WMATA to revamp bus system and simplify routes with Better Bus, Better Names campaign

For the first time in its 50-year history, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is looking to revamp its bus system and simplify routes with its Better Bus, Better Names campaign.

WMATA has opened a survey to ask the public how WMATA can name bus routes to make it easier for customers to understand and use the Metrobus system. The survey will be open until Sept. 28.

“Our region needs more consistency across all facets of bus stop design, including signage and real-time information, accessibility, lighting and other safety elements, plus modernized shelters, seating and other amenities,” said WMATA General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. “Engaging and collaborating as a region will help make a better transportation system for us all.”

During the past year, WMATA launched its Better Bus Initiative to better meet the region’s needs and improve the customer experience, from a redesigned network, including priority bus lanes and technology, standardized stops and shelters, making connections across all transit providers easier and developing a simpler route naming system as part of a customer-focused bus network.

As part of its Network Redesign Initiative, WMATA will use the results of the survey to select a route naming convention to apply to the draft Year One network – a bus network that can be implemented with the same staffing and resources as today - in the next round of engagement in winter 2024.

The survey is available at WMATA's website.