For the first time, residents in western Prince William County and communities further west along I-66 have direct bus service to popular locations in Rosslyn and Ballston! And believe it or not, fares are free through February 15, 2019!
OmniRide’s new Haymarket Express bus service started in December 2018, providing I-66 drivers who travel inside the Beltway with a faster commute and an alternative to paying tolls.
“This new Express bus route is a game-changer for residents who don’t want to deal with traffic or tolls on I-66,” said Prince William County Supervisor Ruth Anderson. Anderson also serves as Chair of the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), which oversees OmniRide. “Instead of stressing out about their commute or paying tolls to arrive at work on time, riders can relax in a comfortable seat and read or get a few extra minutes of sleep, knowing they’ll have a reliable trip.”
The Haymarket – Rosslyn/Ballston Express bus route operates on weekdays and serves five stops along Heathcote Boulevard, including a new 230-space parking lot that was built by the Virginia Department of Transportation. Major destinations served in Rosslyn and Ballston include stops along North Fairfax Drive, Clarendon Boulevard and Wilson Boulevard.
To celebrate the addition of a route in Haymarket to OmniRide’s commuter bus services, passengers ride for free through February 15, 2019! But the bargain doesn’t end there!
As an incentive to reduce traffic, all OmniRide buses that travel on I-66 are offering half-fares while Express Lanes construction is under way! The half-fare promotion, which is expected to last until 2021, is funded by VDOT and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. As a result, after February 15, 2019, the one-way SmarTrip fare on the Haymarket route will be $3.45 instead of $6.90.
“OmniRide has wanted to offer additional bus services in western Prince William for years, but a lack of commuter parking in the area has been a major obstacle,” said Prince William County Supervisor Jeanine Lawson, who represents the Brentsville District and also serves on the PRTC Board. “The construction of this new lot and others that VDOT will open in future years will enable OmniRide to offer some greatly-needed commuting options in the I-66 corridor.”
The new Haymarket route is funded by gas tax revenues and by tolls collected on the I-66 Express Lanes.
Additional information about OmniRide’s services is available at 703-730-6664 and at Omni@OmniRide.com.