Starting December 12, a new state-funded commuter bus route linking Gainesville to the Pentagon will begin.
According to a release, the new route is being operated by the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) and is being done to encourage commuters in the western end of the county to commute along I-66.
“All funding for the new route is being provided by the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) as part of its efforts to move more people and reduce traffic congestion on I-66 Inside the Beltway,” stated a release.
Additionally, PRTC will be splitting the existing Manassas OmniRide commuter bus service into two separate routes; one driving into Washington, D.C. and one to the Pentagon, as well as adding a new service destination at L’Enfant Plaza.
“Currently some residents of Gainesville and Haymarket drive to Manassas in order to catch an OmniRide bus to the Pentagon, so we’re confident that many of those riders will shift to the new Gainesville-Pentagon route and save themselves some travel time while also reducing congestion on our roadways,” stated PRTC Chairman Frank Principi in a release.
The new route will be offering four weekday trips in the morning and in the evening from the Limestone Road Commuter Lot, according to a release.
“This new route will complement PRTC’s existing Gainesville-Washington route which serves the Cushing Road Commuter Lot. The new Pentagon route will not stop at Cushing Road due to a lack of additional parking capacity there,” stated a release.
