Backlash for Bus Service Cuts Proposed by D.C. Metro

A debate about how to more efficiently operate the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's bus service is underway.

2 minute read

March 18, 2020, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Metro Bus

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock

A recent episode of the Kojo Nmamdi Show on WAMU in Washington, D.C. dug into proposed service reductions on the bus routes on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) system, as included in a fiscal year budget released in February.

Here the show's website explains the context for the show:

Last month, WMATA released their FY2021 budget. The transit authority is proposing consolidating or eliminating bus lines, in an effort to cut expenses. Dozens of bus lines across the region are in jeopardy of being cut or merged due to low ridership. Although these plans are not finalized, riders are protesting the cuts.

Guests on the show include Margaret Barthel, WAMU transportation reporter; Rob Puentes, chair of ENO Transportation and board member of the Bus Transformation Project; and Brian Turmail, chair of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3B.

As explained in a February 7 article by Barthel, the WMATA is proposing the cuts as a mean to "reduce redundancy, make routes easier to understand and prune lines with low ridership." According to Barthel, "Metro also says the cuts will allow for better weekend service, increased bus frequency on some lines and free transfers between rail and buses. Eighteen lines also could have service expanded under the budget plans."

Barthel's coverage of the propose cut also includes soundbites from bus riders and local officials who oppose the service cuts.

A Planetizen article from May 2019 shares information about the plans by the Bus Transformation Project to improve bus service around the D.C. region. Opponents of the service cuts have claimed the proposed cuts are antithetical to the plan proposed by the Bus Transformation Project.

Monday, March 16, 2020 in WAMU

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

White three-story brick single-room occupancy hotel in downtown Los Angeles, California.

‘Micro-Apartment’ Trend Underscores Housing Crisis

SROs are making a comeback under a new name as the housing supply remains strained and costs soar.

March 22, 2024 - Associated Press via Yahoo News

Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota skylinw with stone arched brige in foreground.

Study: How to Revitalize Downtown Minneapolis

A proposal calls for a reevaluation of the city’s skyways, a focus on street-facing businesses, and an improved public realm.

38 minutes ago - Minneapolis Post

Aerial view of Milwaukee, Wisconsin skyline with freeway interchanges in foreground at night.

Milwaukee Residents Challenge Freeway Expansion

Residents are voicing opposition to a planned expansion of Interstate 94, arguing that the project would eliminate the limited green space in the neighborhood.

1 hour ago - Spectrum News 1

Street Traffic in Manhattan

New York Congestion Pricing Approved by MTA Board

The program took another step forward as the board approved a proposed pricing scheme, but lawsuits still stand in the way of full implementation.

2 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.