2 CUE Bus Route Changes Will Be Considered At Tuesday's Fairfax City Council Meeting

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Fairfax City residents will have an opportunity Tuesday night to voice their opinions about two route changes to CUE Bus service between Old Town Fairfax and the Vienna/Fairfax City - GMU Metro Station.

Fairfax City Council is hosting a public hearing as part of its regular Tuesday night meeting. City staff is proposing to change portions of the Gold route to better serve the mixed used developments near Fairfax Circle and Old Town. If the proposal is approved, the changes would go into affect on Aug. 1.

The first proposed change would eliminate the Gold route stops on Old Lee Highway between Layton Hall Drive and University Drive. Under the new configuration, the bus would turn left onto Layton Hall Drive and access University Driver further to the north.

The second change would eliminate the Gold route stops between Blake Lane and Fairfax Circle. Under the new route, the bus would continue straight on Blake Lane (Pickett Road) and then turn right onto Fairfax Boulevard. The bus would then continue around Fairfax Circle and onto Old Lee Highway toward Old Town.

As part of their development agreement with the city, the developers of The Flats on University have agreed to pay for the installation of two new bus shelters, according to the proposal submitted by City Manager Robert A. Stalzer. A third shelter will be paid for by Northern Virginia Transportation Commission's Commuter Choice funding. City funds of approximately $25,000 would be needed to pay for an additional shelter, if the city decides to install one; stop improvements; map printing and outreach materials.

The public comment on the proposed route changes has been open since Dec. 7. The city has received seven comments in favor of the changes, two neutral comments and one in opposition.

"Yes, both seem like a better way to serve more passengers with little downside — do it!" Megak8 said, in their comment.

"Thanks for thinking of access for our residents in Layton Hall apartments!" G. Lee said, in his comment. "Also completely agree that the North St. left turn is difficult and unnecessary."

Waye01, who identified themself as an Old Fairfax Mews resident, was concerned about a bus stop being installed in front of their community.

"Very happy to see the stop is located in the other side of Whitehead Street near the commercial properties," they said. "This is smart planning and still accessible to all, but doesn't leave a group of people standing outside of my front door on University. Well done."

BH, the lone commenter who opposed the proposal, said:

"I am concerned that route change #1 will reduce foot traffic to the Main Street Marketplace shopping area. It substantially increases the walking distance to that shopping area. This would, however, be mitigated if the pedestrian crossing at North and Old Lee were improved."

Members of the public who wish to comment on the route change can do so in-person at 7 p.m. at City Town Hall, which is located at 10544 Armstrong St. Those interested in speaking at the meeting must signup ahead of time by calling 703-385-7935. Public comment may also be done by phone by calling 571-282-3524. Each speaker will be given three minutes to speak and be prepared to provide their name and address prior to speaking.