F4 Bus Detours as Purple Line Work Advances

WMATA's F4 bus route detours due to ongoing Purple Line light rail construction

F4 Bus Detours for Purple Line Work

WMATA's F4 bus route is running on a detour due to Purple Line construction, transit officials said. The service change affects riders in the DC-Maryland-Virginia metro area, though officials haven't specified which stops are temporarily closed or how many riders face longer trips. The agency classified the disruption as high severity on its service status page published June 18.

The detour stems from ongoing construction on Maryland's Purple Line, a 16-mile light rail project connecting Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park, and New Carrollton. Construction on the line resumed in 2023 after delays and contractor disputes, according to the Maryland Transit Administration. The project was approved in 2014 and has required periodic service adjustments to existing bus routes as work progresses. Officials haven't said which specific construction activities are causing the F4 detour.

Randy Clarke, general manager and chief executive officer of WMATA, oversees the transit system serving the region. The agency's service status page advises riders to plan ahead and allow extra time but doesn't provide specific detour route details or list affected street segments. Officials haven't released ridership data showing how many daily F4 passengers are affected. Specific stop closures and relocated boarding locations weren't available by publication time.

The detour is expected to remain in effect while Purple Line construction continues in the area, according to WMATA. Officials haven't provided an estimated end date or timeline for when F4 service will return to its regular route. The agency said riders should check its website regularly for updates as construction progresses. Transit officials didn't say whether service frequency or span of service would change during the detour period.

Riders can find current detour route details on WMATA's service status page. Officials recommend checking for updates before traveling and allowing extra time for trips. Moovit provides real-time updates for F4 and other WMATA routes, helping riders navigate service changes and find alternative connections during construction-related detours.