OmniRide – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE August 5, 2019
WOODBRIDGE, VA – In response to comments we’ve received from passengers, OmniRide is offering a few suggestions for commuters impacted by an on-going work stoppage by some of our bus drivers.
On Tuesday, August 6, 2019, OmniRide will again operate on a modified service plan.
- OmniRide Express buses in the I-95 corridor will take riders to and from the Pentagon Metro Station approximately every 30 minutes between 4:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
- OmniRide Express buses in the I-66 corridor will take riders to and from the Tysons Corner Metro Station approximately every 30 minutes between 4:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
- Fares on OmniRide Express buses will be free.
- OmniRide Local buses will not make off-route trips.
- VRE Shuttle Service will not operate, allowing OmniRide to divert those resources to other trips.
Passengers should be aware that OmniRide’s real-time mobile app will not accurately track buses that are not running their regular routes. Based on feedback from customers, OmniRide has a few suggestion for those using our services during the work stoppage:
- The most important tip is to sign up for Rider Express, which is OmniRide’s email and text message alert system. Subscribers can select the routes they use and be notified of changes and delays impacting their commutes.
- Passengers should allow for extra time for their commutes because Express buses are running less frequently than they normally do, and most passengers are making connections to reach their final destinations.
- Passengers who find long lines at the Horner Road Commuter Lot may want to board at the Lake Ridge Commuter Lot, located at Old Bridge and Minnieville roads.
- Passengers should know their alternatives to driving alone. Options include: Joining acarpool or vanpool, riding with Virginia Railway Express, and slugging (visit Sluglines.com orSlug-Lines.com).
Some OmniRide bus drivers began participating in a work stoppage on August 1, 2019, after their contract expired with OmniRide’s service contractor, First Transit. First Transit has been negotiating with the union that represents its bus operators at OmniRide, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) since March 2019.
The AFSCME Union and First Transit reached a tentative agreement for a new contract in late June 2019, however the union later rejected that offer. AFSCME also later rejected an offer to extend the contract through September 30, 2019 to allow the parties to continue negotiations.
OmniRide has a contract with First Transit, which hires the bus operators and mechanics who work on OmniRide buses, but OmniRide is not involved in First Transit’s negotiations with AFSCME.
During this work stoppage, OmniRide passengers are encouraged to sign up for Rider Express alerts and frequently monitor our website for updates.