Recently, I joined the OmniRide team at the Transit Center in Woodbridge to celebrate the introduction of new buses to the fleet, right as we mark 40 years of Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission serving our region.
And I got a chance to climb aboard and check them out.
For our long-distance commuters, some of the little things aren’t so little. These new commuter coaches include upgraded passenger amenities, including power at the seats and onboard restrooms; something I imagine anyone spending a long commute between Prince William and the nation’s capital can appreciate.
But the bigger story is what these buses represent.
Public transportation only works as an alternative to driving when we make it reliable, comfortable, convenient and competitive. That means investing not only in new routes and transit infrastructure, but in the actual rider experience.
And more people are choosing OmniRide. In FY2026, the system provided more than 2.5 million passenger trips; its highest annual ridership since FY2017.
That’s especially exciting as we think about what’s coming next: new transit investments, better connections between our activity centers and commuter hubs, and the work underway to build a truly multimodal transportation network across Prince William County.
Forty years ago, PRTC began with a regional vision for transportation. Today, OmniRide connects people to jobs, schools, healthcare and communities across Northern Virginia, while local bus, microtransit and paratransit service remain fare-free through June 2027.
As an OmniRide Commissioner, I’m proud to be part of shaping what the next 40 years look like.
Congratulations to Executive Director Dr. Bob Schneider and, especially, the operators, mechanics and staff who keep our region moving every day.
Learn more about OmniRide’s 40th anniversary celebration and bring the family to this fun, community event!