WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority ( WMATA ) is proposing an agreement between the District and Metro to increase the budget and provide additional services on several bus lines as the Circulator is set to phase out.
The Circulator is a popular bus system that travels throughout D.C. and into Arlington, Virginia. With six routes, it services each bus stop every 10 minutes and is the only public transit option that travels along the National Mall, according to the Circulator website .
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced in July its plan to begin eliminating the Circulator starting on Oct. 1 before discontinuing it entirely on Dec. 31 as a part of the District’s FY2025 Budget and Financial Plan.
Riders, employees call for reconsideration of DC Circulator shut down In light of the Circulator’s discontinuation, WMATA plans to implement additional Metrobus services and adjustments in the upcoming months until the Better Bus network is implemented in June 2025.
In light of the Circulator phasing out, additional services include:
October 2024:
- Rosslyn-Dupont Circle: Following the elimination of the Rosslyn-Dupont Circle Circulator route, WMATA pla ns to add service to Route 38B between Rosslyn and Farragut Square during peak weekend hours. WMATA said this change will mitigate increased demand during the weekends.
December 2024:
- Union Station-Congress Heights A new Anacostia shuttle will operate to Stanton/Pomeroy Street, filling the gap served by the Union Station-Congress Heights Circulator.
- Woodley Park-Adams Morgan-MacPherson Square: Routes 52/54 will enhance service on 14th Street, accommodating customers between Colorado Ave and Metro Center as the Woodley Park-Adams Morgan-MacPherson Square Circulator route discontinues.
- Georgetown-Union Station: Partial implementation of the proposed 2025 Better Bus Network with adjusted service running across Wisconsin Avenue and M Street to add service between Georgetown and Union Station.
No changes will be implemented at L’Enfant Plaza-Eastern Market, which is served by Metrobus routes 74, P6 and 90/92.
There are also no proposals for a route along the National Mall, which will be eliminated as the Circulator rolls to an end.
MCDOT celebrates addition of new Pink, Lime bus routes WMATA is also looking for a shift to permanent overnight, 24-hour bus service across the District to aid in the transition away from the Circulator. The WMATA board is seeking an approved agreement between Metro and D.C. to fund the changes, which are estimated to cost $8.7 million, according to WMATA.
The proposed changes will be presented on Thursday, Sept. 12 to the WMATA Board of Directors for approval of final details.
See below for more information on the proposed changes and budget.
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