Community Corner

C.U.E. Is Turning 40! It Happens In Fairfax City!

The City University Energysaver (CUE) bus system was launched on August 18, 1980 as a joint venture.

Press Release Desk, News Partner

Press release from the City of Fairfax:

08/10/2020 4:28 PM

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CUE at City Hall , 1986

CUE at City Hall, 2015

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CUE Bus Turns 40 in 2020!

The City University Energysaver (CUE) bus system was launched on August 18, 1980 as a joint venture between the City and George Mason University. The new bus service helped reduce parking demand and provided residents and the GMU community with another option to avoid traffic congestion. In 1986, service was expanded to provide a connection to the Vienna Metrorail Station. In 2001, CUE added NextBus to provide real-time information to riders.

Throughout the past four decades CUE has provided reliable service, no matter the weather or other challenges, and has been an integral part of the community with services for special events as well as for daily commuters and visitors. CUE continues to evolve to provide reliable and essential service to its riders, with updated sanitation and social distancing protocols to protect riders and drivers during the current pandemic.

Join the Celebration

CUE will be celebrating 40 years of service throughout August and September. Here are some ways you can help us celebrate:

Download and complete the CUE Bus Bingo Card

Pick up a limited edition CUE bus face mask and other goodies at Park(ing) Day from 11am-2pm on Friday, September 18 at Fair City Mall

Take the pledge to be Car Free on September 22, 2020

Check out photos of CUE over the years

Get to Know Your CUE Drivers

CUE’s friendly drivers are a part of our community, and riders enjoy getting to know the long-time City employees who provide safe transportation day in and day out. Did you know some of CUE’s drivers have been with the City for almost 30 years? Below are highlights from recent conversations with four of CUE’s longest-tenured employees.

Lecia describes her 25 years with CUE like this: “Family, community, good vibes.” She mainly works in the office now, but likes to get out on the road sometimes to stay in touch with drivers and rider needs.
Paul began his CUE career in 1992, and has gotten to know many riders during his time behind the steering wheel. He has seen a lot of change in the City over the years, but says “it still feels the same, still friendly”.

When Bob walked through the door for his interview with CUE, he says, “I knew I was going to be here for 25 or 30 years”, referring to the community vibe and friendly work environment. He started driving during the blizzard of 1996 and has driven through all kinds of weather.
Dean drove buses for 20 years, and enjoyed working at city events such as the Fourth of July parade. Now he works in the office and helps answer passenger questions. Even throughout the pandemic, a lot of people call to ask if the bus is on a normal schedule. “People still need a ride”, he says.

For more information about CUE:

This press release was produced by the City of Fairfax. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

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