Metro approves plan to help customers affected by DC Circulator shutdown

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — On Thursday, the Metro Board of Directors approved a plan that would allow Metro to take over some DC Circulator routes as the Circulator is set to phase out.

The District Department of Transportation announced in July that Circulator operations would completely wrap up by the end of the year, with rollbacks starting in October.

Earlier in the week, Metro proposed a plan to add routes to help customers affected by these Circulator changes. That plan was approved just days later.

Metro clarified that it was not taking over Circulator operations, but rather adjusting existing Metrobus routes to help those along Circulator routes that are being eliminated.

Starting in October, Metro will first add weekend capacity to Route 38B between Rosslyn and Farragut Square.

Then in December, Metro will make more adjustments:

• Route 31/33: Add capacity, reroute, and extend from Franklin Square and Union Station
• Route 52/54: Add capacity on 14th St. NW
• Route C25: Add new service to connect the Anacostia Metrorail Station with Stanton Rd. SE and Pomeroy Rd. SE

Metro said that it is working with ATU Local 689, the union that represents both Metrobus and Circulator drivers, during the transition. Metro is also planning to hold an employment open house for Circulator employees.

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