All Metrobus routes are getting new names, some routes are changing and 19 bus stops will be eliminated this weekend in Arlington.
The redesign, dubbed the Better Bus Network, is part of the regional bus system’s first overhaul in 50 years. It aims to bring “more frequent, consistent bus service [and] enhance access across the region,” according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
The changes will go into effect this Sunday. A finalized list of Arlington and Falls Church bus stops that will cease service is below.
Arlington
- Buchanan Street and 31st Street (Fairlington)*
- S. Arlington Ridge Road and S. Glebe Road (Arlington Ridge)
- 23rd Street S. and S. Ives Street (Aurora Highlands)*
- Army Navy Drive and S. Eads Street (Pentagon City)
- Wilson Blvd and Liberty Street (Dominion Hills)*
- Wilson Blvd and Harrison Street (Bluemont)
- Wilson Blvd and Greenbrier Street (Bluemont)*
- Wilson Blvd and Buchanan Street (Bluemont)*
- N. Glebe Road and 15th Street (Waycroft-Woodlawn)*
- N. Glebe Road and 25th Street (Old Dominion)*
- Crystal Drive and 20th Street (Crystal City)*
Falls Church
- N. Washington Street and Great Falls Street*
- N. Washington Street and Jefferson Street
An asterisk (*) indicates two stops will be eliminated per address.
Some Arlington routes also will be changing. The current 38B route, which runs between Ballston and Farragut Square in D.C., will now stretch to meet the Seven Corners Transit Center under the name A58.
A new route called A71 will also connect Ballston to Alexandria’s King Street.
Every route will get a new name to reflect its main service area. Routes servicing Arlington and Alexandria will begin with the letter A.
Frequent riders can use WMATA’s online Trip Planner tool to preview how changes might affect their bus usage. Additionally, Arlington Public Schools students who use the iRide Student Program can view a table of program route changes.
Signage at Metrobus stops across the county notified riders ahead of time of the route name changes or a stop’s forthcoming elimination.
In late April, WMATA Senior Vice President of Planning and Development Allison Davis encouraged frequent Metrobus riders to process the changes one ride at a time.
“Don’t get wrapped around thinking about, like, 10 different trips,” Davis told ARLnow. “Just think about that one and understand what that change is, and then the next trip you make, and then you’ll figure it out. It’s like a way to, you know, kind of eat the elephant one bite at a time.”
