WMATA's new bus plan will be implemented in just under four weeks -- June 29. This is a large-scale overhaul of the Metrobus system in DC, MD, and VA, the first time that any transit system has changed an entire system. Every route number will change, some bus stops will be eliminated, and the days and frequency of service will change on many routes. Some folks will have to transfer who didn't before, and vice versa.
So we're pleased to announce an event -- "WMATA's New Bus Plan Explained" -- a collaboration between the Chevy Chase Community Association (CCCA), the Friends of Bus Transit (FoBus), and WMATA. This will be held in-person at Blessed Sacrament on Tuesday, June 24, from 7:00 to 8:45/9:00 pm (ending time depends on how many questions folks have). While there's going to be lots of buzz from WMATA this month, including some bus stop chats and their staff riding buses, we will be covering details that you won't find covered anywhere else. And while we will be mostly focusing on areas west of Rock Creek Park, this event is open to anyone.
There will be three parts to the evening:
- A video presentation by WMATA's outreach team on the new system, which will include:
- Why they've changed the whole system
- In broad strokes, what they're changing and the impact it will have
- Tools, both current and new, to help riders get around
- A new way to pay for fares (on Metrorail now, on buses later this year)
- A presentation by FoBus on the nitty-gritty details, to include:
- A breakdown of every line that goes through, to, and from our neighborhoods
- A focus on transfer points and bus stops being eliminated
- What changes will happen with Ride-On service to/from Bethesda, Kensington/Wheaton, and Silver Spring
- What FoBus will be doing in the second half of this year
- A lengthy Q&A, when you'll have an opportunity to ask questions like:
- "Where will I catch the bus where I live and which line(s) will come there?"
- "How do I get from my house to my medical appointments on New Mexico Avenue?"
- "How will I, my domestic worker, or my employees travel from across Rock Creek Park?"
...or any other question you may have.
