Latest news with #BetterBusNetwork
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Metrobus riders prepare for new route changes, names starting Sunday
The live conference has ended. Stay tuned for full conference. WASHINGTON () — Big changes are on the way for Metrobus riders. Starting Sunday, June 29, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) will launch its long-anticipated Better Bus Network, which brings entirely new routes, names, and more frequent service across the D.C. region. The overhaul is part of Metro's effort to simplify the system and improve reliability for riders. On Thursday, Metro employees passed out pamphlets at the Anacostia Metro Station informing riders of the change. There were also several signs around the metro station. PREVIOUS COVERAGE | WMATA prepares to launch Better Bus Network, eliminate 500 underutilized bus routes Starting Sunday, routes will begin with letters to help identify their regional coverage: A for Arlington/Alexandria C (Crosstown) and D (Downtown) for Washington, D.C. F for Fairfax City, Fairfax County, and Falls Church M for Montgomery County P for Prince George's County Limited-stop routes will end with an 'X' While some riders appreciate the effort to improve service, others are wary of the change. 'I don't like it and they need to keep it the same way,' one rider said. Another, Thelma Sweetney, who rides the bus daily, shared mixed feelings. 'I don't really like it, but change is good and I have to learn to deal with it,' said Sweetney. 'I'll be ready for Monday I'll work with it.' To find your updated bus names and route, click here. Montgomery County's Ride On and Prince George's County's TheBus systems will also undergo adjustments starting Sunday and Monday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Major Metrobus changes rollout begin Sunday
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Metrobus service will change Sunday, June 29, as the system's 'Better Bus Network' is said to offer enhanced service, with roughly five percent fewer stops to improve speed and reliability. But mixed reviews from those who rely on Metrobus the most to get around the DMV. 'I hope I wake up on time to make it to work on time, and the buses aren't late,' said Monique Smith as she waited for her bus at the Fort Totten Metro Station. Metrobus riders prepare for new route changes, names starting Sunday She rides the buses daily. 'Change comes, and you just go with… the flow. I'm used to it,' Smith said. Metrobus operator, WMATA, calls the revised system the biggest redesign in its history. More than 500 underused or dangerous stops will be eliminated, and some new routes added. Every stop will also be renamed with a new number and letter, like 'D' for downtown 'C' for cross town. 'I don't really like it,' said Metro passenger Joan Garriel. His concern is not just passengers getting confused by the new routes. He's also upset about the eliminated bus stops—including his. 'I had to walk up a while to get to the next bus stop,' Garriel said. Metrobus says staff will be on hand for the next week to answer any questions from riders Fares will not increase when the revised service goes into effect. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
24-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
Metro's faster trains and "Better Bus" launch mark biggest overhaul in decades
Metro is unveiling major changes to its rail and bus system this month to increase efficiency and accommodate rising ridership — all without raising fares. Why it matters: Trains are expected to run faster and longer, while the entirely new "Better Bus" system launches Sunday — the first major overhaul in 50 years. 🚆 State of play: Metro just rolled out major improvements to rail service with longer weekend hours and more frequent trains. Trains start an hour earlier, at 6am, on Saturdays and Sundays. They run an hour later, until 2am, on Fridays and Saturdays. Red Line trains run every 4 minutes during peak weekday rush — up from every 5 minutes (the heat may slow things). Meanwhile, the Silver Line is split into two service patterns and additional trains will run during peak service times. Ashburn ↔ Downtown Largo Ashburn ↔ New Carrollton 🚌 What's next: Metro's long-anticipated "Better Bus Network" launches Sunday with changes to all Metrobus routes and schedules. The goal: create a more efficient, equitable and energy-saving system. Highlights include: All-new route names focusing on regional letter prefixes for easier navigation (e.g., "A" for Arlington/Alexandria, "M" for Montgomery County, "D" for downtown D.C. and "C" for crosstown). The elimination of 500-plus stops to streamline service and focus on safer, more accessible and evenly spaced stops. New routes, including direct lines to popular destinations (e.g., National Harbor to L'Enfant Plaza) and points with better access to supermarkets or transfer hubs. More buses on busy routes with frequent service (between 12 and 20 minutes) — plus greater all-day and weekend coverage, as opposed to just during rush hour. Over 7,000 new signs to help make the network easier to navigate. Between the lines: Montgomery County Ride On and Prince George's County TheBus are also changing service on June 29 and June 30, respectively. Friction point: Despite extensive community input over three years, some residents have raised concerns about eliminated stops, like one outside a senior center in Edgewood. The big picture: WMATA aims to make bus the backbone of the D.C.-area's transportation system by 2030. Many of the changes are an attempt to solve transportation disparities and provide access to underserved communities, given 60% of Metrobus riders are low-income and 83% are people of color.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Amtrak trains canceled after fire raged through warehouse in Baltimore
BALTIMORE, Md. () — Multiple Amtrak trains from Washington, D.C. to New York City have been canceled or delayed after a large fire raged through a warehouse in Baltimore, Maryland. According to the Baltimore City Fire Department, the blaze broke out at the multi-story mattress warehouse in the 2200 block of West Lanvale Street just before 7:30 p.m. on May 12. When firefighters arrived, they found heavy flames showing from the building. As the fire continued to grow, the department evacuated about 30 people from homes nearby. No injuries were reported. However, the fire ignited near the rail corridor in west Baltimore, causing several Amtrak trains to be delayed or canceled for Monday night and Tuesday morning. WMATA prepares to launch Better Bus Network, eliminate 500 underutilized bus routes Around 10:30 p.m. on Monday, Amtrak announced on social media that all trains were stopped between Wilmington (WIL) and Washington (WAS) after officials placed a hold on all tracks in the west Baltimore area. 'No time has been given as to when the tracks will re-open or when services will resume. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience,' wrote Amtrak on social media. From Monday night to Tuesday morning, the following trains scheduled from D.C. to New York were canceled: Train 186 Train 151Amtrak said Train 192 will make all local stops between Baltimore and New York to accommodate customers. However, the train system noted that it will not stop at the Philadelphia North (PHN) station. Crews are working to restore regular services. All passengers who have been impacted by the cancellations are encouraged to rebook the next available train, text 268725 or call 800-USA-RAIL for more information. To check the status of a train scheduled to New York, click . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
WMATA prepares to launch Better Bus Network, eliminate 500 underutilized bus routes
WASHINGTON () — The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is preparing to roll out its Better Bus Network next month. The Better Bus Network is a total overhaul of the area's bus system, and it has been years in the making. According to WMATA, the goal is to modernize the system and increase efficiency. Routes, schedules and route names will all be updated starting on June 29. 'We need the funding to be able to do the work': DC early childcare providers, advocates push for fully funded pay equity for teachers To prepare customers, WMATA has been educating riders and updating its online trip planner. That includes informing customers about the more than 500 underutilized bus stops that will be eliminated and helping them find new options. One of those eliminated bus stops is the D-8 stop in Edgewood. 'It's going to impact the children, the parents, old senior citizens, everyone in this area is used to this bus line,' Denitta Morris said. 'It's sad, and it's really necessary for us to do something.' Morris said she relies on the stop daily and is concerned about how she'll get around. 'What can we do, how can we find out to get some information?' she said. The D-8 line runs from Union Station to Washington Hospital Center, with stops right outside a housing complex for senior citizens. 'A lot of people have hospital appointments because it's a lot of elderly and it's a lot of disabled people who live here,' said Cordelia Boggins. 'For them not to be able to get this bus – it means they'll have to catch a cab or Uber, and no one has that kind of money.' Trump signs executive order aimed at slashing prescription drug costs Boggins has a car of her own, but is concerned about what her neighbors will do. 'The impact is going to be immediate. And then when the weather changes, people are not going to be able to get to where they're going,' she said. Officials with WMATA said there are other bus options within blocks of the stops that will be eliminated, including the D34 line. They're encouraging people to use the online trip planner to prepare. Riders should use a date on or after June 29 for accurate information. Officials also said they'll monitor the impacts and issues this summer and fall and determine if changes to the new routes are needed. For more information, click . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
