A recent radio commercial from VDOT claims that the upcoming "HOT" (Lexus) lanes on the Capital Beltway will, among other things, create opportunities for new bus service.
So...buses on the Beltway. Where will they go? I envision and pray for a BRT or at least bus extension of the Purple Line (but I wouldn't bet money on seeing any rails on the ground for at least 20 years, until after the dust clears from Dulles).
Maybe if Maryland gets its act together on its end of the HOT lanes, we can see an attempt at reviving the 14s.
Well, MD was open to shoulder use...if we could just get that back...
It's bad that such a vital transportation corridor as the Capital Beltway is not considered a vital public transportation corridor. Our region would be dead without it, and our transit network is....not dead, but...seriously lacking, by ignoring it.
I know PRTC has in its conceptual plans service to Tysons/Reston and at one time we were even pondering Bethesda. I think Tysons is more of a reality. Look for lots of Springfield/lower Fairfax County service to the Tysons area to make use of those lanes.
That's if our buddy has a life changing experience that opens his eyes to better public transit. Maybe a trip out west.