Frequently Asked Questions (updated June 10, 2010)
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Rules
Emergency Plan
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Where do I buy tickets and passes? Typically each bus or van has a Transportation Manager to provide tickets and passes Where / How do I determine where specifically to meet for the return trip? Upon arrival in the metropolitan area, the driver dropping you off can show you where you’re expected for the afternoon pickup. (across the street/around the corner, etc…) Your fellow passengers getting off at the same stop will be happy to assist. Passengers typically exchange phone numbers and look out for each other. What form of payment do you accept? We accept various forms of transit benefits, cash, checks and selected credit cards. See the payment options section on our website for more details on the transit benefits. How do I set up my Smart Benefits. Please refer to our website to the Service Update page for helpful information on this. I need to make reservations for transportation in and around Washington DC Metro vicinity. (to include Dulles AP, Baltimore/BWI AP, National AP and the surrounding communities) An adequate response will be provided based on date/day of travel, travel origination and destination and any additional extenuating information you feel may impact your trip. We will also need the best number to reach you to obtain, provide and/or confirm information. I need to make a reservation for individualized/group, Sedan/Van/Coach Services. An adequate response will be provided based on date/day of travel, travel origination and destination and any additional extenuating information you feel may impact your trip. We will also need the best number to reach you to obtain, provide and confirm information. What are the reservation expectations of Valley Connector? We prefer at least 48 hours advance notice. What is the Valley Connector Cancellation Policy? Cancellations can be made any time prior to the driver departing to provide the requested service, typically four (4) hours prior to the trip. Where, specifically are the following pickup/drop-off locations: Berryville – in the large paved area next to the 340 Cigarette Outlet at 3355 Lord Fairfax Hwy, Berryville VA. This is just north of town on Route 340 as you are leaving Berryville heading to Charlestown. Front Royal – at the park and ride on Route 340 at Riverton Road just south of I-66 exit 6 at the trash collect center across the street from McDonalds. Linden – at the park and ride on Dismal Hallow Rd. (Across the street from the trash collection center) Strasburg – at the park and ride on Route 11 at Quarry Lane just west of I-81 exit 298. Across from the mini storage units. Winchester – in the large parking lot next to the CVS at 840 Berryville Ave, Winchester VA at the Apple Valley Square Shopping Center. Where do I catch the bus in Washington DC / Northern Virginia? We have several options available. You can view the map page on our website to zoom into the exact locations. Please let us know when you plan to travel, and we will inform our drivers to expect you. Washington DC - 7th and Independence - is the most convenient location. It is on 7th St SW and Independence Ave SW next to the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum. There is a covered bus shelter. This is one block from the L’Enfant Metro Stations 7th St, Maryland Ave. Smithsonian Museums exit. Washington DC - Union Station - Reservations are required for this location. The actual pickup locations is one block (approximately 500 feet) from Union Station at the corner of North Capital St NW and Massachusetts Ave NW. The pickup time for Linden / Front Royal / Strasburg is 3:20 pm. The pickup time for Winchester / Berryville is 4:30 pm. Rosslyn - The pickup in Rosslyn is in front of the McDonalds on Moore St. The Rosslyn Metro Station exits onto Moore Street, the McDonalds is across the street to the left. Ballston - The pickup in Ballston is on N. Glebe Rd at the corner of Fairfax Dr in next to the blue Marymount University building. Vienna Metro - The bus picks up on the north side of I-66 on Virginia Center Boulevard. There are two covered bus shelters next to each other on Virginia Center Boulevard just past the Kiss and Ride lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are always willing to improve our services and welcome suggestions from our customers to accomplish this. We encourage you to submit your ideas and suggestions to info@valleyconnector.com or any of the individual personnel links you find throughout our website. To avoid repetition, most if not all submissions will be posted for the information of all riders.
As a Federally Regulated Carrier providing regular route service, Valley Connector must follow our published schedule. Barring unforeseen circumstances, schedule changes will be announced a minimum of ten (10) calendar days prior to effecting changes of any kind (time/location/etc). No destination changes in the Shenandoah Valley or in Virginia/DC metro area will be considered without much discussion and knowledge by all riders affected. A minimum ten day period will proceed these changes and they will be posted to the appropriate page on our web site.
This is a business and as such we are always looking for ways to improve and expand our service to you and the local communities. We want to explore the opportunity to serve our riders in different capacities. Do not hesitate to contact us with your recommendations where you see improvements are possible.
The bus will stop but not linger at each stop to ensure riders have an opportunity to make their presence known to the driver even if it’s not obvious a rider is waiting. Buses will not leave any stop prior to the scheduled departure time. For this reason buses will typically arrive on time or within minutes of the advertised departure time to pick up riders.
Please realize that some things are beyond our control. Equipment sometimes fails. People sometimes get sick and short notice changes are sometimes necessary. We will always be proactive to avoid these situations and prevent their occurrence to minimize the impact to our riders.
Advertising space. If you are aware of sponsors or advertising opportunities on or for the Valley Connector vehicles, get involved and receive a discount to your personal transportation costs. We are also available to advertise by placing company internet “link’s” on our website.
Rules
The goal of the Valley Connector is to allow customers the opportunity to Rest, Relax and Revitalize as they travel to their destination.
Many accomplish this by quietly reading or taking a nap. Others chose to finish up work assignments so they can relax at home.
Being courteous of others around you can make the journey a much more pleasant experience for everyone.
For the comfort and convenience of all members, the following rules must be observed while riding the bus:
- Do not take pictures of other passengers.
- No littering
- No smoking
- No radios without headphones.
- No loud or disruptive behavior.
- No Vulgar or Obscene language.
- Do not cut in line when waiting and boarding the bus.
- Limited cell phone usage. Although cell phones are permitted, it is recommended to turn off your phone and enjoy the trip. While using your phone or talking to others, be mindful of the other passengers.
- Do not recline seats until all passengers have boarded the bus. Although many of the seats recline to allow for a comfortable ride, keep the person behind you in mind as you adjust your seat.
Management reserves the right to ask any disruptive passenger to find another method of commuting.
Normal Operations for the bus service is Monday through Friday. Except for Federal Holidays or when the Federal Government is closed.
Valley Connector reserves the right to modify regular scheduled service based on needs and demand for the service. Any changes to the regular scheduled service will be posted on the Google Group Page. Anyone who is subscribed to the group will receive an email of the service change.
Anyone experiancing difficulty subscribing to the group, please send an email to info@valleyconnector.com, and we will add you to the group.
Additionally, to check the status of Valley Connector scheduled operations, call 703-825-5234.
UUnforeseen circumstances may occur from time to time that may delay or alter normal transportation routing. In these situations, every effort will be made to get passengers to their ultimate destination in a timely manner.
On occasion service may be limited to Rosslyn, Ballston or Vienna Metro.
Everyone is strongly encouraged to sign up for the Guaranteed Ride Home Program.
Disruptions of Federal Government Operations:
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will make announcements to the media as to whether Federal Agencies in the Washington DC area are open, closed, delayed arrival, or early dismissal. Additionally, to check the status of Federal Government operations, call 202-606-1900.
In all cases, the Valley Connector will provide service on schedule to the extent possible.
Disruptions of Valley Connector Operations:
Valley Connector reserves the right to modify regular scheduled service based on needs and demand for the service. Any changes to the regular scheduled service will be posted on the Google Group Page. Anyone who is subscribed to the group will receive an email of the service change.
Anyone experiancing difficulty subscribing to the group, please send an email to info@valleyconnector.com, and we will add you to the group.
Additionally, to check the status of Valley Connector scheduled operations, call 703-825-5234.
When access within the District of Columbia is limited, the Valley Connector will only service Rosslyn, Ballston or Vienna Metro.
Thank you for your cooperation
