Earlier today, we told you about some Virginia Railway Express riders who were left out in the cold as they tried to make it home during yesterday’s snowstorm.
The commuter railroad released a statement about why that happened. And now OmniRide, the region’s commuter bus service provider, says it also fell short yesterday in its efforts to provide bus service to federal workers who live in Prince William and Stafford counties.
You’ll remember that the Federal Government closed about 1 p.m. due to snowfall in the region.
OmniRide email to riders | Yesterday, OmniRide implemented our Emergency Service Plan in response to the Office of Personnel Management’s decision to close Federal offices early due to forecasts calling for a winter weather event.
While the nature of our Express service can make it difficult to respond with complete effectiveness when the federal government closes on short notice, we did not deliver the level of service that our riders expect and deserve. We understand the inconvenience and frustration experienced by our riders and will strive to do better for our riders in the future.
After a regional weather conference call yesterday morning, OPM announced their decision for an early closure. We immediately began calling on our bus operators to get as many to return to work early as possible. All available operators and buses were dispatched to the Metro Stations, but we were unable to provide enough resources to meet the initial passenger loads.
Providing enough service to accommodate an entire rush hours’ worth of passengers in such a short amount of time poses a significant challenge. We are in the process of reviewing yesterday’s early afternoon service to determine what more we could do to improve our response in these situations, how we communicate with our riders, and ensure that we can maximize our resources to minimize the impact on our riders.
We are committed to providing the safe and reliable bus service you deserve and will continue working with regional agencies, including OPM, to do a better job responding to these events in the future.
Recent Stories
Looking for a playful, loving pup to join your family? Meet Zeke, a 6-month-old bundle of energy and affection, ready to find his forever home! Zeke adores the company of…
Please don’t forget to fill out our quick survey. We’ve got up to 64 survey responses so far. Please help us get to 75, and help us serve you better, and thank you.
In this exclusive interview, Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis Younger discusses key city issues, including immigration enforcement, budget concerns, tax rates, and economic development. She addresses the potential loss of state and federal funding, her stance on tax increases, and the city’s approach to revitalization projects. Younger reflects on her first-term accomplishments, such as securing the sale of the Old Town Inn, and outlines future plans, including a new Veterans Advisory Council. She also weighs in on data center expansion, the canceled Route 28 Bypass project, and the importance of community engagement.
Due to the current weather advisory and anticipated adverse weather conditions, several school systems in the region have announced delays for Thursday, February 6, 2025.
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.
