Survey indicates riders not informed on Silver Line

WASHINGTON – Metro’s new Silver Line is rising over highways and medians across Fairfax County. But when the first phase opens, many people may not even know about it.

Metro’s survey found only 50 percent of their current customers were aware of the new Silver Line, much lower than expected.

Metro will take over the Silver Line from the Metropolitan Washington Airports authority once it’s completed.

But more than 71 percent of their current customers who currently ride in Fairfax County say they will ride the new line.

And 43 percent of drivers who take business trips during the day say they will use the line as well.

The arrival of the Silver Line, the first new line to be added to the system in more than 35 years, will mean changes in service elsewhere in the system. For example, Blue Line trains will travel less frequently through Rosslyn during rush hour.

Metro General Manager Richard Sarles says they will get that the word out when the time comes.

“We will have a major push to communicate with the public what’s coming and you will see that roll out”.

Phase two of the extension will take the Silver Line into Loudoun County. Construction on that phase is also expected to begin before the year is out.

It looks like the second part of the new Silver Line will be built for less than projected.

The Airports Authority, which is building it, has recommended accepting a bid from Capital Rail Constructors for just under $1.177 billion dollars.

That’s at least 300 million dollars less than originally projected.

Phase two includes 11.4 more miles of track and six more stations. Construction could begin before the end of the year.

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