The X2 in downtown DC by MW Transit Photos used with permission.

What’s 50 years old and ready for a reset? Perhaps a lot of things, but also: the Washington region’s Metrobus network. Riders today have different needs to those of five decades ago, so WMATA’s undertaking a major redesign, releasing its draft Visionary Network to the public this week for feedback as part of its Better Bus initiative. They want your input.

Here are the proposed “visionary” route maps for DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Take a look! But take also a grain of salt or two: the visionary network isn’t currently funded.

What is the Visionary Network?

The Better Bus Visionary Network redesign demonstrates to riders and decision-makers in the region what bus service could look like if WMATA were to receive increased funding for buses (35% more) than it currently does. It was born from the recommendations of the Bus Transformation Project, which was completed in 2020.

Think of it like a fantasy map that WMATA would like to implement if it had the resources to do so. Here’s a useful fact sheet.

Engagement is useful for two reasons: firstly, it demonstrates support for more frequent and reliable bus services, to people who make decisions about bus funding. Feedback will also help WMATA determine how to move forward with a short-term network, which will be the version that gets implemented, with some elements of Visionary Network, given current political, budgetary, labor, and facilities constraints.

What would the benefits of the Visionary Network be, if it were to be implemented?

If implemented, the Visionary Network would:

  • Establish headways of 12 minutes or less on many routes
  • Increase bus service by 56% in communities of color
  • Increase bus service by 55% in low income communities
  • Increase weekend service
  • Increase usage of bus priority lanes to improve speed and reliability
  • Add 24 hour service on select routes
  • Reduce overall trip times, saving riders up to a combined 20,000 hours daily
  • Reduce the need to transfer on trips across jurisdictions.

For example, the current northbound 31 and 33 Metrobuses terminate at Friendship Heights, just short of the boundary with Maryland. Under the Visionary Network, the analogous route would extend north to Bethesda, eliminating the need to transfer to Ride On’s Route 34 bus. This increases access to grocery stores, eliminates the need to cross dangerous roads by walking or rolling, and saves time for riders.

The current bus route between Friendship Heights and Chevy Chase, MD requires a bus transfer from Metrobus routes 31/33 to Ride On’s route 34. The red line is the current Metrobus route and the blue line is Ride On’s route.


The Visionary Network proposes continuous, inter-jurisdictional service to eliminate the need to transfer for this and other, similar routes.

Who is leading the redesign?

WMATA is leading the redesign of its Metrobus routes across the region. They will also support Prince George’s County’s TheBus and the City of Fairfax’s CUE networks in their redesigns. Notably, DC Circulator routes are not part of this redesign, though WMATA notes they are coordinating with the DC Department of Transportation.

When would a new network be implemented?

WMATA has a goal of presenting their Board of Directors with a proposed new short-term network that could be implemented in 2024 – NOT the Visionary Network, which again, isn’t currently funded. As funding and other resources become available, WMATA plans to build up its short-term network, with the goal of getting it as close to the Visionary Network as possible. The short-term network design will be informed in part by the feedback they get on the Visionary Network. So your comments now could result in changes as early as 2024.

How can you get involved?

There are many ways for you to get involved in the redesign process.

And then, share your thoughts! Metro is hosting 50 virtual and in-person events over 50 days to celebrate 50 years of Metrobus. Each of these provide an excellent opportunity to provide your input on the Visionary Network. Take a look at the full list of events, and some highlights below:

  • Better Bus Experience Launch Party this Friday, April 21 between 3:00 - 7:00 PM at THEARC Blackbox 1901 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020.
  • Workshop events around the region
  • Pop-up events around the region
  • Virtual “Lunch and Learn” webinars

A major shift from trips taken by private vehicle to trips taken by bus starts with a network that works for people. WMATA needs to know what bus routes will work for you, and more broadly what you think the region needs to make the bus a viable choice for more people. We’ll also be sharing thoughts on the proposed designs in the coming weeks.