped providing supplemental funding to PRTC in 2008. Instead, officials allowed the agency to rely solely on the region’s 2.1 percent motor fuels tax surplus reserve for its funding needs. It had built up during previous years when fuel prices topped $4 a gallon.
Gas tax floor fails in Richmond
Today, gas prices in the region are below $2 a gallon. That has lessened the amount of cash collected by the region’s fuel’s tax. An effort to push legislators in Richmond to establish as gas tax floor — a mechanism that would fund PRTC based on fuel prices in 2013, when drivers paid an average of $3.36 a gallon.
Richmond leaders balked at the idea and deferred until next year a bill from Virginia Beach Senator Frank Wagner that would have established such a floor.
“Deferred to next year… that’s a polite way of saying [the bill] can be taken up again next year, said Tracy Gordon, a lobbyist for Prince William County.
Language is important here. Just because the bill can be taken up next year doesn’t mean it will be.
Richmond legislators passed landmark transportation reform in 2013. The bill, HB2313, raised the state’s sales tax in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, and the state’s gas tax that had gone untouched since 1986.
Local leaders are kicking themselves now, because, if a gas tax floor had been included back then in HB2313, we’d probably have it today.
“If anyone had thought of this back in 2013, it would have made it into the bill, and we would just have it,” explained Gordon.
Hampton Roads Legislators remain interested in a gas tax floor, explained Gordon. That region uses its motor fuels tax funds to build roads while Northern Virginia jurisdictions use the money to fund transit.
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Due to frigid temperatures forecasted for tonight, schools in the region are adjusting their schedules to ensure the safety of students and staff:
Stafford County Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Spotsylvania County Public Schools will also open two hours late. Twelve-month and essential employees are expected to report on time, as safety permits. All other employees should report two hours late.
King George County Schools will follow suit, with a 2-hour delay.
Janet Brown was appointed Stafford County’s citizen representative to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors during their January 21, 2025, meeting. Brown’s appointment comes as the county looks to strengthen ties with the regional library system and improve its collaborative efforts to enhance library services.
Brown, a longtime Stafford resident and active community member, brings a wealth of experience in civic engagement and public service. “I am honored to represent Stafford County and look forward to working with the library board to ensure our community has access to the best resources and services,” Brown stated following her appointment. Her term will begin immediately.
The appointment follows a challenging period for the county’s relationship with the library board. During the same meeting, Chairman Deuntay Diggs issued a public apology to former library board member Mary Becelia, who was removed from her position under allegations of misconduct.
Meet Daphne, a sweet 2-year-old pup with a personality that’s as fun as it is adorable! Daphne came to the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter as a stray, and while she was a bit reserved at first, she’s now blossomed into a lively, energetic, and curious girl who loves attention.
This lovable dog walks wonderfully on a leash and enjoys exploring the outdoors. She’s eager to learn new things and thrives on positive interactions with people. While Daphne is quiet and calm in her kennel, her excitement is evident every time someone walks by—she’s always ready for a chance to play and explore outside.
If you’re looking for a loyal and energetic companion to brighten your days, Daphne could be the perfect fit.
Visit her during adoption hours at the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter, located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit their website at Spotsylvania Animal Shelter.
Help Daphne find the loving home she deserves—stop by today!
Join the fun at the Manassas Winter Market on Saturday, January 25, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Prince William Street Commuter Lot in Historic Downtown Manassas. Shop for baked goods, fresh produce, warm beverages, and other seasonal delights while supporting local vendors. The market runs every Saturday through March 22, making it the perfect spot to stock up your pantry and enjoy cozy winter vibes.
Do you have an upcoming event to share? Submitting it to our community events calendar is easy and free! Just fill out our event submission form at this link. Include all the essential details, and we’ll help spread the word about your event to our readers.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
