Public transportation in Northern Virginia is seeing a significant rebound as ridership continues to climb on both Virginia Railway Express (VRE) trains and OmniRide commuter and local buses. However, transit leaders warn that increased demand may soon outpace available resources, especially for locally funded services.

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The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is testing a new way to manage parking at commuter lots through the innovative ParkZen app. Initially launched in November 2024, the pilot program has been extended through May 2025 to further evaluate the app’s effectiveness in providing real-time parking availability at six commuter lots in Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg.

What Is the ParkZen App?

ParkZen uses crowdsourcing technology to provide users with parking availability updates. Unlike traditional parking systems reliant on sensors, ParkZen counts a sampling of mobile phones in parking lots, using advanced algorithms to estimate vehicle occupancy. To participate, users download the app and grant location permissions.

Joel Ticatch, Vice President of Consulting at Kapsch TrafficCom which advises VDOT on this project, emphasized the app’s goal: “It helps travelers determine ahead of time whether parking is available at selected commuter lots.” This feature aims to address pre-pandemic parking challenges and encourage commuters to use transit or rideshare options.

Pilot Locations

The pilot includes six commuter lots, chosen for their strategic locations and varied configurations:

• Prince William County: Horner Road commuter lot
• Stafford County: Brooke and Leeland Road Virginia Railway Express (VRE) station lots
• Fairfax County: Saratoga and Stringfellow Road lots
• Fairfax County: Backlick Road VRE station lot

Encouraging Usage and Privacy Protection

While participation in the app is voluntary, Ticatch highlighted the benefits of user engagement, including access to parking availability and other lot features. He reassured users about data privacy, stating that ParkZen is contractually prohibited from selling user data to third parties.

The pilot is part of VDOT’s Regional Multimodal Mobility Program (RM3P), which integrates advanced technologies to improve transportation options. Future plans may include dynamic incentives, such as discounts on parking or transit for app users who adjust their travel habits.

If the pilot succeeds, VDOT plans to expand the program to over 50 commuter lots in Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg, creating a more seamless parking and commuting experience for residents.

Ticatch underscored the importance of innovation in transportation, citing VDOT’s use of the Innovative Technology Transportation Fund to test forward-thinking solutions. “Not everything may succeed,” he noted, “but the goal is to push boundaries and find ways to better serve commuters.”

For those interested, the ParkZen app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Commuters are encouraged to download the app and contribute to shaping the future of commuting in the region.

Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Wednesday, January 8, 2025, due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions. Here is the full list of updates:

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The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia, is hosting its Annual Toy Drive in partnership with OAR NOVA to support local families affected by the criminal justice system. Running through December 8, the community is encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys at drop-off locations across the Workhouse campus. The drive aims to bring holiday joy while emphasizing the center’s commitment to creativity, compassion, and community engagement. For more information, visit the Workhouse Arts Center’s website.

Press Release:

Workhouse Arts Center is excited to continue its tradition of giving back with its Annual Toy Drive in partnership with OAR NOVA. Running through Sunday, December 8, the community is invited to donate new, unwrapped toys for local families impacted by the criminal justice system. Donation drop-off locations include the Visitor Center (Bldg 16), Lucy Burns Museum (Bldg 2), and Art of Movement (Bldg 11) at Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA.

The Toy Drive runs through December 8, with new, unwrapped toys collected at the Workhouse. “Our community thrives on creativity and compassion,” says Keith Gordon, CEO of Workhouse Arts Center. “Every toy donated brings joy and reminds us of all of the differences we can make in the lives of others.”

Donations can be dropped off at the holiday tree in W16. Help us make the season brighter for local families and share the magic of the holidays!

For more information, visit Workhouse Arts Center Toy Drive.

About Workhouse Arts Center

The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives through the power of the arts. Once a historic prison, the Workhouse is now a vibrant cultural hub offering gallery exhibitions, live performances, educational programs, and special events that inspire creativity and foster community engagement. Committed to excellence, inclusivity, and sustainability, the Workhouse empowers artists, enriches lives, and drives positive social change while serving as a dynamic platform for artistic expression and cultural dialogue. Visit us online at www.workhousearts.org to learn more.

About Workhouse Arts Center

The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
transforming lives through the power of the arts. Once a historic prison, the Workhouse is now a vibrant cultural hub offering gallery exhibitions, live performances, educational programs, and special events that inspire creativity and foster community engagement. Committed to excellence, inclusivity, and sustainability, the Workhouse empowers artists, enriches lives, and drives positive social change while serving as a dynamic platform for artistic expression and cultural dialogue.

Press Release:

Gainesville Community Choir (GCC) will perform a collaborative concert this winter entitled “From Darkness to Light” featuring Dan Forrest’s LUX: the Dawn from On High and other songs for the season with Fairfax Choral Society. Performances will take place at Grace United Methodist Church in Manassas on Friday, December 6, and Annandale United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 7, both concerts starting at 7:30 p.m. This highly anticipated concert will feature over 200 musicians, making it the largest group of singers ever amassed by the Gainesville-based group.

Since its formation in 2013, GCC has always been committed to its mission to enrich, educate, and entertain through intentional community-building and developing and supporting musical excellence. Gainesville Community Choir was honored to receive the Seefeldt Award for Outstanding Arts Organization in 2023. In addition to that distinction, conductor and co-founder Jacob Lash recently received the 2024 Seefeldt Award for Outstanding Arts Educator. GCC’s Board of Directors believes that both vocal technique and expression are essential to achieving this mission. Rehearsals incorporate lessons in vocal technique and music literacy, and the choir strives to thoughtfully impact the hearts and souls of audiences and the surrounding communities through their performances.

Conductor Jacob Lash holds a Master’s degree in Conducting and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from George Mason University. He is joined by Associate Conductor Preston Atkins, who recently completed his Bachelor’s in Music Education from Ithaca College. Both Lash and Atkins are music teachers in Prince William County and they carry their passion for music education through to their work with GCC and honors choirs throughout the area. Pam Sottosani serves as the group’s accompanist and plays piano for rehearsals and concerts. They are supported by a strong and talented team of section leaders.

As a non-auditioned choir, GCC enables people from every walk of life to experience the joy of singing with others. The members come from all levels of musical experience, training, and background. In Lash’s words, “we come together to celebrate God’s gift of music, and we find great joy in singing together and sharing our music with the communities of Northern Virginia.” The GCC Spring and Fall seasons culminate in major concerts in May and December. Their professionally recorded album Journey Home is available for purchase on their website and will also be available at their concert for $10.00.

Tickets for “From Darkness to Light” are $20 adults, $15 students age 14 through college, and free for age 13 and under. Tickets are available at the event and can be purchased via cash, check, credit card, Venmo, or PayPal. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to the concert and seating is general admission. The concert is approximately 90 minutes long with one intermission. Visit GCC’s website for more information: https://gainesvillecommunitychoir.com/tickets/

Cox Farms, a staple of Fairfax County’s fall festivities, has sparked conversations once again – not for its famous pumpkin patch, but for the witty political messages it displays on its roadside marquee. The farm, known for taking a clear stance against President-Elect Donald Trump, has become a local landmark for seasonal fun and its outspoken signage.

The popular Centreville farm, which recently wrapped up its fall season on November 5, is seeking input from the community to help keep its marquee fresh with new anti-Trump messages. Known as a “Never Trump” farm, Cox Farms’ previous signs have included statements like, “OMG SO EMBARRASSING,” “EW CRINGE,” “WE NEVER LIKED HIM,” and “WE’RE NOT MAD, WE’RE DISAPPOINTED (AND AFRAID).”

The farm’s owners say the signs, displayed along a busy road in Northern Virginia, are intended to make a statement and engage with like-minded community members. “We actually are mad,” they wrote in a recent post, clarifying their commitment to maintaining a “Never Trump” stance. Although the signs already make bold statements, the farm frequently rotates messages and invites the public to suggest new ideas.

The request comes as Cox Farms closes its doors for the winter season, typically from the end of April to early November. During the off-season, the farm uses its marquee to reach commuters with messages that, according to staff, serve as “yelling into the void that is NoVa traffic.”

While reactions to the signs vary, the farm’s online following has grown, with many supporters cheering on their stance and providing feedback. However, some community members have expressed disapproval, leading to heated discussions online. For Cox Farms, this blend of engagement is part of their brand’s identity.

Those interested in pitching a fresh anti-Trump sign idea can leave comments on the farm’s social media channels. With the next seasonal opening months away, there’s ample time for creativity. The farm has encouraged contributors to keep ideas clever and family-friendly while using all caps for maximum roadside impact.

Cox Farms’ political messaging has now become an off-season tradition almost as popular as their fall festival itself, drawing attention from Fairfax County residents and Northern Virginia as a whole.

Just days after securing another ninth term in Congress, Representative Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly revealed he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. The diagnosis came as a surprise to Connolly, who noted he had experienced only mild, intermittent abdominal aches and pains with no major symptoms. He shared the news in a heartfelt message to constituents, explaining his treatment plan, which includes chemotherapy and immunotherapy, set to begin immediately.

Connolly, a Democrat representing Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, won his November 5 election with a decisive 66.5% of the vote, totaling 250,962 ballots in his favor. His opponent, Republican Mike L. Van Meter, garnered 33.06% of the vote, with 124,780 votes. This victory marks another term for Connolly, who has been a prominent advocate for the people of Northern Virginia.

In his announcement, Connolly expressed confidence in his medical team and optimism about his prognosis. “Cancer can be tough. But so am I,” he said, promising to approach treatment “with Irish fight and humor.” While acknowledging that he might feel fatigued during treatment, he reassured constituents of his commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities in the district and Capitol Hill.

Connolly previously represented eastern Prince William County until 2022, when it was redistricted. As part of the decennial redistricting process, Prince William County was split into the 7th and 10th congressional districts, limiting Connolly’s representation to Fairfax County.

In his message, Connolly thanked his family, friends, and supporters for their encouragement, expressing that their love and support would sustain him during this challenging time. He emphasized his privilege to serve and his dedication to continuing his work while undergoing treatment.

“The Virginia High School League has banned Hayfield High School’s football team from the 2024 and 2025 postseasons, according to a source deeply familiar with the situation,” reports InsideNova.

Hayfield High School’s football team was previously investigated for possible recruitment violations. Fairfax County Schools found no violations occurred, but the Virginia High School League has the authority to complete its own investigation.

Updated 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024 — In a significant shift aimed at enhancing commuter services along the I-66 corridor, the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) has approved a plan to introduce new state-funded bus routes and eliminate the underused Gainesville-Reston commuter bus route 618. This decision comes after thorough studies identified the need for expanded services and better resource utilization.

The new routes, proposed to serve Front Royal and Warrenton, are designed to support the recently expanded I-66 express lanes and introduce new commuting options for residents. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Long-Distance Commuter Bus Study and the Shenandoah County Public Transit Feasibility Study identified these routes as necessary.

“These new routes will utilize the expanded roadway and commuter lot infrastructure, providing critical connectivity and enhanced travel options for our community,” said Perrin Palistrant, Director of Planning and Service Delivery at PRTC. The services are slated to begin mid-December 2024, just in time for the holiday season, promising a smoother and more efficient commuting experience.

Concurrently, PRTC plans to discontinue the Gainesville-Reston Bus Route 618 due to persistently low ridership. Despite multiple marketing efforts and collaborations with transportation partners, the route has failed to attract sufficient commuter interest, typically hovering in the low single digits. The service has been in place since 2022.

The proposed changes are expected to be funded entirely by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), reflecting a strategic redirection of state resources towards more heavily utilized routes. Public hearings on these proposed changes are scheduled for mid-October, offering a platform for community feedback before final recommendations are presented in November.

“The reallocation of resources towards more viable commuter routes reflects our commitment to efficient and effective public transportation,” said Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission Director Dr. Robert A. “Bob” Schneider. “We encourage all affected and interested parties to participate in the upcoming public hearings to voice their opinions and learn more about the changes.”

Public hearings will be held:

Monday, October 21, 2024, 5:00 pm
Warren County Community Center, 538 Villa Avenue, Front Royal, VA

Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 5:00 pm
Manassas Mall Community Room, 8300 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA
(Use Mall entrance at IHOP and turn right for the Community Room)

Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 5:00 pm
Old Town Hall Building, 18 Court Street, Warrenton, VA

Comments will be accepted during the public hearings or may be emailed to publichearing@omniride.com. Written comments also may be mailed to:

PRTC Public Hearing
14700 Potomac Mills Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192

All mailed/emailed comments must be received no later than October 30, 2024, at 5:00 pm.