Local officials, past and present transit leaders and partners came together on Wednesday, Oct. 1 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Fairfax Connector. Fairfax County’s premier bus service has connected millions of riders with destinations throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia since 1985. 

“Fairfax Connector is not just a bus service; it’s a lifeline for our county,” Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said. “As a kid familiar with the Route 1 corridor, I saw firsthand the profound impact this service has on families. The Connector doesn’t just get people from Point A to Point B—it shapes lives by giving people access to what they need to thrive.”

Transit equity is at the heart of the Connector’s mission, McKay added. Programs like the Student Bus Pass, providing free rides to students, and the Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP), offering reduced fares for commuters living below the poverty line, demonstrate the county’s commitment to making transit accessible to all.

Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors’ Transportation Committee touted the success of the Fairfax Connector and emphasized the benefits of public transportation and the work of the staff who make it all possible.

“It really is a great day, a great celebration for [the Fairfax Connector] that makes us a whole lot more connected, that alleviates traffic and makes it easier to get around,” Bierman said. “And frankly it’s a great celebration of the workers who make this a reality every single day; the people who have incredible responsibilities to move people around the county. Thank you for all you do for our region. We really appreciate you and all that you do.”

Many of the men and women who paved the way for the bus system’s success were in attendance at this landmark gathering. All of the previous directors of the Fairfax County Department of Transportation were present as were many current and former local and state elected leaders, regional transportation partners and staff who laid the foundation of the Connector bus service and have continued to keep advancing the mission.

From a humble beginning with 10 routes and 33 bus operators along the Route 1 corridor, Fairfax Connector has grown into the largest, farthest-reaching bus service in Virginia with 93 routes and serving more than 250 million riders over 40 years. The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to keep public transportation reliable, safe and accessible for all Fairfax County residents.

###