Prince George’s County Transit Launches New Routes to Improve Rider Experience

For more information, contact:  
Angela Rouson, MPA
DPW&T Chief of Communications

AJRouson@co.pg.md.us
Cell: (240) 524.6988

 

 

Prince George’s County Transit Launches New Routes to Improve Rider Experience

Better Bus Network Redesign and Transit Vision Plan Set Groundwork for More Connected, Efficient Transportation Network

 

Largo, MD—The Prince George’s County Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) is proud to launch a redesigned TheBus network, improving frequencies and providing service to new areas of the County. This redesign, scheduled to begin on Monday, June 30, represents the first step in the County’s Transit Vision Plan (TVP), which will expand transit service by 30% over the next five years.

Since 2022, TheBus has partnered with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) on the Better Bus Network Redesign with a goal of making bus service faster, more reliable, and easier to use. By redesigning routes and planning in conjunction with WMATA, whose new service rolls out on Sunday, June 29, both transportation providers will be able to serve more customers with improved frequencies and fewer overlapping routes.

“This Better Bus Network Redesign coupled with the Transit Vision Plan, not only improves service, but paves the way for a more connected and sustainable future,” said Deputy Director Oluseyi Olugbenle. “I commend the dedication and collaborative effort that has brought us to this milestone in our commitment to better transportation in the County.”

Key service enhancements include:

 

Renamed Routes

 

TheBus joined Metro in renaming all its bus routes. Now, both TheBus and Metrobus routes will follow a consistent naming convention that includes a three-character code:

• The first character is a letter representing the jurisdiction where the route primarily operates (for example, “P” for Prince George’s). 

• The second character is a digit that groups routes in proximity. 

• The third character is either a number distinguishing routes within that group or an “X” indicating limited-stop or express routes.

 

Key Service Enhancements

• The average frequency of TheBus routes will be enhanced, reducing wait times for riders and improving on-time performance for operators.

• For the first time, TheBus will serve customers in Bowie, Fairwood, Adelphi, Friendly, and Fort Washington. This expansion will improve access to medical facilities, including Bowie Fairwood Medical Center and Fort Washington Medical Center.

• TheBus route 24, which traditionally retraced its path in Forestville, will now be divided into two new routes: one connecting Capitol Heights to Penn Mar Shopping Center and the other linking Suitland to Largo.

• Extending route 34 expands shopping access to Iverson Mall for residents on Suitland Road.

• TheBus will maintain route 15X (rebranded as P2X) to the Goddard Space Flight Center.

• The newly established route P37 will connect College Park Metro, the University of Maryland, and the National Archives II at stops previously served by Metro Route C8.

 

Public Input

 

Public comment was critical to the Better Bus Network Redesign and Transit Vision Plan. The project team collected over 3,000 public comments from County residents and engaged with transit customers at 55 Better Bus-Specific events within the County. Additionally, 39 events focusing on the County’s Transit Vision Plan served as a platform for community engagement and feedback.

 

Resources and Information

 

Transit users can find detailed information about new routes on DPW&T’s transit website,  tinyurl.com/PGCbetterbus. Access to Metro’s trip planner, which allows riders to plan future trips on both TheBus and Metro may also be found on the website.  DPW&T Office of Transportation representatives will be on hand at various bus routes and Metro stations in June and July to assist customers with understanding the redesign.

 

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