Metro Silver Line Opening, West Falls Church Shuttle Service Affected

By Brittney Dunkins

The George Washington University Transportation and Parking Services announced Wednesday that following the opening of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Silver Line on Saturday, the West Falls Church (WFC) shuttle service to the Virginia Science and Technology Campus will originate at the newly opened Wiehle-Reston East Metro station, located in Reston, Va.

The WFC shuttle service to VSTC will be relocated to Wiehle-Reston East Metro station, a Silver Line stop, effective Monday and will be renamed the Wiehle Express.

The final ride from the West Falls Church Metro station, an Orange Line stop, will occur on Friday.

“We are excited to be a part of the Metro expansion,” GW Transportation Manager Troy Hawkins said. “Our staff is making every effort to accommodate members of the university community as we transition to providing shuttle service at the new Wiehle-Reston East Metro station.”

The WFC —now the Wiehle Express—shuttle service is operated by Loudon County in partnership with GW to transport commuters to the Virginia Science and Technology Campus. The Wiehle Express will run Monday through Friday in a circular route from Wiehle-Reston East to VSTC. Shuttle service is free for student, faculty and staff GWorld cardholders.

The first Wiehle Express pick up is scheduled for 6:05 a.m., and the last shuttle is scheduled to leave the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station at 6:05 p.m., according to Mr. Hawkins.

“Two additional pick-up times have been added to the Wiehle Express schedule to accommodate mid-day riders,” Mr. Hawkins said.

Adjustments may be made to the current schedule and updates will be posted online as they become available.

Wiehle-Reston East is one of five new stations built for the first phase of the Silver Line, which spans 23 miles from East Falls Church to Wiehle Avenue. The second phase of Silver Line development is scheduled for completion in 2018.

Silver Line service will also be available at the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro station.