Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) plans to cut 57 bus stops from NoVA routes, WUSA9 reports. The eliminations will take effect on June 29.
The route changes are part of WMATA’s Better Bus Network Redesign project. Launched in 2022, the project’s goal is to “provide more frequent, consistent bus service” and make service easier for riders to understand. The project is consolidating stops to make service more efficient.
“We used data-driven analysis and a robust, interactive public engagement process to evaluate and make changes to Metrobus service,” WMATA said on the project website. “Throughout the process, we heard from customers and communities across the region.”
Bus Stops Renamed
WMATA Senior Vice President of Planning and Development Allison Davis told ARLnow that all bus routes will also be renamed as of June 29. About one-third of Metrobus routes “are really changing in name only,” Davis said.
Bus stops will begin with a letter of the alphabet that corresponds with an area serviced. Stops will begin with an “A” for Arlington and Alexandria and an “F” for Fairfax City and Falls Church. Express routes will have an “X” at the end of their names.
“The key thing that we’re trying to get people to understand is a change is coming to every route, because we’re renaming,” Davis said. “At a minimum, the route name is changing, but you only really need to know trip-by-trip.”
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
