Metro News Release

For immediate release: March 4, 2005

Metro aims to improve bus service within five years

Metrobus riders can expect fewer breakdowns, a quicker trip home and better arrival time information by 2010.

Passengers also will begin to see newer and cleaner fuel burning buses, up-to-date maps and schedules and stops that are clean and safe. Metro managers outlined the five year bus plan today before the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board’s Planning and Development Committee.

Metro has budgeted $877 million to pay for the improvements, which include 919 new buses, an inventory of stops, and equipment for bus garages and maintenance facilities. Buses also will be outfitted with real-time information capability, which will allow passengers to find out their exact arrival time either by calling the agency or seeing the information electronically displayed at major transit stops. Signal priority systems will be expanded, which can hold a green light if a bus is approaching. There also will be site specific route maps and a regional bus flag installed at shelters.

Of the 919 buses, roughly three-quarters are replacements, including 250 compressed-natural gas (CNG) and 455 clean diesel and hybrid electric. One hundred and eighty-five buses -- funded through Metro Matters -- and 29 buses for the D.C. Circulator would add to the current fleet of more than 1,400. Metro already has ordered the 250 CNG and 29 D.C. Circulator buses and hopes all 919 buses will be delivered by fiscal 2011. The bus buys will drop the average fleet age from almost 10 to 7.5 years by 2010, and improve service reliability.

Just over $149 million is budgeted for garages and maintenance facilities, including a new garage at West Ox Road in Fairfax County.

News release issued on March 4, 2005.