The first redesign of the Metrobus system since 1973 was executed on Sunday, with 527 bus stops throughout the Washington metropolitan area eliminated.

All bus routes were changed, as was each bus schedule, though the standard Metrobus fare of $2.25 has remained unchanged, according to a press release by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. 

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Metro promoted the redesign as beneficial to the region it serves, calling the program the “Better Bus Network.” However, mixed reactions have followed since the rollout.

Riders told NBC Washington that the change was “confusing,” while others are still waiting to see how the new system plays out. Metro Board Chairwoman Valerie Santos said in the press release that the board received over 21,000 public comments about the redesign before it was implemented.

WMATA General Manager Randy Clarke told NBC Washington that 95% of current riders will benefit from the redesign.

“More people are going to get better service, including a lot of people that desperately need it,” Clarke said. “Lower-income people, people that have no other option, we are providing more and better service for them.”

The Better Bus Network Redesign project was launched in 2022 by the WMATA, which serves riders in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland. Buses are now marked by a letter that corresponds to the route of the bus. For instance, “A” buses go to and from the Arlington and Alexandria area.

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A 2023 fact sheet on the program indicated that the bus stops would decrease by a “small number.” However, the roughly 10,000 bus stops have been cut by about 5%. The purpose of cutting this many bus stops is to “speed up service,” according to the fact sheet, and new bus stop signs have already started being put up, per the press release.

Metrobus encourages its customers to use the trip planner on the WMATA website.