Loudoun County Transit Advisory Board (TAB) Meeting - November 13, 2025

The Transit Advisory Board (TAB) of Loudoun County held its regular business meeting on the evening of November 13, 2025, with six members present. The board approved routine items, discussed the 2026 meeting schedule, received a detailed ridership update from staff, and addressed member reports on service observations.

Consent Calendar

• September 10, 2025 Meeting Minutes: Approved as written unanimously (6-0).
• Revised Bylaws (Attachment 2): Approved unanimously (6-0). The revision moves the remote participation provision to a new section; the quorum threshold remains at 25% or 3 members, whichever is greater, and allows for all-virtual meetings when decided in advance. Staff noted that the amendment requires approval by the Board of Supervisors and must be adopted annually by TAB.
• Annual Report (Attachment 3): Approved as written with minor modifications highlighted. The report will be packaged for the TLUC meeting in January and then the board meeting in February.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A member of the public reported that the English and Spanish versions of the Route 40 map on the website display different information. The board noted that this discrepancy had been referred to the route operator (Virginia BG) for resolution.

Discussion Items

• 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule (Attachment 4): The board discussed preferences for meeting dates, locations, and remote participation. Staff recommended moving the November meeting from November 11 to November 12 to avoid Veteran's Day. Members expressed interest in holding two of the six meetings at alternate locations to increase community access. Consensus was reached to hold those two meetings at Brambledon Library and Cascades Library, with the remaining four meetings at the regular location (county offices). Staff noted that meeting dates, locations, and virtual options will be formally approved at the January 2026 meeting.
• Staff Update – Ridership and Services:
  • Commuter Ridership: Down about 25% in October, less severe than expected, possibly because not all riders are federal employees or because some were still required to work.
  • Overall System Ridership: First quarter (Jul-Sep) reached 402,000 riders, roughly half of the previous fiscal year's total (819,000), suggesting a potential return to pre-pandemic levels if the trend continues.
  • Microtransit: Strong September and October; early November saw a slight dip. Staff is analyzing possible causes, including school calendar effects and technology issues. The provider (Rideco) is reviewing data for patterns.
  • Commuter Bus Pilot: The new pilot service from Dale City and Frederick to Loudoun County started slowly. Average daily ridership in October: 17 riders (Frederick AM) and 14 (Dale City AM); early November: 10 and 6 respectively. The midday trip serving Dulles hourly workers is being monitored. Marketing continues.
  • Transit Summit: Scheduled for December 8, 2025, as a regular board business meeting focused solely on transit. TAB may provide a public statement during the public comment period if planning permits. The chair typically presents the board's update.
• Member Reports & Feedback:
  • A board member reported riding a commuter bus and hearing positive passenger feedback, but noted a request to move a stop closer to a federal building. The member also observed a Maryland driver's erratic behavior that led to a passenger hitting his face; the driver called dispatch and an ambulance met the bus at Leesburg. The incident is covered under the contractor's insurance.
  • Another member raised concerns about security at the Leesburg park-and-ride in early morning darkness. Staff confirmed that security patrols are a sheriff's office function, though a call box is available.
  • Discussion on business cards: Staff explained that printing has been delayed due to workload and a policy question from Public Affairs. Members suggested a generic “Contact Us” card with a QR code linking to the member list to simplify production.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: September meeting minutes, revised bylaws, and annual report (all unanimously).
• Scheduled: The 2026 meeting schedule will include two off-site meetings (Brambledon and Cascades libraries) and four at the regular location; formal approval at the January meeting.
• Annual Election: Officer elections (chair and vice chair) will be held at the January 2026 annual meeting; no term limits exist.
• Staff Actions: Follow up with contractor on bus timing at park-and-ride to board passengers earlier in cold weather; continue analyzing microtransit ridership dips; work with sheriff's office on park-and-ride security options; pursue generic business cards with QR code.
• Next Regular Meeting: January 14, 2026.