Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In

Weekday dedicated bus lanes being tested in Washington, D.C. will become permanent — and expand to Saturday — starting on Nov. 12, the District Department of Transportation announced on Friday.

The Nation's Capital has been experimenting with about 1.3 miles of bus lanes on H and I streets NW roughly between New York and Pennsylvania avenues NW since June, devoting a red-painted curbside lane to buses during the morning and evening rush between 7 and 9:30 am and 4 and 6:30 pm. While in operation, up to 70 buses per hour on stretches where buses used to crawl at less than 3 mph.

The route of the now-permanent Downtown DC bus-only lanes — which will even be in effect on Saturdays. Image: District Department of Transportation
The route of the now-permanent Downtown DC bus-only lanes — which will even be in effect on Saturdays. Image: District Department of Transportation
The route of the now-permanent Downtown DC bus-only lanes — which will even be in effect on Saturdays. Image: District Department of Transportation

Now, it will expand the hours the lane is used to 7 am to 7 pm from Monday through Saturday. During those times, the only vehicles allowed in the lanes will be city, charter, and school buses, marked taxis, and bicycles. Vehicles making right turns will also be allowed inside — a fact that didn’t seem to slow down test buses using the service. 

“The H/I bus lanes will make the commutes of thousands of bus passengers traveling through downtown faster and more reliable every day,” said the District Department of Transportation Director Jeff Marootian. 

Along with the lanes, the city will create loading zones on the opposite side of the streets to accommodate deliveries; change the sequencing of right-turn signals to help move traffic; and create new layover space outside the lanes to help speed buses along.

The City on a Hill is also looking into using cameras to ticket drivers and parkers in the lanes illegally. The fines for blocking or driving in the lane could be as much as $200, according to the Washington Post.

A Post poll revealed more than half of Washington area residents approved of the bus-only lanes during rush hours, with 71 percent of public transportation users supporting the lanes.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday Video: How to Gear Up For Your Fall Bike Commute

The only must-haves for a cycling commute are a bike and a place you feel safe riding — but a few accessories don't hurt, either.

August 8, 2025

Can You Tell Me How to Get to Friday’s Headlines?

"Sesame Street," which taught generations of children about life in the big city, might not be long for this world.

August 8, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: Technical Assistance for Equitable TOD

Emily LaFlamme on how the Elevated Works technical assistance program helps developers bring equitable transit-oriented development to life.

August 7, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines Wonder if Ride-Sharing Is Good, Actually

It's been shown to replace walking, biking and transit trips, but two writers argue it's better than taxis, and at least lifts the burden of car ownership.

August 7, 2025

This Company Wants to Help More Americans Buy Used E-Bikes

Trade wars in Washington are having a chilling effect on the U.S. bike market. Could selling more used cycles fill the gap?

August 7, 2025

We Can’t Have Justice For All Without Public Transit For All

A Philadelphia lawyer makes the case for why public transit is crucial for a fair justice system.

August 7, 2025
See all posts