Foursquare ITP led the network analysis, service planning, and large‑scale public engagement for the groundbreaking redesign of WMATA’s Metrobus network and local bus services across the Washington, DC region. With travel patterns, transit demand, and rider expectations evolving rapidly—especially post‑pandemic—this project offered the first major reimagining of the Metrobus system in more than 50 years. Our team helped the region respond to shifting travel trends, a changing fiscal landscape, and the complexity of coordinating across seven local bus providers.
Through a detailed market assessment and a comprehensive review of existing transit services, Foursquare ITP collaborated closely with Metrobus planners and operators, as well as local jurisdictions, to craft both a visionary long‑term network and a practical short‑term network designed to improve accessibility, transit competitiveness, and equity. Following extensive public engagement in 2023, we developed a resource‑constrained network targeted for implementation in 2025, tailoring the plan to regional needs and community input.
Across three phases of outreach spanning nearly six months, Foursquare ITP and project partners gathered more than 33,000 customer comments, helping shape the final Better Bus Network. Implemented in June 2025, the new network delivers 7 percent more service using the same resources, expands access to major destinations, and is projected to generate 13,000 additional daily passenger trips. Foursquare ITP also supported WMATA through network rollout and implementation.
In recognition of this transformative effort, the team received APTA’s Outstanding Partnership in Public Transportation Award in 2025.
Solutions and Outcomes
- Fully redesigned network that was implemented in June 2025.
- Developed detailed market assessment and existing conditions dashboard and report.
- Planned and implemented extensive, award-winning public and stakeholder engagement campaigns.