PRTC’s OmniRide to participate in “Bus on Shoulder” pilot program

Something new is coming for I-66 commuters who ride PRTC buses. Starting March 23, PRTC’s OmniRide commuter buses will be authorized to drive on the paved shoulders in specific areas of I-66 inside the Beltway when the regular lanes are highly congested as part of a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) one-year pilot program.

Allowing authorized transit buses with trained bus operators to drive on the right shoulder of the highway will provide PRTC’s Manassas OmniRide and Gainesville OmniRide commuters with a faster trip that adheres more closely with scheduled arrival and departure times in heavy traffic.

“Our passengers desire a reliable trip to work and home. Being able to operate on the shoulders when the regular lanes are congested will help PRTC meet our riders’ expectations,” said Eric Marx, PRTC’s Director of Planning and Operations.

VDOT is authorizing PRTC buses to use the right shoulder in designated areas when traffic in the regular lanes slows below 35 mph. The maximum speed when driving on the shoulder will be 25 mph. Even when conditions meet VDOT requirements, shoulder use is optional based on each individual bus operators’ professional judgment and the roadway conditions.

Training for bus operators is required on topics such as safely moving onto the shoulder and back onto the main lanes, driving on the shoulder at exit and entrance ramps, and avoiding stalled vehicles on shoulders. Buses operating on the shoulders will be required to yield to all other vehicles. Signs have been placed on I-66 to alert all motorists to the use of shoulders by buses.

The three areas where PRTC buses may use the right shoulder are:

* Eastbound on I-66 for 1.3 miles between the Route 29/Lee Highway overpass to North Quinn Street, just before the Rosslyn Tunnel;

* Westbound I-66 for 1.5 miles from North Nash Street just beyond the Rosslyn Tunnel to the Route 29/Lee Highway overpass near Spout Run Parkway; and

* Westbound I-66 for 1.1 miles from the North Quincy Street overpass and connecting to the 1.6 mile auxiliary lane that ends at the Sycamore Street off-ramp.

VDOT has approved another segment of roadway for bus on shoulder operations, however PRTC does not operate in that area. This pilot location runs along the eastbound Dulles Connector Road extending from the existing bus on shoulder lane that ends at the ramp to the West Falls Church Metro Station to the merge onto eastbound I-66 near the Great Falls Street overpass.

Allowing buses to use the shoulders is a low-cost way of providing immediate benefits to transit whenever there is moderate to heavy congestion.

Visit PRTCtransit.org for a map showing the designated areas of I-66 where buses can operate on the shoulders and for a listing of frequently asked questions about the program.