Metro is extending bus service to run overnight and into the morning, offering 24-hour service on 14 routes across the District, Silver Spring, and Takoma Park.
Starting on Sunday, December 17th, Metro buses will operate every 20 minutes between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. on routes A6, A8, B2, H4, S2, V2, W4, X2, 32, 33, 52, 70, 80, and 92 (PDF).
The S2 route travels from the Silver Spring Transit Center to the Federal Triangle, and the 70 route goes between the Silver Spring Transit Center and the Archives.
Metro posted a video on its YouTube channel, expressing its commitment to safely transporting riders to and from work or home, regardless of the time (video below).
“We are honored to serve the dedicated essential workers who keep the heart of our community beating,” said Metro general manager Randy Clarke in a statement. “Their tireless efforts are the backbone of our region, and we want to ensure they have safe, secure, equitable, dependable, and affordable transit options.”
Metro is currently hiring bus operators, mechanics, and transit police officers to expand their services. Additionally, they plan to increase Metro Transit Police patrols at bus hubs and specific lines.
“Today, more residents, commuters, and visitors are traveling in and around the District, and it is critical that we have an accessible transportation system that meets their needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said interim District Department of Transportation Director Sharon Kershbaum. “This new dedicated bus service will have a significant impact on our local businesses that are the backbone of our economy and will help our essential workers always have a way to move around safely to and from work and back home again.”
D.C. provided funding for extending operating hours and will cover operational expenses under an agreement with Metro. Other important changes in the plan include making courtesy stops closer to riders’ destinations and providing real-time updates on bus schedules through the Metro app.
The new service is not yet available, so riders can expect slower rides from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., with service closing until between 4 and 5 a.m., according to WTOP. During these hours, rides will be available every 12 to 30 minutes.
Photo: “WMATA Metrobus 20006 New Flyer DE40LFR” by MJW15 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.