D.C. Bus Priority Plan To Expand Bus Lanes and Improve Service

A new plan from DDOT describes 51 bus priority projects aimed at improving service and making transit accessible to more D.C. commuters and residents.

1 minute read

January 7, 2022, 5:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Washington, D.C. Bus Lane

BeyondDC / Flickr

A Bus Priority Plan released by the Washington D.C. District Department of Transportation (DDOT) "lays out an interactive map and high-level plan for delivering 51 bus priority projects for the District, in a nod to DC’s ongoing bid to become the 51st state." According to reporting by Caitlin Rogger, the agency says the plan could improve service for 110,000 riders each day by expanding the District's network of dedicated bus lanes. "DDOT’s Acting Director Everett Lott said the bus priority plan will make it easier for DC residents and workers to access jobs and services without a car."

Aside from dedicated lanes, transit agencies can improve bus service by prioritizing buses through signal priority, reviewing bus stop locations, and implementing all-door boarding to make boarding faster and more efficient. Meanwhile, other tools such as congestion pricing can help shift mode share from private vehicles to buses(or biking or walking).

"More reliable and efficient bus trips can be great for equity, as more than half of Metrobus riders live in low-income households, and 81% identify as people of color. Whereas historically rail systems, including ours, have favored the needs of wealthier, whiter commuters, focusing on buses sends a different message."

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 in Greater Greater Washington

Large historic homes and white picket fences line a street.

The End of Single-Family Zoning in Arlington County, Virginia

Arlington County is the latest jurisdiction in the country to effectively end single-family zoning.

March 23, 2023 - The Washington Post

Buses in downtown Seattle on the dedicated 3rd Avenue bus lanes

Seattle Bus Lane Cameras Capture Over 100,000 Violations

An automated traffic enforcement pilot program caught drivers illegally using transit lanes more than 110,000 times in less than a year.

March 28, 2023 - Axios

Aerial view of farmers' market with white booths in downtown Boise, Idaho

Planners Look to ‘Activity Centers’ for Sustainable Development

Existing hubs of ‘hyperlocal’ economic activity provide a model for urban density.

March 23, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

25 mph speed limit sign partially obscured by red and orange fall leaves

Study: Seattle’s Lower Speed Limits Reduced Crash Injuries

A change in the city’s speed limits has been shown to reduce the likelihood of injuries during collisions.

41 minutes ago - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Couple embracing happily in front of home with "SOLD" sign

Millennials Now Majority Homeowners

Just over half of people in the ‘Y’ generation now own homes, but the largest generation also continues to dominate the rental market.

1 hour ago - RentCafé

Rivian electric Amazon delivery van delivering packages curbside on New York City street

Minnesota Lawmakers Propose New Ridehailing, Delivery Fees

The proposed fees on transportation network companies and delivery services would help cover buddget shortfalls for transportation and transit in the state.

2 hours ago - MinnPost

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

HUD’s 2023 Innovative Housing Showcase

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.