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An expanded shuttle service for commuters will debut at Marine Corps Base Quantico in January with the intent of reducing base vehicle traffic and linking both sides of the base.

Photo by Courtesy photo

Expanded shuttle service coming to Quantico, aims to ease traffic

17 Dec 2014 | John Hollis Marine Corps Base Quantico

An expanded shuttle service for commuters will debut at Marine Corps Base Quantico in January with the intent of reducing base vehicle traffic and linking both sides of the base.

The Commuter Express shuttle will begin transporting Virginia Railway Express riders from the train station in Quantico to various commands and work places on the west side of Quantico, starting on Jan. 5, said B. T. McLemore, head, Transportation Branch. Riders, however, must be either service members or federal employees in possession of a Common Access Card.

The program is one of two newly scheduled ones designed to reduce base traffic and alleviate traffic congestion and parking difficulties.

“Our goal is to try to reduce the number of single occupancy vehicles driving through the gates of Marine Corps Base Quantico,” McLemore said. “We will pick up these passengers up and deliver them to their stops throughout the base.”

The Commuter Express shuttle will conduct two pickups each weekday morning and afternoon, although plans and times could change depending on patronage. Transportation Branch, with the help of civilian employees and Marines from base Motor Transportation, will provide the vehicles and drivers necessary for the service at no charge to the riders.

Stops on the base’s Westside include the Russell-Knox Building, The Basic School, Weapons Training Battalion, and all other significant employee locations, McLemore said.“This is a way of reducing single occupancy vehicles around the base and taking these Marines and civilians to different locations around the base to conduct business and participate in other functions,” he said.

Shuttle service for VRE riders arriving in Quantico first began in 2010, but it had previously carried passengers only to destinations on the base’s main side. Transportation branch also oversees a taxi service that ferries eligible riders across Marine Corps Base Quantico for official business.

The base shuttle program, which will run all day after its start, will include two buses starting at opposite ends of the base, with origin points being near Little Hall and at The Basic School, McLemore said. The buses will leave at the same time, making predetermined stops along the way to shuttle people back and forth throughout the day.

Marine Corps Community Services will assume responsibility for the Base Shuttle on the weekends and holidays, albeit on a more limited schedule.

“We’re hoping this will be successful,” McLemore said. “We are hoping the people of the base take advantage of it.”

For information, call 703-784-2900.

— Writer: jhollis@quanticosentryonline.com








Marine Corps Base Quantico