WMATA Adjusts C21, C53 Stops for Development
WMATA relocates C21, C53 stops on Alabama Ave SE starting May 4 for development projects
WMATA Moves C21, C53 Stops on Alabama Ave SE
Two WMATA bus stops on Alabama Ave SE at 13th St will permanently relocate starting Monday, May 4, affecting riders on routes C21 and C53. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced the changes are necessary to accommodate the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Library Project and the St. Elizabeth East Project. The northbound stop will shift 100 feet east while the southbound stop moves 280 feet west of current locations.
Development Projects Drive Stop Changes
The bus stop relocations are part of broader redevelopment efforts in the Alabama Ave SE corridor. The Library Project and St. Elizabeth East Project represent significant infrastructure investments in the area, requiring temporary and permanent adjustments to transit operations. WMATA regularly coordinates with city development agencies to minimize service disruptions while supporting neighborhood improvements. The authority didn't provide cost estimates for the stop relocations or details about the development projects' timelines.
Specific Relocation Details for Each Stop
The northbound stop at Alabama Ave SE at 13th St, identified as Stop ID #1003320, will move 100 feet east to the right side of the gray bus shelter. The southbound stop, Stop ID #1003588, will relocate 280 feet west of its current position. Both stops will continue serving routes C21 and C53 without changes to route paths or schedules. Officials said riders should look for new stop signage and markings at the relocated positions starting May 4.
Changes Take Effect May 4
The permanent bus stop relocations take effect Monday, May 4, 2026. The advisory period runs through July 4, 2026, giving riders two months to adjust to the new stop locations. WMATA didn't specify whether additional signage or wayfinding assistance will be provided during the transition period. The authority encourages passengers to sign up for MetroAlerts for real-time service updates.
What Riders Need to Know
Riders using stops at Alabama Ave SE at 13th St should plan extra time to locate the new stop positions starting May 4. Both northbound and southbound stops remain on Alabama Ave SE but at different distances from the 13th St intersection. Passengers can check Moovit for real-time bus locations and updated stop information for routes C21 and C53. WMATA customer support is available at 202.GO.METRO Monday through Friday from 7 am to 8 pm, and weekends from 8 am to 8 pm.
