Dear Ward 5 neighbors,
In just a couple days, Metro will implement their Better Bus Network—the first full overhaul of the region’s bus network in more than 50 years. Every bus route will change. There are mixed reactions to the changes, and I’ve been engaging directly with neighbors on the network redesign for more than two years as WMATA has invited feedback on iterations of the proposal.
One question I’ve frequently heard from neighbors is: why is Metro doing this? This question is understandable; some routes currently work very well for neighbors. But the truth is that our current bus network is something of a “Frankenstein” system. Our various routes and bus lines are vestiges of old streetcar routes and bus systems from multiple jurisdictions, all previously created without full consideration of how they fit into the whole. And, just think of how much the District has changed in the last 50 years! Some neighborhoods exist now that didn’t exist at all until the past decade. By overhauling the entire network, Metro is endeavoring to make a full, cohesive system that works together for improved frequency, reliability, and takes into consideration the many new (and old!) destinations neighbors are trying to reach.
So, is it truly a better bus network? In many ways, yes. In other ways, I’m not so sure (and neighbors aren’t either). Let’s take a deeper look.
