Huntington Express Bus Tweaked After Chaotic Start To Shutdown

HUNTINGTON, VA—The first week of the Metro shutdown didn't go smoothly for some commuters, particularly at the Huntington station. Riders reported long lines to get on buses, delays and even an express shuttle that ended up at Anacostia station rather than the Pentagon.

Metro has responded by altering its express shuttle bus service from Huntington to the Pentagon. Starting June 3, the shuttle departs directly for Pentagon from each the south and north sides of Huntington station during peak travel times. This is different from the previous shuttle service, which picked up at both sides of the station before departing. At Pentagon, Metro staff will be on site to direct commuters to buses going to the south side of Huntington station or the north side during peak times.

Metro hopes the change will reduce crowding on buses for commuters on the north side and reduce travel times for commuters on the south side. If riders need a connection to either side of the station, the Yellow Line shuttle continues to pick up at both sides of the station.

The transit agency also announced several changes to bus stop locations at Huntington to improve traffic flow and service of the express shuttle. The changes include the Huntington-Pentagon express shuttle stop. (See a list of changes and a map here.)

Riders at Huntington told WTOP they were happy about the change but would judge after they've finished their commutes.

The Braddock Road, King Street-Old Town, Van Dorn Street, Franconia-Springfield, Eisenhower Avenue and Huntington stations are closed through Sept. 8 for Metro's platform rehabilitation and other station work.