Huge bus improvements, our first Metro Fest event, and more on the DMVMoves initiative | |
Welcome to Metro Express newsletter, an inside look at what’s going on at Metro! This semi-regular newsletter is full of information for customers, a look behind-the-scenes, fun facts, historical tidbits, and more.
Inside this issue:
- A look at what the new regional DMVMoves initiative hopes to achieve
- MetroAccess turns 30
- More about our first Metro Fest event
- It's time to weigh in on our Better Bus Network Redesign
- New bus seats
- And more!
But first, a look at some key highlights and stats from the last quarter!
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DMV Moves aims to bring integrated, world-class transit to region, find dedicated funding solution
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More than 20 local leaders from around the region are part of the DMVMoves Task Force. They met earlier in June to talk about what world-class transit means to them. | |
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“DMVMoves: Moving Our Region Forward, Together” is a historic regional initiative announced by the Boards of Directors for the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) on May 1.
DMVMoves will bring the region together to take a holistic look at our transit network and set a consensus vision for world-class transit in the DMV -- how it should look, how it should work, where it should go -- and the best ways to manage, deliver, maintain, and fund it.
The region has ambitious economic, environmental, and equity goals, and public transportation is key to meeting them. Every day, transit connects hundreds of thousands of people to economic opportunities and life’s other needs, reducing gridlock traffic and advancing climate goals. It anchors vibrant communities, attracts businesses, and generates billions in tax revenues. Transit improves our quality of life in and saves households thousands of dollars. In our region, transit is also vital to the federal government and the success of major national events.
Transit benefits everyone, whether they ride or not.
However, despite having an extensive network of bus and rail service, the region will not meet its goals. Given existing plans and current funding structures, the region by 2045 will see much more traffic, minor expansions of transit service, and marginal reductions in greenhouse gases.
The region’s network of 14 providers has different service levels, service hours, fares, and different styles of buses, bus stops, and customer information; this makes it difficult to ensure a consistently excellent customer experience, regardless of where a customer lives or travels.
And because the region lacks sufficient, dedicated funding sources for transit, there are not enough resources to maintain existing services and infrastructure, let alone deliver new projects and improvements people want.
To address these challenges, the COG and Metro Boards of Directors appointed a DMVMoves Task Force of 23 regional leaders to guide and direct the initiative. The Task Force will be supported and informed by input and recommendations from two Advisory Groups of government and community partners representing area jurisdictions, transit service providers and agencies, and business, labor, and community organizations.
Over the next 12 months, DMVMoves will set a consensus vision, plan, funding model, and action steps toward a unified, integrated, and world-class transit system for the DMV.
The Task Force held its inaugural meeting on June 10 where members discussed the current state and future plans of DMV transit and transit funding, as well as how to define and achieve world-class transit that meets the region's goals.
In addition to maintaining the existing system, the strategies identified as top priorities from Task Force members include improving service, frequency, and reliability; integrated fares and fare policy for a better customer experience; and creating policies that incentivize transit use. Task Force members emphasized the need for transit-supportive land use -- such as transit-oriented development (TOD) and walkable communities -- and maximizing the services of current systems to meet the needs of all riders.
The public will have a chance to provide input on DMVMoves at quarterly Task Force meetings and through surveys. The first survey will be released this summer. Your participation and feedback are essential to creating a world-class transit system.
Let’s move our region forward, together.
Visit DMVMoves.org to learn more and stay updated with the latest developments.
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MetroAlerts, our real-time service disruption notification system went down in February after a vendor system failure. Now we've rebuilt the system in-house. Sign up for email or text alerts at wmata.com/MetroAlerts. | |
From the Archives: MetroAccess celebrates 30th year of operation | |
Photo from 1994 shows the first MetroAccess ride in D.C. | |
MetroAccess, our paratransit service turned 30 years old last month. The team celebrated the anniversary with a short ceremony and cake.
The program started in 1994 because of the requirements of the 1990 Americans with Disability Act, which mandated a service for those who cannot reasonably use our fixed bus and rail service due to a disability.
The service has evolved over time, adding new types of more comfortable vehicles including minivans, hybrid sedans, and even partnerships with Transportation Network Companies and adding real-time tracking of your vehicle’s arrival.
“We’re doing a lot of the same work of getting people around that we were doing on the first day of service, but we’re doing it a lot differently,” says Managing Director of Access Services Christiann Blake.
The 24/7 service has more than a million trips a year. The service can be used taken anywhere Metro serves, plus an additional ¾-mile from our service areas.
Those interested can apply to use MetroAccess by visiting our website, and scheduling an eligibility appointment at Metro’s Accessibility Center at our L’Enfant Plaza headquarters. After enrollment, you can schedule trips online or via phone.
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Come to our first Metro Fest events!
| Our first Metro Fest event hopes to bring Metro enthusiasts of all ages together to see and touch Metro vehicles, learn more about how we operate, and enjoy fun, family-friendly activities. | |
Metro is hosting a first of its kind event for Metro enthusiasts and families alike!
Metro Fest is a free event that will feature a Metro bus and train, MetroAccess vehicles, trackwork vehicles, MTPD specialty vehicles, and family fun including arts and crafts, games, and entertainment. We’ll also be giving away some Metro-branded swag. Some items will also be available for purchase.
Attendees can hear from Metro experts and can learn about various Metro programs.
The first Metro Fest will take place June 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Franconia-Springfield station, followed by another event on July 27 at Branch Avenue station.
We can’t wait to see you there!
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Vinyl seating will replace old fabric seats on all 1,500+ Metrobuses. | |
Metro replacing cloth seats on all buses with easier-to-clean vinyl
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Metro is starting a major customer experience improvement on all its buses: vinyl seats.
Nearly 40 buses have had their cloth seats replaced with modern, easier to clean and maintain vinyl, like the material used on Metrorail trains.
Customers have long asked for more sanitary material that doesn’t absorb spills, stains, and odors. Metro will also save money in the short and long term by buying vinyl seats over fabric seats.
Vinyl is a more resilient material with several advantages over cloth, such as increased hygiene, better overall appearance, and less smell absorption.
The Metrobus team tested vinyl seats on bus number 4716 before deciding to roll out the seats across the Metrobus fleet. Riders responded positively about the comfort and appearance and Metro staff found the installation process easy and seats more durable.
“We believe strongly in providing customers a welcoming, comfortable, and clean environment while riding buses,” said Shushil Ramnaress, Metro’s Chief Fleet Officer. “This is one of several steps we are taking to show our customers that we are listening and seeking ways to make Metro a preferred option for customers traveling throughout the region.”
Metro is joining many transit agencies nationwide that are transitioning away from fabric seats.
You might be able to catch some of the new seats on the W4, B2, S2, S9, Q2 Q4, Q6, 16A, 16Y, F12, and T18 routes. More seats are being installed on buses every week with the goal of completing all 1,500-plus buses in 2025.
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Now exits are even easier to navigate at Gallery Place-Chinatown. Soon, entrance/exit letters will be incorporated into online directions from Google Maps, Transit, and other navigation apps. | |
We want to hear from you on our bus network redesign | |
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Metro’s Better Bus Discovery Tour is making stops around the region, with Discovery Days events that will give you a chance to learn about and provide feedback on Metro’s proposed 2025 Better Bus Network. The events will have a series of interactive stations, activities, and fun for the family.
The Better Bus initiative seeks to create a new network that better meets the needs of our communities and better coordinate service to advance equity, sustainability, and increases access to jobs across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The proposed 2025 service changes redirect existing resources to create better, more direct routes that will serve as building blocks for an expanded bus network in the future.
At the Discovery Days, you can stop by many interactive stations, where you’ll be able to explore the proposed 2025 network and your route with the Better Bus team. We’re also bringing back Better Bus Fun and photo ops. You can enjoy free fun and treats for the whole family, giveaways, gift card drawings and more surprises.
The next Discovery Day is from 3-7 p.m. on June 26 at the Creative Suitland Arts Center in Maryland.
If you’re interested in providing in-person testimony at a hearing, we encourage you to pre-register by emailing speak@wmata.com or calling 202-962-2511 by 12:00 p.m. the day of the hearing.
An online public hearing is also available today, June 24, from 4-6 p.m. (Meeting Code: 787 960 816#). To participate call (206) 899-2028 and enter the meeting code. Or you can email video testimony to speak@wmata.com by 5 p.m. the day before the virtual public hearing.
The hearing will be streamed online at youtube.com/MetroForward.
You are also invited to take a survey or provide written comments online. Feedback will be accepted through July 15 at 5 p.m.
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Fares increase goes into effect June 30, bus service boosted | |
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As part of the FY25 budget changes, Metro is raising fares on June 30 to keep in line with recent years of inflation. This change will allow us to maintain current service levels.
Regular fares will increase 12.5%. Bus and base rail fares will increase to $2.25. The maximum rail fare will be $6.75. The 12.5% increase also applies to one-day and multi-day pass products.
Weekend and late-night rail fares will increase from a flat $2 fare to a variable fare from $2.25 to $2.50 depending on distance.
Metro Lift, a reduced fare program for customers enrolled in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), will continue to provide 50% off the regular fare on all Metrorail and Metrobus trips.
Metro has also increased bus service on selected routes in the region.
On June 16, four D.C. routes were adjusted to align with ridership; supplemental service on the C27 in Prince George’s County is now serving Six Flags through September 2; and 18P express service between West Springfield and the Pentagon will add more trips mid-week to support growing ridership.
Other changes are on the following routes:
- DC: 62, 70, 74, D6, K2, M4, P6
- Maryland: A12, C8, C27, D12, F1, F4, J12, L12, R1, R2, R4, T18, Y2
- Virginia: 1B, 1C, 2B, 17B, 17G, 17K, 17M, 18P, 29G, 29K, 29N
Metro’s Trip Planner has been updated to reflect the changes. You can also view the Metrobus Service Change advisory for a detailed list of all bus service changes.
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Have feedback? Let us know by emailing MetroExpress@wmata.com | |
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Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
WMATA.com
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