12-05-2025
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.
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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.'
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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.
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