One of the proposals is to get rid of the 5A DC-Dulles Line, now that Metrorail's Silver Line is running @WTOP pic.twitter.com/JhHoxZzw7l
— Michelle Basch (@mbaschWTOP) September 17, 2015"Please do not eliminate the 5A" this woman just testified. She's one of several so far trying to save it @WTOP pic.twitter.com/EnZRu657OI
— Michelle Basch (@mbaschWTOP) September 17, 2015
WASHINGTON — Metro wants to make changes to dozens of Metrobus routes, getting rid of ones that are underused and adding service to others.
One of the routes on the chopping block is route 5A, from D.C. to Dulles Airport. Metro says the route has steadily lost ridership since the Silver Line opened, but it remains popular.
But at a public hearing on Thursday night, several people spoke up in support of saving it.
Patricia works at Dulles Airport and often has to be there very early, before Metrorail opens. “Please, do not eliminate the 5A,” she said. “I will have no way to get to work, particularly when I have to work in the morning, and neither will the cleaners, baggage handlers, food-service people and the people who work in transportation.”
Another woman, Katelyn, lives in Herndon and works in Rosslyn. She says she took Metrorail and the 5A to see which gave her the better commute: “While the Metro was uncomfortably crowded and often delayed, the 5A was quick, very efficient, a peaceful commuting environment.”
If you missed the public hearing, you have until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23, to send in written comments on the proposed Metrobus changes.
Email them to writtentestimony@wmata.com, or mail them to the Office of the Secretary, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, 600 Fifth Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001.
Final decisions on the proposed changes are expected in November, and changes could be made as soon as December.
