Alexandria residents will experience a fundamentally different bus system starting Sunday as Metro launches its Better Bus Network Redesign, the first comprehensive overhaul of Metrobus service since 1973.
The transformation, which takes effect June 29, introduces new route naming conventions across the Washington metropolitan area. Alexandria bus routes will now carry the “A” designation, indicating their service to the Arlington and Alexandria communities.
“This is a historic moment for Metro and our region,” said Randy Clarke, Metro General Manager and CEO. “The new network reflects years of community input and careful planning to create a bus system that’s more reliable, more accessible, and ready for the future.”
The redesign includes enhanced service with updated schedules and new destinations, while approximately 5% fewer stops system-wide are intended to improve speed and reliability. According to Metro, the changes are designed to reduce transfers and simplify schedules.
Alexandria routes will feature connections to schools, workplaces, and key destinations throughout the region. The system coordinates with regional partners, including Montgomery County’s Ride On network, which also launches its redesigned service on June 29.
Metro Board Chair Valerie Santos described the scope of the project. “Redesigning a bus network of this size without a budget increase requires creativity, technical expertise, and commitment to operational efficiency,” she said. The project incorporated feedback from over 21,000 public comments and was “designed to bring much-needed service to previously underserved areas,” according to the transit authority.
Metro has installed new bus stop signs featuring both current and upcoming route information across Alexandria. The agency encourages riders to use Metro’s Trip Planner tool or the MetroPulse app to navigate the new system.
Here’s how customers can get familiar with their new bus route:
- Trip Planner: Customers are encouraged to use Metro’s Trip Planner tool or the MetroPulse app to navigate the new bus network.
- Neighborhood and Route Profiles: See which Metrobus routes service your neighborhood and find multilingual resources and detailed route maps for DC, Maryland, and Virginia at com/betterbus.
- Printable Timetables: A new tool also gives customers the ability to print their own personalized bus timetable.
Metrobus fares remain unchanged at $2.25. The network redesign addresses what Metro describes as “the region’s evolving travel needs.”
Residents can access detailed route maps and multilingual resources at wmata.com/betterbus, while customer service remains available at 202-GO-METRO for questions about the transition.
