DC-Maryland-Virginia Metro Adapts to Winter Storm

DC Metro suspends all bus service Saturday night, plans limited 33-route operation Sunday

DC Metro Suspends Bus Service Due to Winter Storm

Bus service across the DC-Maryland-Virginia metro area shut down Saturday night as severe winter weather made roads unsafe for transit operations. Officials suspended all bus service at 9:30 p.m. on January 25, leaving thousands of riders without overnight transportation options. More than 100 routes were already on snow detours or temporarily suspended earlier that day as conditions deteriorated throughout the region.

Limited Service Planned for Sunday Morning

Transit officials said limited bus service will resume Sunday, January 26, at 6 a.m., though riders should expect significantly reduced operations. The agency identified 33 critical routes that'll continue operating to maintain essential transportation access for residents who depend on public transit. Officials said service conditions are changing hourly as weather evolves, but they didn't specify which routes will operate or how frequently buses will run on the limited schedule.

Over 100 Routes Already Affected Before Shutdown

By 6 a.m. Saturday, more than 100 bus routes were already suspended or operating on snow detours due to hazardous road conditions, according to transit officials. The complete suspension that evening affected the entire bus network across DC, Maryland, and Virginia suburbs. Officials haven't said how many total routes the system operates or what percentage of the network the 33 critical routes represent. The agency also didn't provide estimates for when full service might resume or how long the limited Sunday schedule will remain in effect.

Service Levels Fluctuating as Storm Continues

The transit agency said service levels are changing on an hourly basis as weather conditions evolve throughout the weekend. Officials announced the suspension and limited resumption plans on January 25, but they haven't provided a timeline for returning to normal operations. The dynamic situation means riders may face continued disruptions beyond Sunday morning's limited service restoration.

Riders Face Uncertain Commute Plans

Commuters who depend on bus service should expect significant disruptions and plan alternative transportation if possible, officials said. The high severity of the service suspension affects residents across the three-jurisdiction metro area during a critical winter weather event. Riders can check Moovit for real-time updates on which routes are operating and current service conditions as the situation continues to change hourly.