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

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria and neighboring Arlington are home to the Northern Virginia region's first Bus Rapid Transit routes, but more routes could be on the way. 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 the City of Alexandria identified by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority are:

• Metroway: Existing Bus Rapid Transit proposed to be extended to Pentagon Transit Center to the north and Huntington Metro to the south via stops in Arlington and Alexandria
• Duke Street Transitway: A Bus Rapid Transit project being planned between Old Town and the Landmark Transit Center via Duke Street
• West End Transitway: A project being planned connecting the Van Dorn Street Metro, Shirlington Transit Center and Pentagon Transit Center via stops in West End Alexandria
• Route 7: A Bus Rapid Transit in the study phase that would connect Mark Center in Alexandria with the Spring Hill Metro in Tysons with stops in Tysons, Falls Church, Bailey's Crossroads and West End Alexandria
• Glebe Road: This proposed route would connect Potomac Yard in Alexandria with Marymount University in Arlington with stops in Alexandria and Arlington
• Beltway South: This proposed route would connect Alexandria stops with Prince George's County with stops in National Harbor and Oxon Hill up to the Suitland Metro
• Little River Turnpike: This proposed route connects the Landmark Transportation Center on the edge of Alexandria with Fair Oaks Mall, with stops in Lincolnia, Annandale and Fairfax

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