In a recent government meeting, officials outlined significant improvements to public transportation services in the National Harbor area and across Prince George's County. The proposed enhancements include new bus routes and increased service frequencies aimed at better connecting key locations and improving accessibility for residents.
One of the major initiatives discussed is the expansion of service from Southern Avenue Station to National Harbor, with plans to implement a 12-minute frequency route. Additional routes will connect Lafont Plaza through the District of Columbia to National Harbor and extend from Suitland Station along Saint Barnabas Road to Alexandria's King Street Station.
The meeting also highlighted new connections in the northern part of the county, including a service linking Glenmont Station to College Park, and another connecting New Carrollton to Tacoma, incorporating the Fort Lincoln area. These changes respond to community feedback emphasizing the need for cross-jurisdictional connections.
In the southern half of the county, officials reiterated the importance of the National Harbor connections and introduced a high-frequency route from New Carrollton Station to Suitland Station via Addison Road Station. This initiative aims to strengthen links between various branches of the metro rail system and key activity centers.
To enhance user experience, the proposal includes a new route naming convention designed to be more intuitive. Routes will be designated with a letter followed by two numbers, indicating the primary jurisdiction they serve. For instance, routes in Prince George's County will begin with a \"P,\" while those in Montgomery County will start with an \"M.\"
Additionally, the plan involves consolidating approximately 600 bus stops out of the current 9,500 to improve travel times and reliability. This consolidation will focus on stops that are too close to one another, have low ridership, or lack safe pedestrian access.
These proposed changes reflect a commitment to improving public transportation infrastructure and accessibility, responding to community needs, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the transit system in the region.