What does WMATA’s Better Bus redesign mean for Montgomery County?

Agency wants feedback on proposed route changes, new naming system

June 18, 2024 7:41 p.m.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is planning a total redesign of its Metrobus system that is expected to connect more people throughout the region to their jobs and homes, promote equity throughout the network and make it easier to navigate the system’s more than 200 routes.

The redesigned network under the Better Bus initiative is slated to be presented to the Metro board of directors this fall, according to the transit authority. If approved by the board, it will be implemented beginning in the summer of 2025.

WMATA anticipates that in Maryland, the redesigned network will open up more access to jobs and emphasize increased weekend service.

- Advertisement -

On Thursday at 6 p.m., the Coalition for Smarter Growth and Montgomery Better Buses Campaign is holding an event  at Black Lion Café in Silver Spring to educate riders about the network redesign and collect feedback.

In Montgomery County, the transit authority is highlighting “a major increase” in service to the Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center on Healing Way in Silver Spring—including more high-frequency buses on New Hampshire Avenue as well as coordinating with the county’s Ride On system while planning future service.

A key change to Metrobus maps is expected to be a total renaming with a new location-based method. Currently, routes have a variety of letter- or number-based names, such as the Q2, J1 or 83. This conglomeration was inherited from the private bus and streetcar companies that predated the central system, according to a video posted by the authority.

Under the proposed Better Bus system, a prefix letter for each route would indicate the main region serviced by the route. Metrobus routes primarily serving Montgomery County would begin with the letter “M.”

“D” or “C” lines would run in the District of Columbia. “P” routes would be for Prince George’s County, with “A” and “F” for Arlington County/Alexandria and Fairfax/Falls Church routes in Virginia.

Sponsored
Face of the Week

Residents can view maps of each route and explanations of changes within their neighborhood on the Better Bus website.

For example, the proposed M44 connects Glenmont to College Park, comparable to the current C8 route. The new, longer route would have increased frequency along parts of the route.

The M70, Montgomery Mall – Silver Spring, would streamline existing service and complement the future light-rail Purple Line. When completed, the light-rail line will offer 21 stops on a 16-mile route from Bethesda to New Carrollton.

WMATA is collecting feedback online and at in-person events from area residents and commuters on its proposed redesign. Two “Discovery Days” are scheduled for Thursday in Columbia Heights in Washington, D.C., and June 26 in Suitland in Prince George’s County.

Digital Partners

Enter our essay contest