The Silver Line stops in Fairfax County’s largest business district (Tysons Corner) and in the county’s second-largest commercial center (Reston). Photo by Caroline Watkins/The Connection
July 26 marked the first anniversary of the Metro’s Silver Line opening. In the year since, the new rail has changed commuting for Fairfax County and the area. The Silver Line begins at the newly constructed Wiehle-Reston East Station and travels four stations including Tysons Corner and McLean before lining up with the Orange Line at East Falls Church and then continuing to Largo Town Center.
As Chris, a salesman in D.C. puts it, the new route is “more expensive, but consistent.” Before the silver line was opened last year, Chris had to take a bus out to Falls Church every day. “Now, my commute to work is more consistent and streamlined,” said Chris.
For commuters like Steven Shearer, the silver line provides less of a hassle than driving. “It’s much easier for me,” said Shearer, “the toll and parking in D.C. is more expensive [than the Silver Line.]” Having been commuting from Northern Virginia to D.C. for 17 years, Shearer has found the Silver Line to be a great convenience this past year.
Loudoun County is also now connected to the D.C. metro more conveniently, via the Loudoun County Transit. Commuters can catch a bus and run to one of the Silver Line stations, including Wiehle-Reston and Spring Hill. This has been revolutionary for Loudoun commuters like Sara Johnson. “I never thought 15 years ago, from Loudoun, you’d be able to commute [to D.C.],” said Johnson. Johnson has been commuting to D.C. twice a week for the past three years, and she has been very impressed with the Silver Line. “The fares seem reasonably priced given the expanse of the distance,” said Johnson, “and the cleanliness is outstanding.”
The Silver Line also offers connections to other bus systems. The Fairfax Connector serves the four stations in Tysons, as well as Wiehle-Reston. The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission provides a connection from Tysons Corner to Prince William County. In addition, Washington Flyer will provide a Silver Line Express service between Dulles Airport and Wiehle-Reston East.
The Silver Line has been attracting more than commuters. Nineteen-year-old Molly McKnight and her brother, residents of the Herndon/Reston area, use the silver line to see museums and monuments in D.C.
Whether they be commuters or sightseers, the Silver Line travelers seem to be enjoying the new conveniences.