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WMATA actually does have a coherent bus numbering system:
Letter-Number: Maryland -> DC bus.
Number-Number: DC bus.
Number-Letter: Virginia -> DC bus.

As routes have changed over the years, some of these designations no longer actually make sense.

Similarly, a handful of letter/number combinations do make sense, while others appear to be completely random. Honestly, it probably is time for a complete rationalization/rethinking of the metrobus network, given just how convoluted it's become.

(Anybody ever ride the X3? If not, I can't blame you, because it only makes 7 trips a day westbound, and 5 trips eastbound. The X1's a bit better, but equally nonsensical because it practically traces the route of the Blue/Orange line.)

There are also places where it makes lots of sense to abandon the normal numbering system entirely, and give the damn bus a descriptive name. (Yes. I'm looking at you, B30 bus to BWI airport!)

While we're at it, let's brand the X2 as a Circulator. It meets DC's criteria for a Circulator line better than some of the actual existing Circulator lines, and could benefit from the operating procedures that apparently allow the Circulator to operate with vastly improved reliability over Metrobus.

With this hypothetical line, I'd also include the 'via' indicator to the destination sign, as 'Benning Road via H St NE' is a lot more descriptive and reflective of the line's actual ridership.

by andrew on Apr 5, 2011 3:55 pm • link • report