Why cutting Fairfax Connector service is a bad idea (reason 3 of 6)

Reason 3: Because Fairfaxians would like to be able to get their evening drink on downtown once in a while.

The Reston Towne Center is nice and all. But there are some evenings when you want something a little different than Rio Grande or Jackson's Fine Food. And that's where the Connector can hook you up to the orange line downtown. And this private chauffeur system means you can have that extra espresso-infused mojito (or two) down in the Penn Quarter without worrying about the Po Po pulling you over and dragging you in.

The proposed budget cuts would eliminate trips after 8:30 or 9:30 p.m. Who thought of that brilliant idea - the taxi drivers serving the West Falls Church metro stop?

Not only does this proposal cut into drinking, it also makes life difficult for catching a sporting event, play, live music or any evening activity not scheduled at the same time as the Denny's early bird special.

Short-Sighted Transit Proposal in a Nutshell

To close the gap created by a loss in outside revenue from Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority for Fairfax Connector operations in the Dulles Corridor, the budget proposal includes the following increase in fares and reductions in service:

◦A fare increase from $1.25 to $1.50 on the base fare.

◦Elimination of seven routes.

◦Creation of one route to replace a small portion of eliminated routes 552, 553, 554 and 557.

◦Reduction in the number of late-night trips, generally operating after 8:30 or 9 p.m., depending on the route.

◦Elimination of Sunday service in the Dulles Corridor.

•The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will adopt a final FY 2011 budget on Apr. 27



You can do something!

Read about the proposed cuts.

Submit your comments online.

Sign up to speak at a public hearing April 4, 5 or 6.

Call the budget hotline: 703-324-9400.

Call your district supervisor (if you live in Fairfax County)