Transit Advisory Board Business Meeting - November 18, 2024

The Transit Advisory Board (TAB) held its regular business meeting on November 18, 2024, at the Transit & Commuter Services Office in Leesburg, Virginia. The meeting was chaired by Ray Delpesche, who arrived late, and was led initially by Rushi Shah. A large public turnout was present, primarily to address rumors that the county's commuter bus service would be eliminated entirely. Staff and board members clarified that no such elimination was planned, and that only underperforming routes were being cut. The board approved the September 11, 2024 meeting minutes and the 2024 Annual Report, discussed the 2025 meeting schedule, and received updates on ridership, service changes, and a planned microtransit pilot.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of September 11, 2024 Meeting Minutes: Motion by Vlad Ovchynnikov, seconded by Dorri O'Brien, approved unanimously (10-0-1, Raine Terry absent).
• Approval of 2024 Annual Report: Motion made and seconded, approved unanimously. The report includes accomplishments such as growth in local and paratransit ridership, recommendations passed at the May 2024 Transit Summit (fare-free local transit, defined paratransit service area, and suspension of commuter bus revenue neutrality), and future goals.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jeff Huber: Commuter bus rider, expressed concern about losing service. He described his current commute (Ashburn Metro to Farragut West, costing $8 each way, 2–2.5 hours one way) and stated that without the commuter bus he would need to change work hours or drive, adding $245 per day in costs. He urged reconsideration of any route cuts.
• Juan Romero: Commuter bus rider, asked for clarification on rumors that the contract with Kelios (expiring June 30, 2026) would not be renewed. He noted that the board waived cost neutrality, subsidizing 50% of service, and urged the board to ensure continuation.
• Sandra (last name not given): Commuter bus driver for nine years, stated that two of her morning runs are being cut (averaging 2-3 riders). She reported that affected riders said they would switch to PRTC (out-of-county buses) and noted safety concerns on Metro, emphasizing the comfort and security of commuter buses.
• Sean Cernay: Expressed relief that service was not being eliminated entirely. He highlighted economic and environmental benefits, and urged that if buses fill up, the county should add routes.
• Patrick Fellows: Asked where the list of eliminated routes is published (Loudoun.gov/buschange).
• Jennifer Rohrbach: Asked about the timeline for contract renewal (Kevin Gross responded that decisions must be made soon, as an RFP typically takes a year).
• Ben (last name not given): Advocated for preserving the commuter bus as a premium service that attracted him to Leesburg. He urged long-term planning over short-term cuts.
• Matt (last name not given): Stressed the importance of route choice and robust transit, noting that ridership growth through transit-oriented development takes decades. He asked for multi-year notice if major changes were coming.
• Additional speaker: Asked about changing the revenue neutrality policy; Scott Gross explained it is a board policy and urged riders to contact their supervisors.

Discussion Items

• 2025 Meeting Schedule: The board discussed holding one meeting per year at the Loudoun County Government Center for accessibility. A motion was made and seconded to hold the January 8, 2025 meeting at the Government Center, if possible, and to keep the regular dates (second Wednesday of bi-monthly months) for the rest of the year. Approved.
• Staff Updates (Scott Gross):
  • Ridership: Commuter bus ridership is steady but low (average 19.8 riders per bus in 2024 vs. 40 pre-pandemic). Local bus ridership is increasing; paratransit is surging (24,000 rides projected this year, up from 13,000 two years ago).
  • Service Changes Effective December 2, 2024: 10 underperforming commuter bus trips (averaging less than 10 riders) are being eliminated. One new evening route is added. The Brambleton park-and-ride lot will no longer be served by buses, but the lot remains open for carpools. The Dulles Transit Center (1200 spaces, currently 200 cars) is available nearby.
  • Fare Increase: Commuter bus fares will increase by $1 on January 2, 2025. A second $1 increase was approved for 2026 but will be delayed to December 2025.
  • I-66 Toll Revenue: Six commuter trips are fully funded by I-66 toll grants, but overall the county subsidizes about 43-44% of commuter bus costs.
  • Microtransit Pilot: Planned for Leesburg (5.2 square miles), tentatively starting June 2025. Four buses will provide on-demand service within the town, using virtual stops and app-based booking. The pilot aims to test efficiency and public acceptance.
  • Metro Security: A board member raised anecdotal concerns about crime on Metro. Gross noted that crime is up on public transit nationally but that Metro ridership data does not show a disproportionate increase; many incidents involve homeless people at stations. Michael Kurtzke, a daily Metro rider, reported few personal issues.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes of September 11, 2024.
• Approved the 2024 Annual Report (to be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors).
• Approved the 2025 meeting schedule with the January 8 meeting at the Loudoun County Government Center (pending availability).
• Staff clarified that the commuter bus service is not being eliminated; only underperforming routes are cut, and the contract renewal process will begin soon.
• Next meeting: January 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM, likely at the Government Center. Officer elections (Chair and Vice-Chair) will occur at that meeting.
• Adjourned by motion.