DC Metro Adjusts 8 Bus Routes for Rally

Eight WMATA bus routes will detour around downtown DC for May 1 rally from noon to 1:30pm

DC Metro Reroutes 8 Bus Lines for May 1 Rally

Eight WMATA bus routes will detour around downtown Washington on Friday afternoon as street closures take effect for the Casa March and Rally. The changes affect routes D10, D20, D24, D60, D6X, D72, D80, and D94 from noon to 1:30pm May 1, transit officials said. Some routes will terminate early rather than reaching their usual endpoints.

Street Closures Force Route Changes

The detours stem from street closures along Constitution Avenue between 15th and 17th Street NW, plus portions of 17th Street, H Street, 16th Street, and I Street, according to the transit agency. Rally organizers haven't disclosed expected attendance figures or the event's specific focus. WMATA typically implements temporary detours for large downtown events to maintain service while accommodating street closures. The 90-minute window represents a relatively brief disruption compared to full-day events that sometimes affect the area.

Two Routes Get Temporary Endpoints

The D24 will terminate at 13th Street NW at H Street instead of continuing to its regular destination, while the D60 will end at I Street NW at 12th Street, officials said. The other six affected routes will follow modified paths through downtown but maintain their usual endpoints. Transit officials didn't specify which streets each route will use during the detour, though they said detailed information is available through MetroAlerts. The agency hasn't said whether additional buses will be deployed to handle potential crowding from shortened routes.

Service Returns to Normal Friday Afternoon

All eight routes will resume regular service after 1:30pm Friday, according to WMATA. The agency said buses will return to standard paths once street closures lift following the rally's conclusion. Officials didn't indicate whether the event might run longer than scheduled or if detours could extend beyond the announced timeframe. WMATA typically monitors events in real time and adjusts service restoration based on actual street reopening times.

Riders Should Plan Extra Travel Time

Passengers using affected routes Friday should expect longer trip times and possible crowding on buses with shortened endpoints, transit officials said. Those traveling to destinations normally served by the truncated D24 and D60 routes will need to find alternative connections. WMATA encourages riders to check for updates before traveling, though officials didn't specify how much advance notice they'll provide if conditions change. Moovit provides real-time bus locations and detour updates for all WMATA routes during service disruptions.