D.C.'s Metrobus: A Model of Inefficiency

A feature-length article in the Washington Post charges that Washington D.C.'s Metrobus, the fifth largest in the nation, has done little to adapt to changing times, and is plagued by problems.

1 minute read

December 27, 2005, 11:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Each day, 443,000 passengers -- many without options -- grapple with a transportation system of last resort. Buses are so unreliable, even Metro's chief executive has acknowledged that the schedules are fiction. Riders must transfer multiple times to reach their destinations. One bus line averages 84 passengers per trip, while another carries four.

...The problems at Metrobus -- outdated operations, under-investment and an unresponsive bureaucracy -- come in addition to other troubles at the area's transit agency. Its board of directors took steps this month to remove Chief Executive Richard A. White, who has been criticized for failing to hold staff members accountable and taking too long to resolve problems."

Thanks to Transport Policy listserv

Tuesday, December 27, 2005 in The Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

Close-up on 45 mph speed limit sign with part of Golden Gate Bridge visible in background, San Francisco, California.

San Francisco Turns On California’s First Speed Cameras

The city is the first in the state to use automated traffic enforcement to reduce speeding and traffic deaths.

March 25 - KQED

Downtown Los Angeles skyline viewed from the northwest on a sunny day with scattered clouds.

Shaping LA’s Future: Public Voting Opens for LA2050 Grants

The LA2050 Grants Challenge invites Angelenos to vote on the top issues facing Los Angeles, helping direct $3 million in funding to organizations working to build a more connected and resilient region.

March 25 - MyNewsLA.com

White CTA bus and elevated train against sunset sky in downtown Chicago, Illinois.

Chicago Transit Agencies on Brink of Major Crisis

Without additional funding, regional transit agencies will be forced to cut services by 40 percent.

March 25 - Mass Transit