Metrobus Service Changes in Chevy Chase DC, June 21, 2026
Heads up, Chevy Chase Commuters! Effective Sunday, June 21, 2026, WMATA is updating the C81 and C83 bus routes serving the Chevy Chase DC area. To see how your daily commute might be affected, check out the full list of rounte adjustments on the WMATA service changes page, https://www.wmata.com/ride/alerts-and-advisories/metro-bus-service-changes-start-june-21–2026.html
C81 Changes
Starting June 21, 2026, the C81 (Military Road) route is getting some helpful tweaks to make your transfers smoother and your afternoon commute a little less packed. The C81 will shift its path near Tenleytown to provide better access to the Metro station and add more space for students and commuters.
C81 Route & Schedule Improvements
Better Metro Connections: Near Tenleytown, the bus will travel via 40 Street/Fort Drive and Chesapeake Street NW between Nebraska Avenue and Tenley Circle. This change is designed to get you closer to the Red Line entrance.
Reduced Crowding: To help with the afternoon rush, a new trip to Fort Totten will be added to the schedule. It will depart Tenleytown at 3:30 p.m. on school days, providing much-needed relief during one of the busiest times of the day. Tip for students: the new 3:30 p.m. trip is timed specifically for the school dismissal window to ensure there’s enough room for everyone heading toward Fort Totten.
C83 Route Adjustment
Starting June 21, 2026, the C83 (Barnaby Woods) route is being streamlined north of Knollwood (Lindsey Drive NW)
What is Changing for the C83:
New Routing: The C83 will now run in both directions along Oregon Avenue NW to and from Friendship Heights. In the direction of Friendship Heights, it will return to Western Avenue via Chestnut Street.
Discontinued Segments: One-way service will no longer operate on southbound Oregon Avenue (between Lindsey Drive and Nebraska Avenue) and westbound Nebraska Avenue NW (between Oregon Ave and Utah Ave NW).
Stop Adjustments: The Nebraska Ave and 28th Street NW will be closed. For an alternative stop, use Nebraska Avenue and Oliver Street NW (Stop #1002757) instead.
For
DC Council Committee on Public Works and Operations Performance Oversight Hearing February 2026
The Department of Public Works (DPW) and Operations conducted an oversight hearing on its performance during the snow emergency that began January 25, 2026, and extended through early February 2026.
FoBus Response
FoBus submitted comments to the DPW about bus stops, curb cuts, and crosswalks that remained dangerously obstructed by ice and snow for more than two weeks–a repeat of January 2025 failures. The core issue is the lack of clear responsibility among DPW, DDOT, and WMATA leaving bus riders and pedestrians in a dangerous limbo.
WMATA Seeks Comments on Bus Service Changes April 2026
WMATA is currently seeking public input on its Fiscal Year 2027 budget, which includes bus service enhancements. If approved, these changes are slated for implementation by December 2026.
For Chevy Chase DC, the most significant update is the expansion of the D70 route to 24-hour service.
Below is the breakdown of what this means for our neighborhood:
Summary of Proposed Changes D70 (Connecticut Ave. – Chevy Chase) Proposal: Transition to 24-hour service.
Details: WMATA plans to add service during the early morning window (2:30 AM – 6:00 AM) with 20-minute frequencies, creating continuous 24/7 connectivity along the corridor.
C81, C83, & C85:Status: No changes are currently proposed for these routes; they are expected to maintain their existing service levels.
How to Share Your Feedback: Your voice is essential in ensuring these transit improvements meet our community’s needs. You can provide feedback through WMATA’s online portal by completing a survey, submitting written comments, or uploading a document. Survey Link: wmata.com/initiatives/budget (Look for We Want to Hear From You)
Deadline: All comments must be submitted by Monday, April 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM
FoBus Response
FoBus submitted comments to WMATA about the proposed changes on April 6, 2026, focusing on nearby bus lines–C81, C83, C85, and D70.
2024 and 2025 Developments