Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Better Bus initiative?

Better Bus is Metro's overarching initiative to improve Metrobus for the region. In the coming years, Better Bus will mean a lot of things for the region, including new facilities, zero-emissions vehicles, improved bus communications, and more bus lanes and transit signals.

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What is the Network Redesign project?

The Better Bus Network Redesign project is Metro's first holistic redesign of the entire Metrobus network since its creation in 1973. This project developed a bus network that better serves customers by aligning with where and when people want to travel. It also will make the bus network easier to use and understand. The network was implemented on June 29, 2025.

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Is Metrobus service changing this summer?

On June 29, 2025, Metro launched its first complete bus service network redesign since 1973. Every Metrobus route has a new name, and many routes will have updated service, bus stops, and schedules.

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Why is Metro changing its bus routes?

Things in the DC area have changed a lot in the 50 years since bus service started. The Better Bus initiative was launched to rethink, redesign, and revitalize bus service for the region. In the coming years, Better Bus will bring a lot of changes, including new facilities and electric buses, enhanced service, improved customer information, and more bus lanes and transit signals to help buses travel quicker through traffic. One of our first priorities is to update bus service on June 29, 2025, to:

  • Make trips more frequent and reliable
  • Reduce transfers and shorten wait times
  • Simplify route names and schedules

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What is changing?

All Metrobus routes changed on June 29, 2025:

  • Bus Route Names: All bus routes will be renamed. Routes will begin with a letter to indicate the area served:
    • "A" for Arlington/Alexandria
    • "C (crosstown) or "D" (downtown) for DC
    • "F" for Fairfax City, Fairfax County, and Falls Church
    • "M" for Montgomery County
    • "P" for Prince George's County.
    • Limited-stop routes are indicated by an "X" at the end of their route ID or the word "Limited" in their route name. Limited-stop bus service makes select stops on its route to reduce overall travel time.
    • Express bus service runs on longer-distance trips during work-week rush hours and have no service during midday.
      • Our Express Routes are the F19, F28, F81, and F83.
      • Fares are $4.80 express / $2.40 reduced
  • Schedules & Routes: Some bus routes will run at different times or cover new areas to accommodate the schedules of today's bus customers.
  • Bus Stops: About 5% of stops will be removed to speed up service, but most will remain the same. View our bus stop consolidation summary.

Our Trip Planner contains all the new bus routes and names to help you plan your trip.

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Is there a map of my new bus routes?

Yes, there are a few ways you can see maps of bus changes. To see the larger network, shown by each state, you can click on the links below:

To view each route individually, and see its key destinations, how often it comes, and hours of operation, you can click on one of the links below. In the beginning of each of the documents there is a table that shows you which new routes you may be interested in based on your current route name or number.

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When can I use the Trip Planner to plan my trip?

You may now use our Trip Planner for new Metrobus routes and stops.

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When will I start seeing changes to my bus stop?

In early March, we started installing new bus stop signs across the region. The new signs continue to list existing Metro routes, while including the name and destination of the new network routes. Learn more about the new bus signs being installed.

Supplemental signs are also being added to bus stop poles to provide customers with other information, such as our website and call center number that they can use to obtain more information. Where relevant, these signs will also include notices of bus stop removals and change of service between jurisdictional partners.

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Is my route getting replaced with a new one that just has a different name?

In some cases, this may be true, but many routes will have different changes as well, like where it goes, how often it comes, or when it operates. Click on one of the links below to see a detailed description of each route, and which ones may be relevant for you based on the current route you ride.

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Why is Metro removing some bus stops?

We made a list of bus stops to remove as part of our 2025 Better Bus Network to decrease travel time and increase reliability for our customers. We thought carefully about each stop, looking at things like how many people use it, how far away it is from the next stops, and whether it's safe to walk there. We also listened to feedback from thousands of bus riders. Our Trip Planner contains all the new bus routes and names to help you plan your trip.

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Are other local Virginia bus services also changing?

Only Metrobus routes are part of this service network redesign in Virginia. For updates to ART, CUE, DASH, or Fairfax Connector routes, please visit their websites for details.

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What about Prince George's County TheBus and Montgomery County Ride On bus services?

In Prince George's County, TheBus launched its new bus network on Monday, June 30, 2025. Parts of some Metro bus routes may switch to be served by TheBus, and parts of some TheBus routes may switch to be served by Metro. For more information, please visit Montgomery County Ride On and Prince George's County TheBus.

Customers should use the Trip Planner to review all their options, as many routes have changed.

Specific Prince George's County routes where the operator of entire routes or notable segments of routes has switched between Metro and TheBus are as follows:

  • For customers in Greenbelt, College Park, Hyattsville, and Chillum: The routes that are most similar to TheBus routes 11, 13A, 14, 17, and 19 is operated by Metro. Customers should review Metro routes P1X, P10, P21, P31, P32, and P35.
  • For customers in Bowie and along Annapolis Rd and Laurel Bowie Rd: The routes that are most similar to Metrobus routes B21, B22, and B24 is operated by TheBus. Customers should review TheBus routes P23 and P71.
  • Customers using the Prince George's County stops on Metro route C8 should consider TheBus route P37.
  • Customers on Metro routes C11 and C13 should consider TheBus route P84.
  • Customers on Metro routes C12 and C14 should consider TheBus route P83.
  • Most customers on Metro route F8 should consider TheBus route P43, but several Metro routes may also be substitutes.
  • Customers on Metro route F12 should consider TheBus routes P43 and P44.
  • Customers on Metro route F13 should consider TheBus routes P22 and P23.
  • Customers on Metro route W14 should consider TheBus route P95.

In Montgomery County, Ride On launched their new bus network on June 29, 2025. For more information, see the Ride On Reimagined site.

Specific route changes of note in Montgomery County are:

  • Ride On 10 replaced by the M42, M44, and M60, and is operated by Metro seven days per week.
  • L8 (future M22) is operated by Metro seven days per week.
  • Q2,4,6 (future Ride On 40) became a single route along Veirs Mill Road between Wheaton and Montgomery College, operated by Ride On seven days per week.
  • T2 (future M82) will be operated by Metro seven days per week.

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Are Metrobus fares changing?

Metrobus fares are not changing as part of this redesign. The base fare for Metrobus trips is still $2.25.

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How will these changes impact the routes designated for DC student riders/schools?

We heard from many communities about the need for improving connections to schools during our public comment period this spring. We incorporated much of this feedback into the final network, which was approved by the Board of Directors in November 2024.

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Can I share feedback about the changes with my bus service?

This summer's Metrobus service changes are final and will launch on June 29, 2025, but we remain committed to improving service. You can contact Metro's Office of Customer Service or call (202) 637-7000 (M-F 7am-8pm; Sat-Sun 8am-8pm) to share your feedback.

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Where can I get more information?

  • Plan your new route using the Trip Planner with all the new route bus routes and names.
  • Online: Visit our Resources page for route maps and schedules.
  • Phone: Call Customer Service at (202) 637-7000 (M-F 7am-8pm; Sat-Sun 8am-8pm) to speak with a customer service representative.

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