Written By: OmniRide

As of Monday 3/23/2020

With many commuters teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic, ridership on OmniRide Express routes is low.  Effective, Wednesday, March 25 — in response to the declining ridership — OmniRide will make changes to some of the Express commuter bus routes. No changes are currently anticipated for OmniRide Metro Express, OmniRide Local or OmniRide Access paratransit services.

OmniRide Express Changes

The following routes WILL NOT operate as of Wednesday, March 25:

• D-400 Dale City-Mark Center
• L-100 Lake Ridge-DC
• L-300 Lake Ridge-Mark Center
• MC-100 Montclair-DC
• RS-South Route 1
• Tysons-Woodbridge
• 601 Manassas-DC
• 543 Stafford-DC

These routes will operate on Friday service levels, starting Wednesday, March 25:  

• D-100 Dale City-State Department
• D-200 Dale City-Pentagon-Rosslyn/Ballston
• D-300 Dale City-Pentagon-L’Enfant Plaza-Navy Yard
• L-200 Lake Ridge-Pentagon-Crystal City
• MC-200 Montclair-Pentagon
• 602 Manassas-Pentagon

These routes will continue to operate regularly scheduled service:

• 611 Gainesville-Washington
• 612 Gainesville-Pentagon-L’Enfant Plaza-Navy Yard
• 622 Haymarket-Ballston-Rosslyn
• 942 Stafford-Pentagon
• 60 Manassas Metro Express-Tysons
• 61 Linton Hall Metro Express-Tysons
• Prince William Metro Express-Franconia-Springfield
• 96 East-West Express
• All OmniRide Local and OmniRide Access paratransit services

Passengers whose routes are no longer operating should use a route that is in service and transfer to another OmniRide bus or to Metro to complete their travel. Please note that Metro has reduced service and is urging people to use Metro only if their trip is essential and no other travel option is available. See OmniRide route maps and timetables. Another option for commuters is Virginia Railway Express, which is currently operating on a modified schedule.

Fare Payment Changes

In the interest of public safety, OmniRide is offering free fares on its Local and Metro Express services during the pandemic to minimize interactions between bus operators and riders and allow customers to board quickly and self-distance more effectively. 

Commuters on OmniRide Express buses will continue paying fares and must use a SmarTrip card because OmniRide is not currently accepting cash fares or cash reloading of SmarTrip cards. Customers may purchase SmarTrip cards locally at Todos Supermarket and may reload their cards at Metro Station SmarTrip vending machines or online using a credit card. For assistance with SmarTrip issues, please visit Metro’s SmarTrip page.

OmniRide will continue to monitor ridership levels and may make additional changes in the days and weeks ahead. Riders are encouraged to subscribe to OmniRide’s Rider Express alert system. Keep checking this website for up-to-date information on OmniRide services or contact Customer Service at 703-730-6664 or Omni@OmniRide.com.

Last, but certainly not least, OmniRide wants to thank those workers who have essential roles in our region and are continuing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Our loyal employees – particularly the bus drivers, dispatchers, and mechanics who understand what it means to be “essential” – are honored to serve you and our region during this crisis.