WMATA Moves M44 Stop West for Safety
WMATA relocates M44 bus stop one block west on East-West Highway due to safety concerns
WMATA Moves M44 Bus Stop One Block West on East-West Hwy
A westbound bus stop on East-West Highway in Maryland will permanently relocate one block west starting January 26, transit officials said. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority confirmed the stop at 43rd Street will move to 43rd Avenue due to safety concerns. The change affects riders using the M44 and P10 routes toward North Bethesda and College Park.
Safety Concerns Drive Permanent Relocation
WMATA cited safety reasons for the permanent stop relocation, though officials didn't specify what hazards prompted the move. Transit agencies typically relocate stops to address visibility issues, traffic conflicts, or pedestrian safety concerns at intersections. The affected stop, identified as stop ID 3001877, serves a corridor connecting residential areas to major employment centers in Montgomery County and Prince George's County. Officials said the one-block westward move will provide a safer boarding location for riders.
Two Routes Affected by Stop Change
The relocation impacts two WMATA bus routes: the M44 and P10 lines. Both routes serve the East-West Highway corridor, connecting communities between North Bethesda and College Park. The westbound stop at East-West Highway and 43rd Street will close permanently, with service shifting to the new stop at East-West Highway and 43rd Avenue. Officials said riders should allow extra time to locate the new stop location when the change takes effect.
Change Takes Effect January 26
The stop relocation becomes permanent on January 26, 2026, WMATA confirmed. The agency issued an advisory effective through April 26, 2026, to ensure riders have sufficient notice of the change. Transit officials said passengers can sign up for MetroAlerts for service updates, though they didn't specify whether additional signage or wayfinding assistance will be provided at the old stop location to direct riders to the new stop one block west.
Riders Can Contact WMATA for Details
Passengers with questions about the stop relocation can contact WMATA at 202-GO-METRO weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., officials said. Riders should look for the new stop at East-West Highway and 43rd Avenue beginning January 26. Real-time bus arrival information and route updates are available through Moovit, which provides live tracking for WMATA routes throughout the Washington metropolitan area.
