Metro changing Red Line shuttle bus service to improve travel times

Starting Monday, July 1, Metro is adjusting its shuttle bus service to improve travel times and reduce bus congestion at the Silver Spring Transit Center.

Currently, the Red Line Limited 2 shuttle loop travels from Forest Glen to Silver Spring to Fort Totten and those travel times have taken longer than originally estimated.

The Limited 2 service, as currently operated, will be replaced by two new, more-efficient express shuttle loops.

The Forest Glen Express will operate between Forest Glen and Fort Totten.

The Silver Spring Express will operate between Silver Spring and Fort Totten.

The implementation of the new express loops will allow shuttle operation and normal bus service to operate more efficiently, allowing customers to reach their destination faster.

Metro is also updating the estimated travel times for all its routes as traffic and Metropolitan Branch Trail Construction on Blair Road have made travel times longer than expected.

Monday, July 1 to Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024

Local: Local service approximately every 8-12 minutes between Glenmont, Wheaton, Forest Glen, Silver Spring, Takoma, and Fort Totten. Estimated travel time: Approximately 65 minutes.

Limited: Limited-stop service approximately every 8-12 minutes between Glenmont, Wheaton, and Fort Totten. Estimated travel time: 45 minutes.

Forest Glen Express: Express service approximately every 8–12 minutes between Forest Glen and Fort Totten. Estimated travel time: 50 minutes.

Silver Spring Epress: Express service approximately every 8–12 minutes between Silver Spring and Fort Totten. Estimated travel time: 40 minutes.

Downtown Express (weekdays only): Express service approximately every 8-12 minutes between Silver Spring and Metro Center (12th & G St NW entrance). Estimated travel time: 45 minutes.

Free local, limited stop, and express shuttles available during Metrorail operating hours. Customers may experience longer wait times during rush hours and should add extra time to their commutes.

Work continues through Aug. 31, due to the Maryland Transit Administration’s Purple Line construction, building a connection to Metro’s Red Line at Silver Spring. For more information on the project visit wmata.com/majorconstruction.