By Kael Anderson
The Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority is currently studying its 52/53/54 bus line, including service extensions. This line travels through the heart of many of DC’s most popular destinations, including downtown, Logan Circle, U Street, Columbia Heights and Takoma Park. Unfortunately it currently terminates at L’Enfant Plaza, just short of our neighborhood.
With the last year’s termination of three bus lines, the 50’s represent a remarkable opportunity to correct for the service losses. Southwest bus ridership along the WMATA’s 70s/DC Circulator line plummeted to half of what was before the service cuts. WMATA has been diligently working to improve the operation of the 74. However the introduction of WMATA’s 50’s line to our neighborhood would be a transformative improvement in our bus service.
More information on the 50’s line is available at http://www.metrobus-studies.com/52-53-54/52-53-54.htm. You can send comments directly through this webpage. Southwesters are encouraged to ask for service to be extended to Waterfront Station, a realistic walking distance for most Southwest residents.
Alternatively you can attend a meeting. An open house is scheduled for Thursday, April 12th at the Northern Bus Division in the Community Room at 4627 14th Street, NW between 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. At this meeting, WMATA will discuss possible 14th Street Line service improvement options with riders. An additional meeting will be held on Monday, April 16th at a site to be determined.
Please extend the 50s bus line to Waterfront Station. I strongly believe this would increase ridership.