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As part of our Better Bus initiative, created to enhance your Metrobus experience from the bus stop to your destination, we are replacing some of the oldest bus shelters across our region - some of which have been in place for nearly 50 years. Our new shelters will continue to protect customers from the weather while incorporating enhanced safety features such as translucent walls and roofs with LED lighting for increased visibility. Accessibility remains an integral component of our bus shelters with designated accessibility areas for customers, audible information devices (AIDs) and ADA-compliant seating. Our Bus Stop and Shelter Improvements Program launched in 2023 and includes temporary wooden bus shelter construction and permanent bus shelter installations.

Permanent Bus Shelter Installations

Metro is installing new, permanent bus shelters at Metrorail stations Fort Totten, Brookland-CUA, Rhode Island Ave, and Addison Road this spring and summer and will replace a total of 33 shelters.

Based on the number of people each stop serves per day, shelters will be replaced with either single or double designs. The installation process for double and single shelters is expected to take approximately 14 days. Metro has collaborated closely with our contractors and vendors to expedite the installation process and minimize design criteria. This collaboration has resulted in a cost savings of more than 70% compared to the initial design and implementation budget, without impacting customer convenience and features.

The permanent shelter installations are funded through a federal grant and will replace more than 200 shelters across the region. To learn more about how Metro is investing in a better bus experience for you, visit wmata.com/betterbus.

Design Elements

Our new, permanent bus shelters will continue to offer the comfort and convenience features our customers have come to expect, including weather protection, ample lighting, benches, and access to current information.

Photo: New single bus shelter design rendering

Customer safety is our number one priority, which is why we are providing translucent walls and roofs in each of our new bus shelters, as well as LED lighting. As always, our bus shelters are ADA-compliant to ensure accessibility for all customers.

Each bus shelter structure is constructed of commercially available aluminum, which provides a 70% cost savings over custom-built, stainless-steel alternatives. The new shelter roof panels will provide better UV protection and shading, allowing for approximately 70% light transmission compared to the previous clear glass shelter installations.

Installation

The project begins April 2024 and is expected to take approximately four months to complete. As part of the process, each existing shelter will be removed and replaced with a new-design permanent shelter. Bus shelters at each station will be replaced consecutively to minimize customer impacts.

Permanent bus shelters will be installed at the following Metro stations:

• Fort Totten - April 22, 2024 to May 28, 2024
  • Bus Bays A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K and the Kiss & Ride
• Brookland - CUA - May 20, 2024 to late June 2024
  • Bus Bays A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and J
• Rhode Island Ave - Brentwood - May 28, 2024 to late June 2024
  • Bus Bays A, B, C, D, E, and F
• Addison Road-Seat Pleasant - June 24, 2024 - late July 2024
  • Bus Bays A, B, C, D, E

During permanent bus shelter installations, all bus services will continue operations. However, the construction activities will require the temporary closure of the bus bays. For up-to-date information, please refer to the Permanent Bus Shelter Installation Project advisory.

Temporary Wooden Shelters

In the early stages of the Bus Stop and Shelter Improvements Program, bus shelters with the greatest need for replacement were identified and prioritized. Temporary wooden shelters were constructed as short-term solutions to safely protect customers from the weather while permanent bus shelters were being designed. Metro's Art in Transit Team collaborated with local artists to create unique and inspirational art to adorn the temporary wooden shelters, which enhanced the customer experience.  Ultimately, these short-term wooden bus shelters will be replaced with cost-efficient, aluminum permanent shelters.

Photo: Images of temporary wooden shelters with artwork at Fort Totten Station.

Temporary wooden shelters are located at Fort Totten, Brookland - CUA, Takoma, New Carrolton, Capitol Heights, Addison Road, Shady Grove, and Landover Metrorail stations.

Stay Informed

Keep up with upcoming projects, work at or around your station and service changes through the following ways:

• Pay attention to posted signage.
• Subscribe to MetroAlerts.
• X channel: @Metrobus Info