As of Sept. 14, the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission now provides free Saturday bus rides to the Franconia Springfield Metro Station, according to a Prince William County release.
“This is big news because Saturday service on this route is probably the number one request we’ve heard through the years,” said PRTC Spokeswoman Christine Rodrigo. “This is a three-month trial service funded entirely by Virginia Megaprojects, which is a collaboration of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).”
State officials are funding the program to lessen congestion in the area as a result of the HOV lane closures on I-95 and I-395.
“By offering weekend bus service, VDOT hopes fewer drivers will use the regular travel lanes on I-95 while construction is ongoing. Virginia Megaprojects wants to fund Saturday service now so that people will, hopefully, use the bus service rather than having vehicles on the road. They see that as a benefit," Rodrigo said.
The three-month program will run through December 28.
“You’ve got people who live in the Springfield area who might want to come to Potomac Mills, and now they have an easy way to get here,” Rodrigo said.
To see a map and timetable, see the PWC release.
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