In January, County Executive Leggett joined local officials to mark the launch of new MetroExtra bus service along New Hampshire Avenue. The new route, called the “K9,” adds limited-stop service that will help relieve crowding along New Hampshire Avenue, from Northwest Park to the Fort Totten Station. This route has the third highest bus ridership in Maryland.

The new MetroExtra service is the result of a process that included public meetings, on-board rider surveys, and a detailed technical analysis to develop ways of improving transit service on this corridor. MetroExtra K9 buses operate every 15-20 minutes in each direction during morning and evening rush hours. K9 buses serve about half the stops as the local K6 buses, meaning a faster trip for many customers. There are no schedule changes to the K6 service, but the addition of the MetroExtra buses will reduce crowding on K6 buses by adding trips.

Ridership numbers for the K9 continue to improve slowly since the service was started.  The K9's first full week of service began January 7, 2013.  In early February the service had its first day over 600 riders.  Morning trips are still consistently picking up over 20% of the combined K6 and K9 ridership in this corridor, with last Friday’s morning peak period K9 service garnering 30%.

For schedule and route information, visit Metro’s website.

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