Commuters on Washington’s Metro Red Line are facing extended travel times this summer as three stations on the system’s oldest line remain closed for construction. Since July 6, Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center, and Bethesda stations have been shut down for mezzanine renovations and track work. The disruption is expected to continue through Sept. 6, affecting a roughly six-mile stretch of track between Friendship Heights and North Bethesda stations.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has responded to the shutdown by deploying approximately 145 shuttle buses during peak hours, running every three to five minutes throughout Metro Rail service hours. The agency operates two types of shuttles: an express service taking about 26 minutes from North Bethesda to Friendship Heights, compared with roughly 10 minutes by train; and a local shuttle stopping at all affected stations, with an estimated 10 minutes between stops.
While Metro riders appreciate the frequent shuttle service, many report longer commutes and some frustration with the added transfers. On the first day of the closure, large lines formed outside Friendship Heights as commuters waited to board shuttles. By the following day, the lines were shorter but persistent, with around 100 people regularly waiting outside local businesses. WMATA states that approximately 15,000 passengers were carried on shuttle buses on the initial day.
Commuters interviewed expressed concerns about the increased travel time and inconvenience. Kyoko Miki, a research analyst, said she hoped the delay would not exceed 30 minutes. Legal professional Nick Morello noted his usual 75-minute daily commute stretched closer to two hours due to the shuttle replacement. Others described afternoon and evening commutes as more challenging, with waits of 15 minutes or longer to board a bus.
Some riders are exploring alternate transportation options. Tim Fennell, who travels from Flower Hill, Maryland, said he might switch to the Maryland Area Rail Commuter (MARC) service, which is offering discounted fares on routes covering part of the affected area. Capital Bikeshare is also providing Montgomery County residents with free 30-day memberships to encourage alternative travel during the disruption.
Local nonprofits have stepped in to ease the experience for affected commuters. The Friendship Heights Alliance set up a welcome table near shuttle stops offering water and sunscreen, along with recommendations for nearby restaurants and bars. “We knew this would be rough for some people, so we want to make it as nice as we can,” said Rachel Davis, the group’s marketing director.
WMATA acknowledged the challenges and indicated that shuttle operations were being adjusted to improve afternoon service. The agency noted that shuttle buses, with less capacity than trains, tend to experience lines initially but improve over time as both operators and riders adapt to new routines.
Despite the difficulties, many riders expressed appreciation for the efforts to maintain service. However, for daily commuters like Andrew Atkinson and Shannon Greene, the extended travel time remains a significant disruption to their routines, with some considering permanent changes to their commuting patterns until construction concludes in early September.