Bus Rapid Transit System Envisioned For Northern Virginia: See Loudoun Routes

ASHBURN, VA — A regional transportation organization is envisioning future Bus Rapid Transit routes to better connect areas of Northern Virginia.

On Wednesday, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority announced its Bus Rapid Transit Action Plan, which identifies 28 potential Bus Rapid Transit routes to boost all-day transit bus service around the region. Bus Rapid Transit refers to a bus line that is quicker than standard bus service through methods like dedicated bus lanes, traffic signal priority and more.

"NVTA is confident expanded BRT service will reduce congestion while improving mobility and accessibility for all," the organization said in a news release.

The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, which funds transportation projects using regional revenues, has provided about $880 million for Bus Rapid Transit projects. Those five projects include the existing Metroway between Crystal City and Potomac Yard and future projects — The One Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit in Fairfax County, Envision Route 7 between Mark Center in Alexandria and Tysons, Duke Street Transitway in Alexandria and West End Transitway in Alexandria.

Possible routes in Loudoun County identified by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority are:

Sterling Connector: This proposed route would connect areas like One Loudoun, Dulles Town Center, Sterling Boulevard, the Innovation Center Metro and Dulles International Airport.

Loudoun Connector: This proposed route would run between downtown Leesburg and Dulles Town Center, with much of the route on Route 7

VA 28 North: This proposed route would connect Dulles Town Center, Dulles International Airport, Chantilly and Fair Oaks Mall/Fairfax Corner.

The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority is seeking feedback on the possible Bus Rapid Transit map. The public feedback will inform which routes the organization will prioritize for its future funding cycles. Residents may fill out an online feedback form before May 18.

The organization is holding pop-up events allowing commuters to see the proposed system map and speak to Northern Virginia Transportation Authority staff. Maps and route details are available on the Bus Rapid Transit web page.

Upcoming pop-ups include:

• April 26, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Arlington Mill Community Market Place, Arlington
• April 27, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Eden Center, Falls Church
• May 1, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Tysons Corner Metro, Tysons
• May 3, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Manassas Farmers Market, Manassas
• May 6, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Franconia-Springfield Metro, Springfield
• May 10, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax
• May 13, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Neabsco-Potomac Commuter Garage, Woodbridge
• May 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at National Landing Water Park, Arlington