Route 353 Realigned to Serve New Kingstowne Center
Route 353 will be realigned in May 2025 to serve new Franconia Government Center
Route 353 Realigned to Serve Kingstowne Center
Fairfax Connector's Route 353 will be realigned to serve the new Franconia Government Center in Kingstowne, transit officials said. The service change takes effect in May 2025, though officials haven't announced a specific date. The new government facility is expected to open in summer 2025, providing residents with improved access to county services.
Background on Service Adjustment
The route modification is part of Fairfax Connector's ongoing efforts to align bus service with community needs, according to the transit agency. Officials said the realignment will provide direct transit access to the new government center, though they didn't specify which county services will be housed at the facility. Fairfax Connector has operated in the county since 1985, providing local bus service and connections to Washington Metro. The agency runs over 90 routes throughout Fairfax County, serving the southeastern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C.
Route Details and Scope
The realignment affects Route 353's path through Kingstowne, a census-designated place in southeastern Fairfax County near Franconia. Officials released route maps showing the new alignment but didn't provide details about how many stops will be added or removed. Current ridership figures for Route 353 weren't available, and officials haven't said whether they expect the realignment to increase passenger numbers. The service change documentation shows Routes 350, 351, and 352 are also being modified in May 2025, though officials didn't specify whether those changes are related to the new government center.
Implementation Timeline
The route realignment is scheduled for May 2025, according to Fairfax Connector service change documentation. Officials typically notify riders several weeks before major service changes, though they haven't said when updated schedules will be released. The Franconia Government Center is expected to open in summer 2025, though a specific opening date wasn't provided.
What Riders Need to Know
Riders who regularly use Route 353 should review updated route maps before the May changes take effect. Officials said detailed schedules will be released closer to the implementation date. Passengers can check Moovit for real-time Route 353 updates and service alerts as the realignment approaches.
