Better Bus Initiative Bus Stop and Shelter Improvements Program

On March 2nd, Metro will reopen the Twinbrook-East Bus Loop that was previously closed for repairs, for service. Bus routes providing temporary service at temporary stops G, H, J located on Chapman Ave will relocate to resume service at the east loop. Kiss & Ride on east bus loop will reopen. Read advisory for bus route details. For more information, read details here.

Beginning February 23, Bus shelters J and K at Shady Grove-West bus loop will temporarily close and relocate to temporary stops T1 (Bus Shelter J) and T2 (Bus Shelter K.)

Beginning on March 9, Bus Shelters L and M at Shady Grove-West bus loop will temporarily close and relocation to temporary stops T1 (Bus Shelter L) and T2 (Bus Shelter M.)

For more information, read details here.

Beginning February 16th, Bus shelters C and D at Shady Grove-East bus loop will temporarily close and relocate to temporary stops T1 (Bus Shelter C) and T2 (Bus Shelter D.) For more information, read details here.

En Español

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

In May 2024, Metro installed new, permanent bus shelters at the Fort Totten, Brookland–CUA, Rhode Island Ave, and Addison Road Metrorail stations, replacing a total of 33 shelters. Beginning in December 2025, Metro will initiate Phase 2 of the Bus Shelters Replacement Project, a capital program that will take place at 24 Metro stations with a replacement of 187 shelters over the span of 118 weeks.

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.

New single bus shelter design rendering

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

Phase 2 will begin with Group 1, starting at Twinbrook Metro Station on December 15 and at Shady Grove Metro Station in January 2026, before continuing at Medical Center, Grosvenor, Wheaton, Glenmont, and New Carrollton. This phase will begin with Group 1, kicking off at Twinbrook Metro Station (12/15) and Shady Grove Metro Station (Jan 2026), and then continuing at Medical Center, Grosvenor, Wheaton, Glenmont, and New Carrollton.

Newly installed 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. Based on the number of people each stop serves per day, shelters will be replaced with either single or double designs.

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

  • Twinbrook East (12/15) – East bus loop is currently closed. Temporary bus loop on Chapman Ave
    • Bus Bays A, B, C, D, E & F / Kiss & Ride
  • Shady Grove East & West (1/05)
    • Bus Bays (East) A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H / Kiss & Ride
    • Bus Bays (West) J, K, L, M
  • Medical Center
    • Bus Bays A, B, C, D, E, F / Kiss & Ride
  • Grosvenor
    • Bus Bays A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H / Both Kiss & Ride areas
  • Wheaton
    • Bus Bays A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K ,L, M, N, P /  Kiss & Ride
  • Glenmont
    • Bus Bays G, H / Kiss & Ride
  • New Carrollton
    • Bus Bays H, J, K, L, M, N, P, Q / Kiss & Ride

Installing the new permanent shelters will require closing select existing bus bays for approximately two weeks. The number of bus bays that will be closed varies by station, for operational reasons During these closures, customers will be relocated to adjacent existing bus bays so Metro can continue providing uninterrupted service. These projects will phase in multiple stages—closing two shelters at a time and redirecting customers to temporary stops for bus service.

Twinbrook Metro Station is an exception. The bus loop there was already closed as part of a surface lot improvement project scheduled to end on 2/23/2026. To minimize customer impact, the bus loop closure will remain in place and transition directly into the shelter replacement project. 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.

Images of temporary wooden shelters with artwork at Fort Totten Station

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: