Metrobus to Expand NextBus Arrival Service to More Routes

Metro is equipping 24 more Metrobus routes, including some with the system's heaviest ridership, with the capability to tell riders when the next bus is coming, officials said yesterday.

Metro began testing the NextBus service in November on seven routes in Virginia, Maryland and the District. Officials said the system is about 90 percent accurate in predicting when buses arrive at stops. Customer response has also been good, officials said.

Starting April 1, riders along the 24 routes will be able to call a telephone number and provide their NextBus stop number and get information on their cellphones or hand-held wireless devices about arrivals. The routes include 79, 70 and 71, along Georgia Avenue, the 30s on Pennsylvania Avenue, the 16 along Columbia Pike and the J4 from College Park to Bethesda. Metro is in the process of installing NextBus signs at each of the stops along those routes.

-- Lena H. Sun