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-LâEnfant Plaza-Navy Yard), and Route 622 (Haymarket-Rosslyn/Ballston), recorded their highest monthly ridership total yet, surpassing 11,000 trips combined.
However, this increased demand has created new challenges for commuters and transit agencies, particularly in parking availability at transit hubs.
With more passengers relying on OmniRide’s commuter services, the University Boulevard commuter lot has seen a significant increase in usage. Routes 611, 612, and 622 from the lot now carry over 1,700 passengers daily.
The 2,500-space parking facility was reported to be around 80% full even during off-peak hours, raising concerns about capacity as ridership continues to climb. Ongoing construction projects, including those related to data centers, have further reduced available parking spaces, making it harder for commuters to find spots.
As the demand for transit services grows, illegal parking has become an issue at the University Boulevard commuter lot. Law enforcement agencies, including Transurban Police and VDOT officials, have been involved in addressing parking violations.
The matter was discussed at a recent Sudley Road corridor meeting, where local authorities and transit agencies acknowledged the challenges and began exploring potential solutions. Despite the sharp rise in ridership, OmniRide faces financial roadblocks that prevent service expansion. The motor fuels tax, a key revenue source for transit services college from drivers who purchase gasoline, has remained flat, leaving little room to add trips even as demand increases.
Many commuters have shifted to bus routes operated by OmniRide and funded by the state, which helps ease congestion but does not contribute to OmniRide’s locally funded routes. As a result, high-demand routes such as Lake Ridge, Dale City, and Route 234 are operating at full capacity, but officials say there is no funding available to increase frequency.
Recognizing the urgent need for relief, PRTC plans to add more trips on the Gainesville-Pentagon and Manassas-Washington routes in April, leveraging existing state and federal funding sources. However, officials caution that these additions do not fully address the strain on local routes.
Transit leaders warn that ridership will not generate enough revenue to expand services significantly if ridership returns to pre-pandemic levels. Officials are now exploring alternative funding options, including potential local funding initiatives, to help bridge the gap.
Dumfries Town Manager Tangela Innis has presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget for the town. The budget outlines strategic investments in infrastructure, public safety, and community programs while maintaining the townâs real estate tax rate.
The first reading of the budget is scheduled for March 18, with a public hearing on April 1. If approved, the Town Council may adopt the budget the same evening.
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The MCPS Board held a budget public hearing during its March 11 meeting, which was largely attended by teachers and employees of the district. The $151 million proposed budget was presented on Feb. 25 with a 5.5% salary increase and a $1 million cut to intervention services for at-risk students.
Kristen Whatley, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) in the district, said MCPS needed to increase its minimum salary to stay competitive with neighboring jurisdictions.
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Many newly graduated college alumni like the familiarity of the college town, so they stick around after they get the degree for one reason or another. Itâs still known as âhome,â making escaping hard.
âI love this area,â said Katie Ambrosini, a senior at the University of Mary Washington who is graduating in a few weeks with an English degree and currently works at a nearby Starbucks. I want to try to get a full-time job if I can,â she said, putting her degree to work.
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What sound do 1,455 cereal boxes make when they fall? Light thuds, and big cheers. Stafford's Grafton Village Elementary School students filled the hallways on Friday, March 14 to cheer as cereal boxes toppled like dominoes through the school.
The breakfast, which was tumbled, wrapped up a two-week cereal donation drive. Students brought in unopened cereal boxes to their classrooms. The classroom with the highest total number won a Domino's pizza and popsicle party. The winning 5th grade class brought in 162 boxes.
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The Board of County Supervisors has directed staff to review agreements between the Prince William County Police Department and incorporated towns regarding using the Mike Pennington Scenario-Based Training Center. The move comes after Gainesville District Supervisor Bob Weir requested a formal review of the Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) governing town law enforcement agencies' access to the facility.
At a March 4, 2025 board meeting, Supervisor Weir, a former Haymarket Town Council member, emphasized that town residents are also county residents and contribute to county taxes. He proposed an amendment to the existing MOAs allowing town police departments to use the facility at no cost, shifting the financial burden to the countyâs police department budget.
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The Stafford County School Board is moving forward with plans to redesign and rebuild Drew Middle School, with an anticipated opening in August 2028. The proposed facility, located at Oak Knoll Farm off Farm Road, aims to modernize the school's infrastructure while accommodating growing student enrollment.
During a recent school board meeting, officials and architects presented multiple design concepts, emphasizing the need for an efficient, functional, and community-oriented space. One of the primary considerations in the redesign process is the inclusion of a performance spaceâa feature strongly supported by community feedback.
History and Justification for Replacement
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Summer fun at Signal Bay Waterpark will start a little later than expected this year. The city of Manassas Park has announced a delayed opening due to ongoing renovations. According to a statement from city officials, the park will now welcome visitors on Monday, June 23, about a month later than initially planned.
The city assured patrons that the delay is due to necessary improvements to enhance the park experience. "We appreciate your patience as we put the finishing touches on these exciting improvements," the statement read. "If any unforeseen construction setbacks affect the opening date, weâll let you know right away!"
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Amazon confirmed the closure in a statement, saying:
âCertain store locations work better than others, and after an assessment of our offering weâve decided to close our Amazon Fresh store in Manassas. Customers in the area can continue to shop from a wide selection of grocery products at Amazon.com/grocery with same-day delivery options, or from our other Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market stores in the area. We remain committed to Amazon Fresh and our broader grocery strategy and will continue to refine our portfolio of stores as we learn which locations and features resonate most with customers.â
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Fredericksburg City Manager Tim Baroody presented the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget proposal to the City Council on March 11. The proposal outline a $136.75 million spending plan to strengthen public schools, upgrade infrastructure, and ensure long-term financial stability.
The proposal includes a three-cent real estate tax increase to fund these initiatives, bringing the rate from $0.77 to $0.80 per $100 of assessed value. This tax hike is expected to generate additional revenue while helping to fund essential services such as a new middle school, a fire station, and water system upgrades.
