OmniRide Buses Experience Crowding, Service Expansions Face Constraints

WOODBRIDGE, VA — As more federal workers return to in-person works, OmniRide says some of its routes are experiencing overcrowded. But due to budget restraints, the bus system is limited with how it can increase service.

OmniRide, which serves Prince William County, the Fredericksburg area and other outer suburbs, said the crowding has happened on some express routes taking commuters to employment centers. Two of these routes will be getting new trips added as of April 21 — the 981 Lake Ridge-Washington route and 611 Front Royal/Gainesville-Washington route. In addition, the 95 Prince William Metro Express route will have minor changes. OmniRide expects to have schedules available during the week of April 14.

The bus system says it is analyzing riderships on its bus routes but says "options are limited" for changes. In the last budget, Prince William County provided an additional $10 million to help with OmniRide's budget shortfall caused by declining gas tax revenue. The next proposed budget has a similar shortfall, as the bus system noted that gas tax revenue has been trending down.

OmniRide says it will provide a flat budget proposal with no additional services next year. The bus system notes uncertainty with ridership with federal workforce reductions amid the return-to-office. Another challenge OmniRide is facing is hiring bus drivers in a competitive regional market.

"OmniRide wants to offer more services and despite current high demand for more travel options there is high uncertainty concerning the future size of the federal workforce and not enough additional resources to make a significant difference in service options," the bus service said in an announcement. "The fiscal reality is that OmniRide does not currently have the funding to rapidly increase the level of Express commuter service."

The bus service recommends commuting during less busy times when possible. Woodbridge and Dale City commuters are encouraged to use the new Neabsco Garage instead of the Horner Road commuter, which has limited availability with more workers going to the office. The Neabsco Garage offers transfer options to some local and express routes.