BRT Proposed to Connect Tysons and City of Alexandria

Bus rapid transit (BRT) is the proposed mode to connect Tysons and the City of Alexandria along Route 7. The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC), which will vote on the recommended mode and alignment in July, received a briefing on the Envision Route 7 project at its meeting Thursday. BRT is proposed to run 11 miles, mostly in a dedicated lane, between the Spring Hill Metrorail Station in Tysons to the Mark Center in Alexandria, leaving Route 7 briefly to connect to the East Falls Church Metrorail Station.

The Route 7 Corridor study considered three transit modes – BRT, light rail and enhanced bus service – and several alignments, with and without a connection at East Falls Church Metro and terminating at Mark Center or the King Street or Van Dorn Street Metrorail stations. Construction and operating costs for BRT on Route 7 are, respectively, 70 and 40 percent lower than light rail. BRT is expected to attract 9,500 new transit riders to Route 7 each day.

“This regional solution will expand travel options in this key corridor,” said Jay Fisette, NVTC chairman. “By moving more people faster and more reliably along Route 7, we will reap the benefits – such as reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion – associated with BRT. This solution will connect communities along the corridor and strengthen the region’s transportation network.”

The public will have an opportunity to learn more and comment about the preferred alternatives for Route 7 transit at public meetings in Alexandria, Fairfax and the City of Falls Church in early June. The Commission will consider public comment prior to voting on the Route 7 recommendations at its July meeting.