Mocobizscene-DC Metro is getting ready for a downtown shutdown on the Red Line by introducing a 24-hour bus service. This move aims to assist commuters during the shutdown period. The new service will provide a reliable transportation option for passengers who rely on the Metro system.
With the introduction of round-the-clock bus service, riders will have more flexibility in their travel plans and can navigate the city during late night hours. D.C. Metro understands the importance of providing uninterrupted transportation services to its passengers and is taking steps to ensure a smooth transition during the downtown shutdown.
Metro is both giving and taking away this weekend. In the wee hours of Sunday morning, the transit agency will introduce a 24-hour bus service along 14 of the busiest routes in D.C. However, starting Monday, the agency will close a section of the Red Line in downtown Washington for almost two weeks.
Starting this weekend, Metro is introducing a new 24-hour bus service that will run overnight from Saturday to Sunday. This service will significantly benefit commuters as 14 routes, namely A6, A8, B2, H4, S2, V2, W4, X2, 32, 33, 52, 70, 80, and 92, will now operate at least every 20 minutes throughout the night, seven days a week. This means that passengers will have more flexibility and convenience when travelling during the late hours.
In a curious turn of events, the bus service is set to expand in the early hours of Sunday morning, while the rail service will experience a decrease for 13 days beginning on Monday morning.
Starting Monday and continuing until December 30, commuters should note that there will be a temporary interruption of Red Line Service between Dupont Circle and Gallery Place. Both Farragut North and the Red Line level of Metro Center will be closed during this time.
From December 22 to December 24, the shutdown will be extended, suspending Red Line service between Dupont Circle and Union Station. Both Judiciary Square and the Red Line level of Gallery Place will also be closed during this period.
During the temporary closure of Metro Center for almost two weeks and Gallery Place for three days, passengers will still have access to all other train lines, except the Red Line, which passes through these stations.
The 24-hour bus service was launched early on Sunday morning, just a week after the Metro general manager proposed reducing half of all Metrobus routes due to inadequate funding for the transit agency.
“It’s difficult to believe that we’re introducing a 24-hour bus system and, simultaneously, discussing possible cuts,” Metro GM Randy Clarke said on Thursday. He added, “However, these initiatives are funded through different mechanisms and have been in progress with the District for nearly a year. Undoubtedly, it’s a necessary step for our region.”
D.C. tax money is directly funding the 24-hour bus service. When asked about his motivation for advocating the city council to allocate $12 million for the development of 24-hour bus routes, D.C. Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen provided some insight.
Allen expressed his enthusiasm for the benefits of the bus service, stating, “We know it’s great for workers, it’s great for our riders, and it’s great for our businesses.” He highlighted the advantages for businesses, such as the assurance of reliable transportation for customers and late-night workers. Furthermore, Allen emphasized that riders would benefit from the expanded options available during late-night hours. He believes implementing the bus service is a win for the entire city.
The Red Line on Metrorail will be temporarily closed to allow workers to replace a deteriorating concrete beam in the ceiling between Farragut West and Dupont Circle.
Clarke emphasized the importance of addressing the issue to prevent it from eventually failing. He highlighted the current safety of the situation but stressed the need to take action instead of delaying it further.
7 News questioned Clarke and other Metro leaders about their decision to shut down the Red Line when numerous passengers rely on it to travel downtown for holiday events.
Paul Smedberg, the chair of the Metro Board of Directors, responded, “We have learned over the years that there is never a good time to shut down anything.”
Clarke explained that the team considered the least impactful approach for the upcoming two-week period, as it typically sees a 40% decrease in riders compared to other times of the year.
Metro plans to undertake several improvements in addition to replacing the concrete ceiling. The crews will install fibre-optic cables, replace platform lights, carry out track maintenance, and address tunnel leaks.
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