The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) will hold a public hearing on December 1 to discuss proposed changes to the North Bethesda Metro Station transit facilities. The hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Rockville, Maryland, with an open house beginning at 6 p.m. The event will take place in the wheelchair-accessible Strathmore A&B meeting rooms, and sign language interpretation services will be provided.
The proposed changes aim to support joint development initiatives and increase ridership at North Bethesda Station. Key elements include constructing a new north entrance at the southeast corner of Rockville Pike and Old Georgetown Road to improve access to nearby residential and retail areas, particularly the 3.4 million square foot Pike & Rose mixed-use development. This entrance will feature faregates, elevators, a stairway to platform level, an over-platform mezzanine, and weather protection to secure the station. An accompanying pedestrian plaza will include wider sidewalks, bicycle parking, and landscaping enhancements.
In addition to the new entrance, WMATA plans to reduce the number of dedicated Metro parking spaces at the existing Park & Ride garage by up to 550, lowering the capacity from 1,270 to approximately 720 spaces. This reduction supports anticipated parking needs related to the planned joint development project and may involve physical modifications to the garage’s driveway on Citadel Avenue, a new entrance on Chapman Avenue, and adjustments to internal circulation and parking layouts.
Public participation in the hearing is encouraged. Individuals or organizations wishing to speak may do so in person, by videoconference, or by telephone. Those interested in speaking in person are advised to pre-register by noon on the hearing day, while videoconference speakers must register by 5 p.m. the day before the hearing. Telephone testimony can be given during the hearing without advance registration.
Written comments and testimony can be submitted online through a survey opened on October 31 and closing on December 11, 2026. Comments may also be mailed to WMATA’s Office of Board Affairs, provided they arrive by December 11. All feedback will be included in the official record and may be publicly released, including personal information submitted.
Details about the proposal, including an environmental report and general plans, are available for review at WMATA headquarters or online. The agency emphasized that the project follows requirements outlined in the WMATA Compact, which mandates consideration of regional land use, population, economic factors, environmental impacts, and financial resources in transit planning.
The Board of Directors will use the input gathered during this process to evaluate amendments to the Mass Transit Plan, which governs the design, location, and operation of WMATA transit facilities in Montgomery County and the broader Transit Zone.