Loudoun County Comprehensive Operations Analysis

Optimizing Transit Service for a Growing Region

In 2023, Loudoun County merged its Transit and Commuter Services division with the Department of General Services, providing an opportunity to reassess public transportation operations and adapt to changing commuter trends, ridership behaviors, and regional development.

To support this effort, Loudoun County partnered with SRF to conduct a Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA), evaluating existing transit services, identifying market needs, and developing recommendations to enhance efficiency, improve passenger experience, and align resources with demand.

SRF’s work included:

• Analyzing current operations to assess system performance and identify service gaps.
• Investigating alternative service models, including fare-free transit and microtransit solutions.
• Developing interactive dashboards to provide Loudoun County Transit (LCT) staff with deeper insights into operational data.
• Assessing the impact of Metro Silver Line expansion, which introduced new travel patterns and increased demand for local fixed-route transit.
• Conducting a route optimization study to refine LCT services and enhance system efficiency.

Loudoun County’s rapid urbanization, evolving demographics, and shifts in commuter behavior—accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of Metro Silver Line service in late 2022—highlighted the need for strategic transit system adjustments. While commuter-based transit ridership declined, demand for local fixed-route services increased, prompting the need for a reimagined network that better connects residents and businesses to key destinations.

Through the Comprehensive Operations Analysis and subsequent route optimization study, SRF helped Loudoun County develop a more adaptable and responsive public transportation system that supports the region’s growth, mobility goals, and long-term transit sustainability.

Resource links:
Loudoun County Transit
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)