In a rare move that reshapes the very rhythm of Washington’s daily commute, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has launched a sweeping overhaul of both Metrorail and Metrobus services. With early weekend trains, extended late-night hours, faster Red Line runs, and a historic full-scale bus network redesign, this bold transformation signals a fresh chapter in public transit. Slashing over 500 bus stops and redrawing routes, WMATA aims to offer speed, clarity, and modern comfort—without extra buses or added cost. Change is rolling in—fast, wide, and city-deep.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• New weekend hours for Metrorail: Service now starts at 6 a.m. on weekends

• Extended late-night service: Trains run until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays

• Red Line upgrade: Trains arrive every 4 minutes during weekday peak hours

• Silver Line update: Now follows two branches—New Carrollton and Downtown Largo

• Metrobus overhaul begins June 29

• First full redesign of the bus network in 50 years

• All routes renamed and renumbered

• Over 500 bus stops to be removed

• Frequent-service routes increase from 37 to 48

• New cross-city lines introduced, including D74 and P90

This summer, the daily routines of Metro riders in the Washington metropolitan area are being reshaped by one of the most comprehensive transit overhauls the region has seen in decades. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has embarked on a multi-phase initiative that aims to streamline and strengthen both its rail and bus systems in response to changing commuting patterns, rider feedback, and long-standing service concerns.

From expanded weekend rail service hours to the launch of a completely redesigned bus network, WMATA’s rollout is not just another seasonal update—it represents a foundational shift in how public transit is structured and delivered across the capital region.

Rail Service: Stepping Up Frequency and Flexibility

The first wave of changes took effect on June 22, when Metrorail service adjustments were quietly introduced to improve overall reliability and offer greater flexibility to weekend and night-time riders. Among the updates, the most noticeable is the extended weekend operating window: Saturday and Sunday service now begins at 6 a.m., and late-night trains continue to run until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays—an important shift catering to nightlife-goers, service industry workers, and off-peak commuters.

The Red Line, a key artery in the network, has seen its peak-hour intervals shortened, with trains now arriving every four minutes—a minor change on paper, but one expected to make a noticeable difference in congestion and wait times during busy weekday mornings and evenings.

Meanwhile, the Silver Line has adopted a dual-routing model. Some trains now continue toward New Carrollton, while others shift toward Downtown Largo via Stadium–Armory. The split is intended to provide better coverage and relieve pressure on the eastern segments of the network.

Bus Service: A Generational Transformation

If the rail changes are notable, the forthcoming overhaul of the Metrobus system—set to go live on June 29—is historic. WMATA is preparing to launch what it calls the “Better Bus Network,” the first full system redesign since it took over the region’s bus operations in the 1970s. This effort, which has been in development for years, reflects a bold attempt to rethink bus travel across the region by focusing on speed, simplicity, and accessibility—without requiring additional buses or operators.

The changes will affect nearly every bus rider in the system:

• New route names and line designations will be introduced, replacing the current alphabet-number code structure.

• Over 500 bus stops will be eliminated, a move intended to cut down on redundancy and reduce travel time.

• New cross-city routes will serve previously underserved travel patterns, including the D74 (Brookland to Dupont Circle) and the P90 (Alexandria to Suitland).

• Frequent-service routes will increase from 37 to 48, enhancing reliability and wait time predictability in heavily trafficked corridors.

While some commuters may initially struggle with the changes, Metro officials are emphasizing the long-term benefits. The redesign was shaped with the help of more than 45,000 public comments, surveys, and rider engagement sessions. According to WMATA, the plan directly responds to shifting post-pandemic commuting trends, where weekday office travel has dipped but demand for all-day and weekend service has grown.

Why Now?

WMATA’s push for change isn’t just about improving transit—it’s also about survival and modernization. With ridership patterns shifting and funding sources fluctuating, transit agencies across the country have been forced to rethink their models. For Metro, the timing was critical.

Officials say the aim is to build a system that meets modern demand without overextending resources. Cutting underused stops and reorganizing inefficient routes gives the system a better chance at long-term viability while offering faster, more direct service to core riders.

In an era when more people are returning to public transit with new expectations and schedules, WMATA’s efforts are about more than moving buses and trains—it’s about restoring trust in a system that’s long been burdened by reliability issues and slow response to change.

Key Takeaways for Riders

Here are the most important changes Metro commuters should prepare for:

1. Earlier weekend trains: Now starting at 6 a.m.

2. Late-night service extension: Until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays

3. Faster Red Line frequency: Every 4 minutes during peak hours

4. Dual-route Silver Line operations

5. Comprehensive bus network redesign starting June 29

6. All new route names and numbers

7. More than 500 stops eliminated for faster service

8. New frequent routes in high-demand corridors

9. Two new routes: D74 and P90

10. No new buses or operators added—focus is on efficiency

As summer unfolds, riders will be watching closely to see whether these sweeping changes deliver the smoother, quicker experience WMATA has promised—or whether the transition brings more confusion than clarity. Either way, it’s a defining moment for public transportation in the D.C. region.