Metro News Release
For immediate release: March 4, 2013
Survey to help shape future look of bus service in region
Metro is asking area customers and residents to participate in an online survey that will shape the look and feel of future "bus rapid transit"services in the region.
Together with Arlington County and the City of Alexandria, Metro is preparing to introduce the region's first bus rapid transit system along a five-mile route between Braddock Road and Crystal City Metrorail stations. Buses will operate frequently along dedicated roadways, separated from other traffic, for eighty percent of their trip, meaning more frequent and reliable service with fewer delays. The buses will also make fewer stops, serving 17 "stations" that feature more amenities than standard bus stops.
To further reduce trip times, customers will pay for their trip prior to boarding the bus at off-board payment stations that accept SmarTrip, cash, debit or credit cards.
In order to distinguish this new Metro transitway service from others in the region, a new "look and feel" is being developed with customer input. Survey participants will be presented with several ideas for the name and brand designs of buses and stations. They can then rate their preferences.
The branding concepts have already benefitted from customer focus groups that have included participants from Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
Customers can share their feedback by taking the survey at www.wmata.com/transitwaysurvey.
Because the new look will eventually be used throughout the region on future "bus rapid transit" services, Metro is encouraging all area residents to participate, including those who reside in Maryland or the District of Columbia.
Metro expects the new service to carry more than 3,500 riders a day by 2017. The project is funded by Arlington County and the City of Alexandria.
News release issued at 12:49 pm, March 4, 2013.