There appears to be a strong consensus that Falls Church can not afford to operate the GEORGE system in the current fashion, and that the value added for residents is far less than the cost. My opinion is that we should be able to come up with a plan that provides the bulk of the benefit at a fraction of the cost, or we have no business in the transit business. I am actively working to come up with the outline of a plan and I would welcome any feedback on this site or by email to dmaller@fallschurchva.gov. I would hope to have at least one brainstorming session (formal or informal) including George users prior to recommending anything formally.

The short-term options are terminate the program entirely at 6/30/09 or to find ways to reduce the subsidy to a number that the community would support [a tax increase for or alternative program cuts]. My starting suggestion is a 1/2¢ property tax increase which would provide ~$175k, combined with a very serious and decisive look at the structure of the program.

Here’s one:

What about seeking a contractor that would use a van (like those used by the Shuttles to the airports) to provide “George” service per schedule and route BUT with service triggered by request by phone, e-mail or twitter at least (say) 20 minutes ahead of the time on the schedule. For example, if I wanted the George service from East Falls Church Metro that was on the schedule to leave there (if reserved) at say 6 p.m., I would have to request that service no later than say 5:40 p.m. George would follow the prescribed route and schedule from EFC Metro to my stop. George would then (a) continue on the route to drop off any other passenger(s) or to pick up any other passnger(s) on the route, or (b) return to base until resuming the next “on call” run per scheduled availability.

Using Metro has also added to the costs of the system. It should be combined with an independent system such as ARTS to reduce the costs and extend the service from West FAlls Church to Rossyln…There are many ways to enhance the system while reducing costs. The question now is, is it too late……….????