OmniRide buses that are used to take commuters from Prince William County to Washington. D.C. will continue to operate.
The transit system’s $56 million budget keeps commuter, and local buses running for the next year and includes a mixture of ride fare increases, service cuts, and administrative savings to include lower-than-budgeted diesel fuel costs. Overall, it’s good news for an agency that earlier this year faced a $9 million budget shortfall and discussed cost-saving measures like converting its commuter bus fleet to feeder buses only serving Metro stations.
Prince William County — the largest funder of OmniRide, because it has the most residents who use the service —Â kicked in an additional $6 million in one-time funds to offset the budget shortfall this year. Next year, and for every year until 2021, the transit system will continue to face a $2.2 million budget shortfall, said Eric Marx, the interim director for the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission.
It will be up to local politicians a year from now make up that funding, or else the transit agency must look for more cuts or “cost savings.”
Overall, Virginian’s have become more “multi-modal” since 2007, according to a statewide travel study conducted by the Southeastern Institute of Reasearch and heralded by Virginia’s Department of Rail and Public Transportation.
The study found a six-percent decrease in single-driving commuting, meaning those to travel to work along in a car. Statewide, commuters still travel the same distances (about 37 miles one way) and spend the same amount of time (about 30 minutes one way) in 2015 as they did in 2007.
Fredericksburg commuters have the longest commute in the state traveling on average 60 miles round trip, spending an average of 90 minutes roundtrip commuting, according to the study.
The statewide numbers are important to OmniRide. However, the agency will soon begin its two-phase study that will examine how other localities across the nation fund their transit systems. The buses in our region are funded by state, and federal subsidies, and from a motor fuels tax fund reserve that built up when gas prices topped $4 a gallon six years ago but now is near depletion.
“Are they using gas taxes, or are they using meals taxes or some other form of funding? These are the things we will look at,” said Marx.
A second phase of the investigation will examine alternative transportation modes. Slugging, and the rise of ride share services like Uber and Lyft, and how they impact or offset transit services, has gotten the attention of transportation officials.
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From left to right: NOVEC’s Jake Till, Caleb Barton, Ben Williams, Hunter Partlowe, Connor Jost and Jeremy Jenkins helped lineworkers at Southside Electric Cooperative restore electricity for residents. [Photo courtesy…
Students in Stafford and King George counties will start school later than usual today due to extreme cold weather conditions.
In Stafford County, all schools will open on a two-hour delay to ensure the safety of students and staff during the frigid morning temperatures.
Similarly, King George County Schools announced a two-hour delay due to cold and inclement weather.
Families are encouraged to monitor updates from their respective school systems for any further changes. Stay warm and safe.
Commuter traffic in the Washington, D.C. metro area is set to surge as President Donald Trump issues an executive order ending remote work for federal employees. The Center Square reports that Trump’s directive mandates federal workers return to their offices full-time, with limited exemptions determined by department heads. The move is welcomed by regional leaders like Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who have long urged a return to in-person work to bolster public transit ridership and address underused federal buildings. Federal employees, who constitute a significant portion of D.C.-area residents, are pivotal to the region’s economy.
Fire investigators are still searching for answers in two recent fires that caused significant damage in Fredericksburg and Woodbridge. The December 5 blaze at Eagle Village Shopping Center began in the warehouse of Play It Again Sports and quickly spread, destroying multiple businesses. Despite extensive efforts, investigators have been unable to determine the fire’s cause. Meanwhile, a January 21 townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced two residents after unattended cooking sparked flames. Working smoke detectors alerted the occupants, allowing them to escape safely. Both incidents highlight the importance of fire safety and preparedness as investigations into the causes continue.
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.
