PRTC Proposes Elimination of Free Transfer, Requests Public Comment

The only free transfer in the Potomac Rappahannock Transit Commission bus system could disappear in favor of cutting costs and reducing boarding times. 

An elimination of the free transfer between Potomac Mills and the PRTC Transit Center would only affect customers riding Dumfries and Dale City OmniLink buses between the PRTC Transit Center and Potomac Mills who do not currently purchase a day pass, said PRTC in a release issued last week.

According to PRTC:

The impact on affected customers would be an extra 10 cents per day (the difference between a round trip that now costs $2.40 and a day pass that costs $2.50). For riders aged 60+ and persons with disabilities, the extra cost would be half that amount (i.e., seniors and persons with disabilities currently pay $1.20 round trip and the day pass costs $1.25, resulting in an increase of five cents per day). 

PRTC is inviting public comment on the proposed elimination of free transfer privileges and will hold a public hearing on the matter if one is requested. If a public hearing is requested, it will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 9 at 7:15 p.m. at the PRTC Transit Center and an official announcement will be made.

Even if a public hearing is not held, the system will accept written comments until Aug. 17 at 5 p.m. The comments will be reviewed by the PRTC management and then will be presented to the board with management's responses to comments.

To request a public hearing, obtain a copy of the materials elaborating on the proposed change, or submit a comment regarding the proposed change send an e-mail to: publichearing@omniride.com or fax 703-583-1377; write “Attention: Public Hearing” in the subject line.  Interested parties may also call 703-580-6144.

For more information about the proposed change, view the public hearing notice.