When does the shuttle operate?
Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm, no holidays excepted. First shuttle departs Metro 7am, last shuttle departs Metro @ 6:50pm, with continuous loops in between throughout the day, stopping at stops when a rider requests or there is a rider at the stop.
What are the stops?
Effective Feb. 1, 2025, there are five, in this order (route map below or you can download our flyer; note that, even though this is not indicated on the updated collateral, the shuttle will circle past the former Discovery Sqaure stop through February to provide a month’s notice to Discovery employees of the elimination of that stop):
- RTC Metro Station (dedicated shelter beyond County bus bays, on left side of parking lot as one exists Metro escalator)
- Marriott/Window Plaza
- Skymark
- Explorer Street/Town Square Park
- Pavilion/Mercury Fountain
How are stops be identified?
There are signs (like that below) posted at each stop. There is a dedicated shelter on the left side of the Metro Kiss and Ride parking lot (as one exits the Metro, beyond the County bus bays, branded as the linkRTC stop). The vans are also wrapped with the linkRTC brand for easy identification.
Is there a charge for the service?
No. The service is FREE and open to all.
How often do vans arrive?
Assuming adequate demand, and except for bio breaks or traffic, mechanical, or unforeseen issues, the shuttle should pass by stops about every 10 minutes (may be longer during peak times). Riders can consult the app or website tracker to see exactly where the shuttle is along the route at any given moment.
Why isn’t the shuttle timed with arriving/departing Metro trains?
It is impossible to do that. Metro is a large system, and inevitably there are inconsistencies with scheduled arrivals or departures. Operating a service that has a shuttle at Metro +/- every 10 minutes ensures that no one will have to wait very long to get a shuttle, regardless of when their train arrives at the RTC Metro Station.
When will the shuttle stop at the designated stops?
If a rider requests, or if a rider is waiting at the stop. Riders must be waiting at the stop for the shuttle to stop.
Can vans stop to pick up people who are near but not at the stops?
Unfortunately, no (but see next question on inclement weather). We appreciate that “just missing” a shuttle can be frustrating. For insurance and legal reasons (liability), we cannot pick up people who are not at the stops (like any public transportation service). That said, where a driver sees a person approaching who has made clear they want to use the service, drivers are instructed to stop to try to accommodate if doing so will not unduly delay the service or create safety concerns. Of course, drivers may not always see such a person approaching; they need to stay focused on safety, traffic, street conditions, schedule, and other issues. The only sure guaranty is to be at the stop before the shuttle arrives. Riders can consult the app or website tracker to see exactly where the shuttle is along the route at any given moment.
What about during inclement weather — will adjustments be made to accommodate riders who may seek nearby shelter while waiting for the shuttle?
As noted, drivers will stop only when a rider requests or there is someone waiting outside at the stop. We recognize, however, that, other than the Metro stop, we do not have dedicated shelters at these stops, though all have nearby vestibules or awnings. During inclement weather (rain, heavy snow), drivers will adjust and slow down at stops to try to determine if there is someone waiting inside the vestibule, Pavilion, or under a nearby awning. Naturally, this will extend service levels during such periods to something more than the routine +/- 10-minute intervals we expect to achieve during regular service. But we ask riders to be alert and to help in avoiding shuttle delays: as you see the shuttle approaching, move outside to the stop so the driver will be able to clearly see you and avoid any missed connections.
How were route direction and stops chosen?
The primary purpose of this first phase of the service is to connect the extended urban core and Metro. It is being paid for voluntarily by commercial properties that have stops along the route; at the moment, no residential properties are contributing to funding of the service nor is the RTCA assessment being used. Multiple alternatives were tested to economically achieve the desired efficiency (having the shuttle pass by stops about every 10 minutes). The chosen route (which is about two miles long and takes just under 10 minutes to travel, absent stops and excessive traffic and other factors) is the most economically viable and efficient route for the service.
How do I get additional information about the shuttle?
A dedicated website, https://linkrtc.org/shuttle, provides real-time locations of vans on the route, complete schedule information, and links to supplementary transit information (including Metrorail schedules, county bus schedules, ride-sharing services, and other transportation-related information). There are also QR codes on all vans, signs at stops, and in most promotional materials that will take people directly to the website.
Is there an app?
Yes. Riders may download the linkRTC app from our website. It provides basic route information and includes a live tracker that shows where the shuttle is along the route at any given moment. The app will also post notices on weather-related or other disruptions to service.
Such notice will be posted, at a minimum, on the app and website.
Who is operating the vans?
Reston Limousine and Travel Service, Inc., an experienced and trusted local transportation provider. Now in its fourth decade of service, Reston Limousine, with over 250 vehicles, operates one of the ten largest chauffeured fleets in the country and is one of metropolitan Washington, D.C.’s largest providers of transportation services. RTCA was especially attracted to Reston Limousine’s unmatched reputation for reliability, safety, and attention to customer service, all of which earned it a national industry award as Large Operator of the Year.
What vehicle is being used?
A gasoline-powered, 14-passenger (including two wheelchair-accessible seating places), Starcraft Allstar van (built on a Ford E350 chassis). Starcraft is North America’s largest manufacturer of shuttle-bus solutions. Any van used will be professionally outfitted, with comfortable seating, A/C, and be fully ADA compliant.
Are there plans to move to electric vehicles (EVs)?
Yes, as battery capacity/technology improves to allow the levels of service we require.
Are there plans to deploy self-driving vehicles?
No. We don’t believe that technology, at this time, would allow for a van to be safely and capably deployed along a two-mile, non-linear route with multiple stops and turns.
Are there plans to eventually offer service on weekends?
We regularly will be evaluating the schedule, including its possible expansion to weekends and otherwise, based on demand, use, and the economics of providing the service.
How can customers provide input?
All input/suggestions/complaints should be sent through the dedicated email, shuttle@linkrtc.org. Every submission will be reviewed by Reston Limousine and Reston Town Center Assocation (RTCA) and addressed as appropriate.
Who is the governing authority for this service?
All policies, procedures, schedules, and operational logistics are approved by the RTCA Board of Directors.
Are RTCA assessments being used to finance this service?
No. Properties within RTCA that choose to opt in are part of a cost-sharing agreement, and those opt-in properties pay for the service. Financing subject to change if/as the service evolves.
Will the service eventually be rolled out further across Reston Town Center?
Possibly. This is something we are studying over time to determine if there is sufficient demand/use of the service to justify a broader roll out.
In the meantime, can other properties that wish to be a part of this join?
Potentially. Properties that wish to join can inquire with the RTCA Executive Director, Robert Goudie (rgoudie@restontc.org, 703-435-6600). Applications will be reviewed by the RTCA Board of Directors. Properties wishing to opt in would have to agree to abide by the cost-sharing agreement and be a part of the funding solution, and desired levels of service would have to be maintained.
Why isn’t the County bus transit station on the route?
County bus routes #552, #605, #950, and RIBS 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 will all connect riders with the Metro and RTC bus transit station (updated schedules at this link). Because linkRTC is intended to complement and not supplant the separate County services, we will not stop at the bus transit station (though the Explorer St./Town Sq. Park stop is only about two blocks away).