Taking the Loudoun County Transit Commuter Bus to Downtown DC from Western Loudoun County

For those of us in Western Loudoun who don't want to take the MARC train, LC Transit is our best option for commuting to Arlington, VA and Washington, DC. Given gas prices alone, LC Transit provides an affordable, reliable alternative to driving downtown.

In the summer of 2008, with gas prices over $3 dollars and our vehicle's consumption at around 27 miles per gallon, driving from Lovettsville to Rosslyn to Northwest and back cost approximately $25 dollars per day. We were filling up the car once every 2 to 3 days at $50 per tank. With the odometer climbing, we had to find a better way: the LC Transit Commuter Bus.

Benefits of the Bus: Fares and Savings

From stops in Purcellville and Leesburg, round-trip bus fare to Rosslyn, the Pentagon and Downtown is $16 dollars. There is a $1 dollar discount each way for SmarTrip card holders for a total of $14 dollars per day. If you are one of hundreds of commuters spending upwards of $200 dollars in gas weekly, the savings are substantial, even if you drive 10 miles to your local LC Transit bus stop.

Gas money is not the only cost benefit. By riding the bus, you save wear and tear on your vehicle, and your annual insurance premiums may drop, adding up to even more in savings.

Benefits of the Bus: A Faster Commute

If your destination is anywhere inside the Beltway, then you know how terrible traffic can be on the Dulles Toll Road. There is nothing like the sun rising just above the road in front of you, causing traffic to slow to a halt. Even if you have an EZ Pass, a hybrid vehicle and three passengers, you may find yourself constantly replacing your burnt-out break lights.

Your LC Transit Bus, however, will breeze past all the stopped traffic from the center lanes of the Toll Road (prohibited for use by all but airport traffic and buses). Even if the bus makes three Loudoun County stops before hitting the highway, it's not unusual for it (and the passengers aboard) to beat a fast driver into town. In my personal experience, the bus has proven itself extremely reliable even during inclement weather. While a little snow and ice often stops Toll Road traffic for extended periods of time, the buses sail past Toll Road wrecks from the empty airport travel lanes. Be aware that the buses will not run in dangerous weather conditions; Check the LC Transit website for delays.

Riding the Bus

Passengers on the LC Transit Commuter Buses tend to be polite and keep to themselves. LC Transit asks that if you must use your phone, turn the ringer volume to low and speak softly. Generally there is not a lot of talking as people are working, reading, or napping.

Approximately 1,500 people ride the Commuter Buses from Loudoun to Arlington and Downtown every workday. The buses each carry 55 people. Most buses currently run near capacity (statistic provided by Loudoun County), and occasionally you may find that you have to stand on the bus - but it still beats paying all that gas money.

Increasing Popularity

With ridership growth rates currently at more than twenty percent (20%) annually, LC Transit is working to provide more buses while keeping fares reasonable. According to Jason Jacks of LoudounTimes.com, the County is looking to add more buses and more stops in Western Loudoun.

Timing & Connections

Buses serving Western Loudoun leave from Purcellville and Leesburg. The County offers free daily parking at each stop. As of October 2008, Purcellville stops include Franklin Park and St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. The Leesburg bus stop is on Catoctin Circle between Business Rt. 15 and Business Rt. 7.

Depending on which bus you take from these stops, you have a choice of move than 25 different destinations. Stops inside DC include the State Department, Federal Triangle, Union Station, the Navy Yard Metro Station and the Washington Convention Center as well as stops along Independence Avenue, 3rd Street and K street. Buses also stop in Rosslyn and at the Pentagon. Buses leave from anywhere between 4:40 and 8:40 AM, and take between one and one-half and two hours to make all the stops on their routes (later buses take longer due to increased rush hour traffic). Visit the Commuter Bus Schedules page for details.

In the afternoon, buses begin leaving from points in DC between 12:30 and 5:30PM. The last bus from the Convention Center leaves at 5:37PM; The same bus leaves Rosslyn at 6:25PM. Depending on your location and schedule, you can find a convenient bus to get you home. Anticipate getting home before 7:30 PM (unless you take the last bus). Again, visit LC Transit for details and to find the Route numbers you need to start saving time and money now.

LC Transit also runs buses from two stops near Dulles Airport to Rosslyn and DC. Additionally, two lines run to the West Falls Church Metro, servicing commuters living in Leesburg and points East. More information on these routes is available on the LC Transit webpage.

Sources:

"Commuter Bus Service." Loudoun County, Virginia.

"Commuter Bus Service: Schedules." Loudoun County, Virginia.

"HOV Routes and Hours." CommuterPage.com.

Jason Jacks, "April Record Month for Bus Ridership." WTOP.com.

"VDOT E-ZPass." Virginia.Gov.