Commute from Gainesville/Manassas - VRE or OmniLink Commuter Bus? (Falls Church: how much, transfer to)

[geosar]

I live in Gainesville and will be starting a new job in D.C. next week. I am debating between taking the VRE from Broad Run or Manassas, or taking the OmniLink bus from Manassas Mall. With the VRE, I would take it to L'Enfant and then take the metro to Farragut West. With OmniLink, I would get off a few blocks from my office. The pros/cons as I see it are as follows:

Pros of VRE:
1. More schedule options than OmniLink

Pros of OmniLink:
1. Cheaper - all but about $35 would be covered by my company's transportation stipend
2. No need to transfer to Metro - drops me a few blocks from my office

Cons of VRE:
1. More expensive (see above)
2. Have to take Metro after I get to L'Enfant

Cons of OmniLink:
1. Have to leave earlier (before 6am as opposed to just after)
2. Limited schedule (only 2 buses in the morning)
3. Still have to sit in traffic on 66, which may affect the schedule

Does anyone have any input on this from personal experience? Other pros/cons I didn't think about?!?!?!?

[ngadude]

I only have limited personal experience with the VRE, living in Gainesville, but previously living in Manassas for many years.

I think the VRE tends to be more predictable, but of course it is more expensive. As you point out, any bus service is going to be time dependent on how much delays there are on I-66.

If I had to commute to Washington from Gainesville, I'd pick the VRE, but that's just my own opinion, and others may differ.

I think your list of pros/cons of each sounds good - as you've obviously done your research. As you point out, each has its pros and cons for your commute.

[marchar123]

I would take PRTC Metro Direct from Linton Hall (Gainesville) to West Falls Church Metro than to DC
Linton Hall Metro Direct AM Schedule

Just check WTOP, if the traffic on 66 is bad.....take VRE