MANASSAS, Va. – Early bird commuters are experimenting with the new Park and Ride lot, just off Interstate 66, hoping to reduce time and stress during what’s often a torturous ride.

The 433-space lot, which opened Monday morning, will be open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Located just off Balls Ford Road and Cushing Road, the lot provides a direct on- ramp connection to eastbound I-66 for vehicles with two or more people in them.

In addition, OmniRide provides non-stop bus service to the West Falls Church Metro station.

The $5.9 million lot, operated by Virginia Department of Transportation, is outfitted with bus shelters and bicycle racks and lockers, as well as a High Occupancy Vehicle enforcement area for Virginia State Police.

Commuters leaving the lot are funneled onto the northbound Va. 234 ramp to eastbound I-66.

Direct bus service between the lot and downtown D.C. is scheduled to begin this fall.

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