Backlash for Bus Service Cuts Proposed by D.C. Metro

A debate about how to more efficiently operate the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's bus service is underway.

2 minute read

March 18, 2020, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Metro Bus

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock

A recent episode of the Kojo Nmamdi Show on WAMU in Washington, D.C. dug into proposed service reductions on the bus routes on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) system, as included in a fiscal year budget released in February.

Here the show's website explains the context for the show:

Last month, WMATA released their FY2021 budget. The transit authority is proposing consolidating or eliminating bus lines, in an effort to cut expenses. Dozens of bus lines across the region are in jeopardy of being cut or merged due to low ridership. Although these plans are not finalized, riders are protesting the cuts.

Guests on the show include Margaret Barthel, WAMU transportation reporter; Rob Puentes, chair of ENO Transportation and board member of the Bus Transformation Project; and Brian Turmail, chair of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3B.

As explained in a February 7 article by Barthel, the WMATA is proposing the cuts as a mean to "reduce redundancy, make routes easier to understand and prune lines with low ridership." According to Barthel, "Metro also says the cuts will allow for better weekend service, increased bus frequency on some lines and free transfers between rail and buses. Eighteen lines also could have service expanded under the budget plans."

Barthel's coverage of the propose cut also includes soundbites from bus riders and local officials who oppose the service cuts.

A Planetizen article from May 2019 shares information about the plans by the Bus Transformation Project to improve bus service around the D.C. region. Opponents of the service cuts have claimed the proposed cuts are antithetical to the plan proposed by the Bus Transformation Project.

Monday, March 16, 2020 in WAMU

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

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

View of Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington at golden hour.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap

A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

1 hour ago - Washington State Standard

Low view of Glendale Narrows section of Los Angeles River with concrete bottom and cloudy storm sky over head.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience

Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

2 hours ago - The Planning Report

Grandparents sitting on bench with young girl and boy, girl holding ball and boy holding ukelele.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan

As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.

3 hours ago - Source NM