WASHINGTON — Metro's Board of Directors has voted to approve a redesign of the Metrobus network for the first time in 50 years.
Plans for the Better Bus Network Redesign began in 2022 intending to make the bus system easier to use, faster, and more reliable. The redesign includes renaming routes, eliminating 500 underused bus stops, and creating routes that better serve the community.
Some of the highlights include connections from:
- L'Enfant Plaza to National Harbor
- Deanwood to Washington Hospital via Ft. Lincoln in D.C.
- Direct service across Glebe Rd from Tysons to Ballston to Potomac Yards
- Limited stop service on Baltimore Ave/Route 1
Metro will also add 11 more routes to the frequent service network with service every 12-20 minutes.
“The DMV region has evolved over time and so should our bus network,” said Metro Board Chair Valerie Santos. “Better Bus will improve our operating efficiency, enhance connectivity, and increase Metro’s environmental benefits."
Metro will launch the changes in June 2025. WMATA plans to spend the next seven months letting customers know about the changes coming.
Bus schedules will be rewritten, Bus operators will undergo training on the new routes, new bus stop signage will go up and updates to WMATA and Google Maps' apps to reflect the changes.
“The bus is the backbone of transportation in our region, and this redesign will make our bus system more efficient for our customers,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. “This was a huge, years-long undertaking by our staff, and I’d like to thank them for their hard work and dedication to improving bus travel. I’d also like to thank customers for sharing their thoughts with us throughout the process.”