Return to Graphic Version

Search Site:

Index

Online Services

Our Government

News and Events

Maps, Facts & Stats

State & Federal

Try Transit Week Is Sept. 21-25

Sept. 18, 2009
OPA 160/09

News Highlights   Residents encouraged to avoid driving solo and improve commutes by trying bus and rail service, carpools and vanpools. Fairfax County has numerous transportation options to help reduce vehicles on the roads, improve air quality and conserve energy.

---

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has declared Sept. 21-25 as Try Transit Week in Fairfax County. The county joins other jurisdictions across the commonwealth to support this second annual statewide week, in coordination with the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). The week includes Car Free Day on Sept. 22, an annual international event that promotes getting around without cars.

Try Transit Week encourages residents to avoid driving solo and improve commutes by trying transportation options such as bus and rail service, carpools and vanpools. A recent report from the American Public Transportation Association found that public transit riders can save an average $9,000 a year on driving expenses (fuel, parking, maintenance).

“Fairfax Connector bus service is a great option for commuters who are looking for relief from the stress and expense of driving alone to work each day,” said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova. “It’s important for people to know there are alternatives such as transit, ridesharing and teleworking.”

Fairfax County has numerous transportation services to help reduce vehicles on the roads, improve air quality and conserve energy. Information about these services is available on the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) Web page.

Alternative transportation options include: Fairfax Connector (which carried more than 9.5 million passengers in fiscal year 2009); Metrobus; the Transportation Association of Greater Springfield (TAGS); Richmond Highway Express (REX); Metrorail; Virginia Railway Express (VRE); RideSources and Commuter Connections; NuRide; pedestrian and bicycling programs; park and rides; high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes; the Guaranteed Ride Home program; and the Vanpool Assistance Program. The Employer Outreach Program helps employers set up transportation benefits for employees. 

For information, contact Beth Francis, FCDOT, 703-877-5600, TTY 711. 

###

---

Contact: Merni Fitzgerald, Director, Office of Public Affairs
703-324-3189, TTY 711, Media Pager: 703-324-NEWS (6397)
publicaffairs@fairfaxcounty.gov
To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-3187, TTY 711