WMATA Relocates Stop to Improve Safety

WMATA relocates westbound bus stop one block west on East-West Highway due to safety concerns

2026-04-22, Moovit News Team

WMATA Moves Bus Stop One Block West on East-West Highway

Riders catching westbound buses on East-West Highway at 43rd Street will need to walk one block west starting January 26. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority permanently relocated the stop to East-West Highway at 43rd Avenue due to safety concerns, officials said. The change affects routes M44 and P10 serving North Bethesda and College Park.
WMATA Metrobus at bus stop on East-West Highway in Maryland suburban area, showing bus stop sign and shelter with route information visible, daytime street view with clear signage

Safety Concerns Drive Permanent Change

Transit agencies regularly evaluate bus stop locations to address safety issues including pedestrian access, traffic patterns, and visibility concerns. WMATA didn't specify what particular safety factors prompted this relocation, but officials said the new location at 43rd Avenue will provide improved conditions for riders. The one-block westward shift keeps the stop on the same corridor while addressing operational concerns. Bus stop relocations typically involve coordination with local jurisdictions and traffic engineering assessments.

Two Routes Affected by Stop Move

The relocated stop serves routes M44 and P10, both of which provide westbound service toward North Bethesda and College Park. The previous stop at 43rd Street, identified as stop ID 3001877, will no longer be in service after January 26. Officials said riders should plan for the one-block walk west to the new stop location at 43rd Avenue. WMATA hasn't released ridership figures for the affected stop or said how many daily passengers typically use this location.

Change Takes Effect January 26

The permanent relocation takes effect January 26, 2026, WMATA confirmed. The agency issued an advisory covering the period through April 26, 2026, though the stop change itself is permanent rather than temporary. Officials encourage passengers to sign up for MetroAlerts to receive service updates, though they didn't say whether additional notifications will be posted at the old stop location.

Riders Should Plan for New Stop Location

Passengers who regularly use the westbound stop at 43rd Street should add time to reach the new location one block west at 43rd Avenue. WMATA customer service is available Monday through Friday from 7 am to 8 pm and weekends from 8 am to 8 pm at 202-GO-METRO. Moovit provides real-time bus locations and stop information for WMATA routes, helping riders navigate service changes and plan trips with current stop locations.