The new system launches June 29.

Thanks to everyone for sharing feedback and ideas on WMATA's Better Bus plans over the last two years. From online comments, to email responses, to joining one of the town halls I hosted, you helped shape the feedback I gave WMATA, which led directly to changes to what they're rolling out. And this Sunday, they'll be launching those changes in the new Better Bus Network!

With this new bus network coming, I wanted to check back in with you one more time so you can share information about Better Bus with your community and friends, or just be prepared to answer a fellow rider's questions. As with any big rollout, I have no doubt that there will be bumps in the first few days or weeks. This is the biggest change to the bus system since it began, so while I'll work to hold WMATA accountable, I'll also preach a little patience.

Whether or not we're ready (it's going to take time for me to call the X2 the D20), everything about the buses in DC is changing, and below, I've outlined what you need to know.

New Bus Route Names

As mentioned, all of the names we know on our Metro buses will be different after this weekend. While we're very used to our 90, D8, L2, and more, we can recognize that none of them, including those three, seem to go together. That's because our system is a composite of the area's previous bus companies, mostly keeping the respective bus numbering systems. (Learn more from Greater Greater Washington.) So, more than 50 years later, WMATA is aiming to make it make sense by beginning each route name with a letter to indicate the area served:

• "A" for Arlington/Alexandria
• "C" (crosstown) or "D" (downtown) for DC
• "F" for Fairfax City, Fairfax County, and Falls Church
• "M" for Montgomery County
• "P" for Prince George's County
• Limited-stop "express" routes are indicated by an "X" at the end of their names

The Bus Routes Themselves Will Change

This is surely the biggest overhaul for the Better Bus effort: Determining where and how people need the buses to run.

While for some, it's fun to look at maps, I encourage you not to stress by looking at the entire map of buses across the DMV. Instead, take it a trip at a time. WMATA has a new app, MetroPulse, which will have everything updated on Sunday. (They're working closely with third-party apps, which may be updated later than June 29.) You can use the app or use the Trip Planner online to see your trip. You'll see you can plan a trip for now or after the start of the bus network changes.

If you still want a map, you can narrow the scope with WMATA's Neighborhood Profiles. These give you an idea of how the landscape of bus routes is changing in your neighborhood, such as NoMA, Union Station, and Capitol Hill, Southwest, and Navy Yard to Potomac Ave.

Some Bus Stops Will Be Removed

WMATA says the best way to get more people on public transportation is to provide reliable and fast systems: Fewer stops mean faster routes.

The routes with removed stops are designed so people shouldn't have to walk too far to reach their stop if theirs is eliminated. For all of Ward 6, it looks like about 12 stops will be removed and replaced by another location (and some of those 12 are bus stops where routes are no longer running). But still, if it's your regular stop that's moving, it's inconvenient, and I want to make sure you're ready. You can explore the complete list of eliminated stops here.

WMATA Can't Do It Alone

WMATA took years to come up with and implement the Better Bus network, taking in 20,000 comments, reviewing every one, and letting them help create this new map we have. 

They've been working to get the word out, both through the process and afterward (I'm sure you've heard that announcement over the bus speakers like I have), and I've done my best to get the word out, too. But word of mouth from neighbors will go further than they ever can. If you're able, please forward this email to your network of friends and neighbors so they have the details. 

We'll have an adjustment period as we all get used to this, but the more people equipped with the info before they head out on Sunday or Monday, the better.

If you want to know more, you can look through WMATA's Frequently Asked Questions about Better Bus for further details.

See you on the bus!

Charles Allen