Annandale routes spared from Connector cutbacks

The 401 Connector bus on John Marr Drive in Annandale.

Fairfax County Connector service will be cut back, beginning April 11, due to reduced ridership resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

Thirty-eight bus routes will continue to operate on their regular schedules, including the 401, 402, and 306 routes, which serve the Annandale area.

Thirty-nine routes will be temporarily suspended, and 14 routes will operate on a reduced, Saturday schedule. These changes will be in effect until the COVID-19 situation changes.

Fairfax Connector customers must enter and exit the bus using the rear doors. As a result, fare collection on buses is suspended, as fare boxes and SmarTrip equipment are located at the front entrances. People who use a wheelchair ramp can continue to use the front door.

Cleaning and disinfection protocols have been ramped up for bus interiors, focusing on door handles, handrails, and other surfaces. The Fairfax County Health Department urges people to avoid public transportation if they  are feeling ill and practice social distancing on the bus by staying six feet away from others.

Metro has also made further cutbacks to limit frontline transit workers’ exposure to the public during the COVID-19 emergency. Metrorail stops running every day at 9 p.m. Hours are 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Metrobus service now ends earlier every day, too, with the last trips departing at or before 11 p.m.