About OmniRide
OmniRide is the operating name for the mobility services offered by the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC). OmniRide’s goal is to provide safe, reliable and flexible transportation options while helping to reduce congestion and pollution in one of the region's fastest growing areas. OmniRide’s headquarters are in Woodbridge, Virginia, about 25 miles southwest of Washington, D.C.
In FY 2023, OmniRide had more than 150 buses in its active fleet and made more than 1.5 million passenger trips.
Our Services
- OmniRide operates Express and Local bus services in neighborhoods surrounded by the busy I-95 and I-66 corridors;
- OmniRide promotes carpools and vanpools throughout Northern Virginia;
- OmniRide encourages Transportation Demand Management strategies to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads;
- OmniRide works with employers to create and expand commuter benefits programs for their employees;
- OmniRide offers travel training for those who need in-depth assistance to become confident transit riders;
- OmniRide co-sponsors the Virginia Railway Express commuter rail service in partnership with the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, NVTC; and
- OmniRide partners with other agencies on transportation planning and operating initiatives, ridesharing strategies, transportation planning studies, capital project management, policy analysis, and regional coordination.
Our Members and Board of Commissioners
Six jurisdictions are members of PRTC. The first three members listed below financially support bus and rail services, while the remaining three support rail services only:
- Prince William County
- Manassas City
- Manassas Park City
- Stafford County
- Spotsylvania County
- Fredericksburg City
The PRTC Board of Commissioners has 17 members. Thirteen are locally elected officials from its six member jurisdictions: Prince William County (6), Manassas City (1), Manassas Park City (1), Stafford County (2), Spotsylvania County (2), and Fredericksburg City (1). In addition, three Commissioners are appointed to represent the Virginia General Assembly (one from the Senate and two commissioners appointed by the Speaker of the House), and the Chairman of the Commonwealth Transportation Board (ex officio with voting privileges) – designee is the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT).
Our History and Funding
Because regional transportation issues require the cooperation of multiple jurisdictions, Virginia law authorizes the creation of transportation districts. PRTC was established by the Virginia General Assembly in 1986 for just that reason – to help create and oversee the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) commuter rail service. Prince William County invited OmniRide to assume responsibility for area bus services in 1991.
Each jurisdiction that’s a member of PRTC collects a 2.1% motor fuels tax. The tax revenue is used to subsidize transit services and, once those obligations are met, may be used by the jurisdictions to fund local transportation improvements. Other OmniRide funding sources include passenger fares as well as federal and state monies.
Our Plans
In 2019 OmniRide expects to complete its Transit Strategic Plan. This plan concentrates on the community's future need for transit and transportation demand management (TDM) services. Importantly, it also identifies financial resources to ensure the transportation system's sustainability and growth. The Transit Strategic Plan covers OmniRide services through the year 2030.
Our Records
OmniRide is committed to serving the public. Our Audited Financial Statements are available for review and we comply with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).