There will soon be significant changes to the bus service for thousands of commuters who travel through the D.C. area every day. Metro will formally introduce its “New Bus Network,” a comprehensive renovation of the Metrobus system that will be the first in fifty years, on June 29.
Reliability, frequency, and the overall rider experience are the goals of the makeover, according to metro authorities.
Changes will include renaming routes, changing routes, and adding completely new connections, affecting every bus route in the system. Metro has been working on this transformation since 2022, according to Randy Clarke, general manager and CEO.
In an interview, Clarke stated, “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernize our bus network to better reflect how people live, work, and travel today We have been studying travel trends, listening to the community, and creating a system that satisfies current needs rather than those of the past.”
Among the most noteworthy upgrades is Metro’s addition of 11 new routes, which will run every 12 to 20 minutes and are intended to boost coverage in strategic regions and cut down on wait times. It is anticipated that these lines will increase connectivity between transit hubs, significant employment centers, and neighborhoods.
“We want to make sure people get better service, and we expect to move thirteen to fifteen thousand more people per day with the same amount of money spent on bus service, so we know that is going to be a big help. This is a big deal for us, and it is cleaning up our bus routes, so it is a better bus, and every route is going to have a different name across the region,” Clarke stated.
Calencia Crutchfield, a commuter who uses Prince George’s County’s Greenbelt station, says she is happy with the adjustments.
“That will help a great deal, getting people to and from work, and for those who don’t have to work remotely would help a lot. … Also, it will help with kids going to and from school, and my son does catch the bus often and hopefully these changes will bring great improvements,” Crutchfield stated.
Read Also: Town of Hempstead Now Claims $20M in School Bus Traffic Fines Are Legitimate
For the most recent information on route modifications, updated schedules, and maps, Metro encourages all bus passengers to visit its official website and social media accounts. In the days preceding the rollout, riders can also locate printed materials and on-site assistance at major transit hubs.
“We expect to move thirteen to fifteen thousand more people per day with the same amount of money spent on bus service, so we know that is going to be a big help,” Clarke stated.
Metro officials stress that although the modifications may require some acclimatization, the long-term advantages will contribute to the development of a more effective, equitable, and rider-friendly system for the area as the launch date draws near.
