Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
busspeed.jpgMapping bus speeds in Washington, D.C. Slower lines show up as dark blue. Image: Greater Greater Washington

A fresh look at old information can sometimes be all you need to better understand a knotty problem. And a fresh look is exactly what the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority provided with a new set of bus maps released this week. Using GPS data gathered last year, these maps show the average speed of the transit system's buses, painting a picture of where bus riders could use faster service. 

David Alpert at Greater Greater Washington posted the images, with some strategic graphic adjustments, and offers the analytic insight that makes these maps important:

Closer to the core, the bus speeds are generally slower. That's a consequence partly of congestion, but also partly from bus stop density. Since there are more destinations and more riders in the central areas, there are more bus stops, and those stops have more riders, which take time to load and unload. DC could reduce some, but there will still be more and speeds will therefore be slower. It's where some lines are slower than their neighbors, sometimes much slower, that the difference becomes particularly useful.

Buses that are slower than they should be pop right out of the map. Where that's true, and especially where the number of buses stuck at a snail's pace is high, Alpert recommends bus lanes, queue jumpers, and signal priority as ways to speed buses along. If the slow speed is due to lots of riders getting on and off the bus, a common problem on popular routes, off-board fare collection might be another solution to look into.

Has your transit system or DOT put forward any useful ways of visualizing transportation information? Share it in comments.

More from around the network: Charleston Moves challenges a new ordinance that would outlaw locking your bike to a tree or sign. EcoVelo marks the opening of London's so-called bicycle superhighways. And the Hard Drive details Portland's big push to bring in electric cars. 

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

How Transportation Reformers Can Strategize for the Second Trump Administration

He's not backing down on the mission to make America more green and equitable — but he isn't using those words. And therein lies a strategy.

April 21, 2025

Monday’s Headlines Get Pumped

Contrary to what President Trump says, gas remains expensive — another reason to walk, bike or take transit.

April 21, 2025

EXCLUSIVE: Early Trump Memos Undermine Sean Duffy’s Argument Against Congestion Pricing

The feds did not question New York State's approach to congestion pricing in the first Trump administration, memos show.

April 21, 2025

Music City Meltown: Nashville Needs Transit-Oriented Development

The Tennessee capital needs better transit and zoning changes if it is going to prosper, a new report shows.

April 21, 2025

Friday’s Headlines Back the Bikes

Setting aside the fact that bike lanes don't make traffic worse, resisting bikelash on busy roads is essential to creating a useable network.

April 18, 2025
See all posts