The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will implement significant service changes for more than a dozen Fairfax Connector routes throughout the county on Sept. 14, 2024. These service changes will increase frequency, realign service to better accommodate residents, and includes the addition of two new routes (Route 559 and Express Route 798).
- Route 558 will split into northern and southern portions of Reston. The southern portion will become new Route 559.
- Route 494 realigns to serve the Springfield Community Business Center (CBC) Commuter Parking Garage and improves frequency.
- Route 371 from Lorton to Springfield improves frequency and will replace Routes 372 and 373.
Effective Sept. 16, the Fairfax Connector will launch its first ever Express Route 798 to Bethesda, Maryland. Route 798 will provide regional connectivity between Tysons West*Park and Tysons Metrorail Station in Virginia, and Bethesda, Maryland. This new connection will serve major employment centers such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and Downtown Bethesda. In addition, Route 798 aims to facilitate access to key destinations, including shopping and business hubs, and residential communities across the American Legion Bridge. This service will be especially important during the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) construction of extended Express Lanes. Substantial completion of the Express Lanes expansion is estimated for December 2025.
Key Highlights of Express Route 798
- Five Stops:
- Tysons West*Park Transit Station
- Tysons Metrorail Station
- Westfield Montgomery Mall Transit Center
- Rockville Pike and South Drive (adjoining Medical Center Metrorail Station)
- Montgomery Lane and East Lane (Downtown Bethesda)
- Weekday rush hour “drop and go” service begins Monday, Sept. 16.
- Express Fare: $4.80 one-way.
For more information about all of the September service changes, visit our website at FairfaxConnector.com.
###