PRTC sets dates for fare boost forums

By Cheryl Chumley

Published: August 14, 2008

A Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission plan to raise bus fares and offset higher fuel costs has moved to the next level, as organization officials have set the times and dates for six public hearings in early September.

The first two hearings are scheduled for 5 and 7 p.m. at Manassas City Hall on Sept. 2. Hearings three and four are scheduled for 6:30 p.m., on Sept. 3 and 10 at the PRTC Transit Center in Woodbridge. And hearings five and six are back at Manassas City Hall on Sept. 11, at 5 and 7 p.m.

Those who cannot attend may also mail or e-mail comments to the PRTC by Sept. 12.

In July, PRTC officials announced the need for the increases on its OmniLink, OmniRide and MetroDirect lines, due to increasing service demand and rising gas prices.

Under the proposal, which needs approval from the PRTC board before it could take effect, the OmniRide fare for SmarTrip holders would increase from $4 to $4.75 and for cash payers from $5.50 to $6.50.

OmniRide is PRTC's long distance service that brings commuters directly into Washington, D.C., and the Pentagon.

MetroDirect riders, meanwhile, who use the bus service to travel to either Franconia-Springfield or West Falls Church Metrorail stations, would see increases. SmarTrip Card holder fares would jump from $2.10 to $2.40; cash fares would go from $2.50 to $3.

OmniLink service, providing local bus rides throughout eastern Prince William County and Manassas, would in-crease in one of two proposed ways: Both SmarTrip and cash riders would see $1 fares rise to $1.10 and $2.25 day passes increase to $2.50. Or, SmarTrip Card holder fares would remain the same, while cash fares of $1 increase to $1.10 and day passes of $2.25 hike to $2.50.

Any rate changes that are ultimately approved—and this takes PRTC board approval—would not go into effect until November at the earliest, said the organization's executive director, Alfred Harf, in a previous interview.

Staff writer Cheryl Chumley can be reached at 703-670-1907.