Free OmniRide to VRE shuttles, more parking coming when Metro closes Blue, Yellow lines

First on Potomac Local 

WOODBRIDGE — When Metro shuts down its Blue and Yellow lines this summer, OmniRide will step in with an alternative to help commuters get where they’re going.

The transit agency will offer free shuttle service connecting residents with nearby Virginia Railway Express stations. The shuttles will begin operating on May 28 and will continue until Metro completes the work on the six stations on the Blue and Yellow lines.

OmniRide will have a shuttle connecting two locations in Dale City to the Rippon VRE, and a shuttle connecting two locations in Lake Ridge to the Woodbridge VRE.

The shuttles will operate four trips in the mornings, and those trips will be timed to meet specific VRE trains.

In the afternoons, OmniRide will offer multiple shuttle trips so riders can get off the train and ride the shuttle back to the commuter lots where they left their cars.

Metro plans to offer free parking at stations on the Blue and Yellow lines during the summer closures, but those who take the shuttle won’t need to worry about it.

“Of course all the local commuter lots are free all the time, so Prince William County area residents won’t have to endure traffic on I-95 just to take advantage of free parking at specific Metro stations. Our passengers will park for free and ride the shuttle for free,” said OmniRide spokeswoman Christine Rodrigo.

In addition, Potomac Mills mall plans to increase the number of parking spaces set aside for commuters during this summer, making it easier for commuters to park there and ride one of OmniRide’s regularly scheduled bus services including the Dale City – Washington route, the Dale City – Washington Navy Yard route, and the Prince William Metro Express route which connects eastern Prince William with the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station.

More details about the times and departure points for the OmniRide shuttle service will be posted soon at OmniRide.com.

The six Blue and Yellow line stations south of Reagan National Airport are scheduled to be closed from Saturday, May 25, through Sunday, September 8. Free parking will be offered at Huntington, Franconia-Springfield, and Van Dorn Street stations, as the other three stations (Eisenhower Ave, King St-Old Town, and Braddock Road) do not have Metro parking facilities.