It’s dark, cold and raining, and you are in downtown D.C. All you want to do is get back to Georgetown, but there’s no way you’re walking more than 30 blocks in weather like this. The solution? Take the bus. Although this may seem like a straightforward process, a recent survey of bus service shows that riding the Metrobus isn’t all that easy, or even that safe.
While the results of Metro’s survey included recommendations for for improving the safety and convenience of bus stops and providing better service to passengers, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has stated that there is not enough money in the budget to make its desired improvements. Considering that the Metrobus system provides daily service to 557,000 people, a small increase in bus fares would be a reasonable and effective way to immediately improve their safety and convenience.
The current Metrobus system is notoriously unreliable. Granted, buses do have to combat city traffic, but it is not unheard of for buses not to show up at all. Another problem is the lack of information about routes and schedules. While Metrorail stops are equipped with route maps and electronic signs, many bus stops consist only of a rusty pole that may or may not include a route map. Those unfamiliar with the bus system have no way of getting route information unless they have on hand the means to access the WMATA website. Also, of the 13,000 stops, only 800 have shelters, and many of them are unlit, making it difficult for drivers to see people waiting for them.
In response to the bus survey, city officials have pledged $252,000 to install large route maps in bus shelters. To combat the issue of unlit or poorly lit stops, Metro will hand out over 6,000 flashing red lights for passengers to clip to their clothing while waiting for buses. In addition, Metro will provide $2.2 million in 2004 for the improvement of 10 percent of its stops, a process that will take 10 years. Although this will eventually improve the Metrobus experience, some changes must be made now. Officials should increase bus fares to pay for immediate improvements to the system.
