From Gregory W. Potts, WMATA Virginia Government Relations Officer:
Metrobus is working to improve bus service for its customers. One way to make buses run more on-time and reliably is by combining bus stops that are very close together. When buses spend more time moving and less time stopping, everyone enjoys a faster, more reliable trip.
WMATA is proposing bus stop consolidation on the 23 Metrobus route. This route runs from Crystal City to Tysons Corner. A map of the full route is here [PDF].
The proposed stops for consolidation are listed here as a map [PDF] or a table [PDF]. All of the proposed stop changes are in Arlington with the exception of two located in Fairfax County. Most of the average boardings at these stops are less than ten customers per day. The removal of a stop will never result in a customer having to walk more than an additional 2 blocks.
WMATA planned to put up signs at the stops on Monday 2 June alerting customers that the stop is proposed for consolidation (see the notice here [PDF]). Signs will also be posted in Spanish. The signs will be up for a three week period until 23 June. Customers have several options to provide comment:
- Call the Office of Bus Planning at 202.962.2440
- Call Customer Service at 202.637.7000
- Using the contact form at wmata.com/betterbus
- Comment on Metro’s blog post at planitmetro.com/23_consolidation
- Send a letter to: WMATA Office of Bus Planning, Bus Stop Consolidation Program, 600 5th St NW, Room 7B, Washington DC 20001
After receiving input from customers and assuming there is agreement to move forward, a second notice will be put up saying that the bus stop will be discontinued. The proposed effective date of the consolidation is 24 August 2014. WMATA staff has coordinated with Arlington County staff on this effort.
