Transit advocates urge hybrid BRT alternative and interim bus-priority actions on New Hampshire Avenue

The council heard public testimony on the New Hampshire Avenue Bus Rapid Transit facility planning study and alternatives review. Transit advocates, neighborhood residents and nonprofit planners urged advancing the hybrid alternative that would allow both Ride On and WMATA buses to use curbside priority lanes.

Mike Larkin of the Action Committee for Transit said, "ACT does support the hybrid alternative presented to you in the report from MCDOT and the planning board," and argued the hybrid approach corrects bus-access problems and can be implemented while protecting bike and pedestrian safety. Multiple speakers raised safety concerns after recent pedestrian crashes and noted long headways on many routes; advocates recommended interim bus-priority investments such as signal priority, queue jumps and repurposing travel lanes for transit to speed trips before the full BRT infrastructure is built.

Speakers emphasized that bus priority supports broader county plans (Thrive 2050, sector plans) and that incremental improvements can expand transit access now, particularly for residents who depend on frequent and reliable bus service. The council recorded no final decision; a Transportation and Environment Committee work session is scheduled for Oct. 19, 2026.