Anyone know the status of the Tyson's METRO? Is it still scheduled to be finished and running end of 2013/start of 2014?

Metro is actually scheduled ahead of time for Silver Line Phase 1, they are saying the trains might be able to run last month of 2013. Construction is set to be done mid 2013, depending on which trains are ready and when, as well as when track testing can be done, will dictate whether it will be Jan 2014 or earlier. The elements that could have slowed down the project for the most part are now complete, and the last of the road impacts should be done at the end of this month.

http://thetysonscorner.com

I'm curious what the fare structure will be the the Silver line. Metro hasn't disclosed any planned fares yet. (Could this be another surpise like the proposed EZ Pass $1 a month surcharge as the result of the Hot lanes?)

I imagine the fares will be high to commute from Reston to DC on the Silver line. Right now, a one way rush hour fare from Vienna to Metro Center is $5.30 or $15.25 a day if parking is included.

Metro has a max fare structure actually, so we know that it can't exceed that (unless they increase that for the silver line). I believe from Wielhe in was going to be 4.50-5.00 but can't find the source for that. Based on WMATA budget this year, the max fare is 5.20 (no matter where you go it can't cost more than that).

One thing that's lost is how many people from Arlington will be taking metro to Reston, how many from Reston will go to Arlington, and how many will both be going to Tysons. DC is still the main job draw, but along the dulles corridor the high tech people generally stay private and for consultants (ie not in the city)

Tysons Engineer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Metro has a max fare structure actually, so we
> know that it can't exceed that (unless they
> increase that for the silver line). I believe from
> Wielhe in was going to be 4.50-5.00 but can't find
> the source for that. Based on WMATA budget this
> year, the max fare is 5.20 (no matter where you go
> it can't cost more than that).
>
> One thing that's lost is how many people from
> Arlington will be taking metro to Reston, how many
> from Reston will go to Arlington, and how many
> will both be going to Tysons. DC is still the main
> job draw, but along the dulles corridor the high
> tech people generally stay private and for
> consultants (ie not in the city)


I doubt Metro will keep the max fare structure once the Silver line opens. What about factoring the planned Dulles toll road increases for the Silver boondogle?

Yes the fares might go up for silver line, but based on the fact that they work on fare increases of dimes, not dollars, it wont be a budget buster. Also note that the silver line isnt necessarily a way to the city, its Fairfax's metro to get the most populated region (Reston/Herndon/Chantilly) to the most populated job centers, Tysons and Arlington. For most people that work in DC the car down the toll road will likely still be the best option as it would take 50 minutes from Wielhe to DC. It would take less than 10 minutes if your destination is Tysons, and it would take 17 minutes if your destination is Arlington.

By car there is no chance you can get from that part of Reston to Tysons in 10 minutes and driving to Arlington from Wielhe takes about 40 minutes most days unless you have HOV capability, in which case it still takes 30 minutes atleast to Ballston via 66 if you are lucky.

DC commuters get the benefit that about 30,000 people will be coming off the road on the toll road, therefore making the money you are spending actually worth it. Dunno how often you drive on the DTR right now but even on its best days Hunter Mill in can be a bear, removing 15-20% of the traffic will make it a lot quicker for people who are trying to get to DC.