Bus Rapid Transit System Envisioned For Northern Virginia: See Routes Around Vienna

VIENNA, 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 and around Vienna identified by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority are:

• Chain Bridge Road: This proposed route would connect George Mason University and downtown McLean via the City of Fairfax, Oakton, Vienna and Tysons
• Fairfax Boulevard: This proposed route would run from Centreville to the Dunn Loring Metro with stops in Fairfax and the Merrifield areas
• 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
• Arlington Boulevard: This proposed route would run between the Dunn Loring Metro and Pentagon City/Crystal City area in Arlington via Arlington Boulevard
• Langston Boulevard: This proposed route would connect the Dunn Loring Metro and Farragut Square, with stops in Falls Church, Arlington and D.C.
• Gallows Road: This proposed route would run between Tysons and the Franconia-Springfield Metro, with stops at the Dunn Loring Metro, in Merrifield, Annandale and Springfield.
• Beltway North: This proposed route would be an alternative to driving across the congested American Legion Bridge, with connection between Tysons and Bethesda, Maryland.

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