Columbia Pike Line

Last updated
16A, 16C, 16E
Columbia Pike Line
WMATA Metrobus logo.svg
Columbia Pike Infill Penrose boarding Bus (7852064616).jpg
An unrehabbed 2006 Orion VII CNG running on the 16A in 2010
Overview
System Metrobus
Operator Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
GarageFour Mile Run
LiveryLocal
StatusIn Service
Began service1921
Ended service16D: March 29, 2015
16B, 16J, & 16P: June 24, 2018
Route
Locale Fairfax County
Arlington County
Northwest (16E Early Morning Weekends and Late Nights Daily)
Communities served Annandale, Sleepy Hollow, Lincolnia, Lake Barcroft, Culmore, Bailey's Crossroads, Columbia Forest, Arlington Mill, Barcroft, Arlington Heights, Penrose, Pentagon City
Landmarks served United States Air Force Memorial, Pentagon City station, Pentagon station, National Mall, Franklin Square
Start Annandale (16A)
Culmore (16C, 16E)
Via Columbia Pike
End Pentagon station (16A, 16C)
Franklin Square (16E)
Other routes 16M and 16Y
Service
LevelDaily
Frequency10-25 minutes (Peak Hours)
30 minutes (Midday and Weekday Evening Service)
30-35 minutes (Saturday)
30-60 minutes (Sunday)
Operates4:33 AM – 2:00 AM (Mondays - Fridays)
5:06 AM – 2:00 AM (Saturdays)
6:00 AM – 2:00 AM (Sundays)
Ridership626,191 (16A, FY 2023) [1]
362,797 (16C, FY 2023) [1]
63,247 (16E, FY 2023) [1]
Transfers SmarTrip only
Timetable Columbia Pike Line
←  11Y  {{{system_nav}}}  16M  →

The Columbia Pike Line, designated as Routes 16A, 16C & 16E, are daily bus routes operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority between the neighborhoods of Annandale (16A) or Culmore (16C, 16E) and Pentagon station (16A, 16C) of the Yellow and Blue lines of the Washington Metro or Franklin Square (16E). This line is part of the Pike Ride service, which runs through Columbia Pike. This line provides service to Annandale or Culmore and the Pentagon Transit Center or Franklin Square from the neighborhoods of Fairfax County and Arlington County. Alongside the neighborhoods, it also brings service through the marketplace, business, and offices through Columbia Pike.

Contents

Route description and service

The 16A, 16C, and 16E operate from Four Mile Run Division on different schedules. Route 16A operates daily between the neighborhood of Annandale and Pentagon station, through the entire Columbia Pike route. The 16A also runs through other neighborhoods in Columbia Pike, such as Lincolnia, Bailey's Crossroads, Barcroft, Arlington Heights, and Penrose. Route 16A serves limited stops in Arlington County, bringing faster service between Bailey's Crossroads and Pentagon station. Route 16C operates daily between the neighborhood of Culmore and Pentagon station. The 16C joins the route on Columbia Pike through the intersection of Leesburg Pike. Like route 16A, route 16C also serves limited stops in Arlington County. Route 16E is the only route that does not operate during the daytime. The 16E only operates during late nights daily and early mornings on Saturdays and Sundays. The 16E also starts on Culmore, where the 16C starts. Unlike routes 16A and 16C, route 16E serves all stops in Arlington County, including Pentagon City station. The 16E extends through Washington D.C., by operating up to Franklin Square.

16A stops

16C stops

16E stops

History

The line was part of the Pike Ride route since September 7, 2003. [2] Before then, the Columbia Pike Line was part of the Alexandria, Barcroft and Washington Transit Company, which serves along the Columbia Pike. The line was AB&W’s first route, when it opened in 1921. [3] It was later operated by WMATA in 1973, when it acquired all routes from the AB&W. Since 1973, the Columbia Pike Line consists of all 16 line. Some 16 routes were split into different lines, to run as a sister line which operates on the same road. The 16 line provides premium reliable service in Columbia Pike to connect from neighborhoods, to marketplaces, to landmarks, and to business. The Columbia Pike Line originally operated up to Washington Union Station until June 26, 1983 when all routes were shortened to Pentagon station. [4]

After WMATA's success on the 16 line, Arlington Transit began adding more routes on the Columbia Pike, starting with Route 41. Routes 16B and 16J were the two routes that have a daily service, while routes 16A, 16D, and 16F operated only on weekdays. [5] All routes, except 16F and 16J, runs between Pentagon station and Annandale. Route 16B runs between Pentagon station and the neighborhood of Culmore during weekday peak hours, while it extends to Annandale on the weekends. Route 16E operated during late nights, and is the only route which runs via Pentagon City. Route 16F runs during peak hours only, serving to Pentagon Station in the morning, and the neighborhood of Culmore in the afternoon. The 16F serves limited stops in Arlington County, and local stops in Bailey's Crossroads and Culmore.

In 2008, the 16P joins the Columbia Pike Line, taking over the 16J Sunday service. [6] In 2009, the Sunday 16B reduced Annandale trips, leading to select trips terminating at Culmore, where it ends on weekday rush hours. [7] In 2010, route 16F was renamed as the Columbia Pike–Federal Triangle Line. [8] Other than route 16F, two existing route was formerly part of the Columbia Pike Line, until the line name was changed. Route 16L was part of the line until 1987, when it became the Columbia Pike Express Line. The 16L completely changed the line name to Annandale–Skyline City–Pentagon Line, although it remains connections to route 16A. Route 16G was also part of the Columbia Pike Line, until September, 2003, when the Pike Ride project began. Route 16G was selected to serve to Pentagon City Station, to form the Columbia Pike–Pentagon City Line. Route 16C is the only route in which WMATA used it twice. The old 16C operates on the Columbia Pike Route, until it was discontinued in 2003. After 15 years of absence, WMATA reincarnated the 16C back in the Columbia Pike Line in 2018, with modifications from the old 16C route.

Service changes

The Columbia Pike Line began on multiple service changes throughout the entire service, starting with the name change of the 16L line to the Columbia Pike Express Line. However, some 16 line routes faced some service changes throughout time.

September 2001 changes

Due to the September 11 attacks, the 16 line along with other bus lines that usually serves Pentagon station were rerouted temporarily to Pentagon City station due to security concerns at the Pentagon. [9] Service to Pentagon station would resume on December 16, 2001.

September 2003 changes

Route 16C was discontinued from the Columbia Pike Line service on September 7, 2003. [10] Routes 16B, 16F, and 16J absorbed the remaining portions of the 16C. Route 16F became a limited stop service within Arlington County. Route 16G was transferred to the Columbia Pike–Pentagon City Line to serve Pentagon City Station. Route 16G formed the new line, along with Routes 16H, 16K, and 16W to bring more service from the neighborhoods of Skyline City in Fairfax County, and Barcroft in Arlington County.

2010 Proposed Changes

In 2010 during WMATA's FY2011 budget, WMATA proposed to modify the 16 line with some changes:

The 16 A, B, D, J, P was proposed to reroute off-peak trips, and to serve via Pentagon City station. [11] With these changes, it was planned to rename the off-peak routes as the 16C, and the 16M, while WMATA will continue with the 16P.

The 16F was proposed options to extend its weekday peak service to Downtown in Washington D.C. The proposed 16F extension is expected to replace routes 13A and 13B from the National Airport–Pentagon–Washington Line. [11]

December 2010 changes

Route 16F was transferred to the Columbia Pike–Federal Triangle Line, and extended to Federal Triangle in Washington D.C. After serving time with the Columbia Pike line, 16F times remains unchanged, and continues to serve limited stop in Arlington County, and serves all stops in Washington D.C. This route continues to operate until 2012, when it was renamed to route 16X.

March 2015 changes

Route 16D was discontinued on March 29, 2015, and is replaced by route 16A. Route 16L absorbed the Annandale portion of the 16D, where it ran.

December 2016 changes

On December 18, 2016, route 16E was extended from Pentagon station to Franklin Square in Downtown Washington D.C. due to earlier closures from Metrorail. [12]

June 2018 changes

The Columbia Pike Line began to be rerouted by simplifying various routes into a single route. Routes 16B, 16J, 16P was discontinued on June 24, 2018, and replaced by 16A, 16C, and 16E. [13] Route 16H from the Columbia Pike–Pentagon City Line also took over a portion of routes 16B, 16J, and 16P. Alongside of these changes, daily service was added to the 16A. Route 16C was brought back into the Columbia Pike Line service, after a 15-year hiatus, while other 16 line routes took over the old 16C. Route 16C also replaced the 16X from the Columbia Pike–Federal Triangle Limited Line, which operated up to Federal Triangle in Washington D.C. By bringing more reliable and faster service, the 16A & 16C serves limited stops on Columbia Pike in Arlington County. Routes 16E, 16G & 16H continues to serve to all stops on Columbia Pike in Arlington County.

2020 Proposed Changes

During WMATAs 2021 Fiscal Year budget, it was proposed to eliminate route 16C towards Downtown DC to reduce redundancy with the Blue and Yellow Lines and to fully eliminate route 16E which will be replaced by restored late night Metrorail service. [14]

September 2020 proposed changes

On September 10, 2020 as part of its FY2022 proposed budget, WMATA proposed to truncate route 16C service from Downtown DC to Pentagon station, in order to reduce costs and low federal funds. [15] It was also proposed to reduce weekend service on all routes of this line. Weeknight 16E service is unaffected, however, all 16E trips after midnight is proposed to be eliminated. [16] Route 16C has not operated to Federal Triangle since March 13, 2020 due to Metro's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pentagon station</span> Washington Metro station

Pentagon station is a split platform station on the Washington Metro located adjacent to The Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The station was opened on July 1, 1977, and is operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Providing service for both the Blue and Yellow Lines, the station is where the two lines diverge and thus acts as a transfer point. Northbound, both lines rise above ground, with the Blue Line serving the Arlington Cemetery station, and the Yellow Line crossing the Potomac River into the District of Columbia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metrobus (Washington, D.C.)</span> Bus transit service in the US federal district

Metrobus is a bus service operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Its fleet consists of 1,595 buses covering an area of 1,500 square miles (3,900 km2) in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. There are 269 bus routes serving 11,129 stops, including 2,554 bus shelters. In 2023, the system had a ridership of 103,438,600, or about 366,500 per weekday as of the fourth quarter of 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arlington Transit</span>

Arlington Transit (ART) is a bus transit system that operates in Arlington County, Virginia, and is managed by the county government. The bus system provides service within Arlington County, and connects to Metrobus, nearby Metrorail stations, Virginia Railway Express, and other local bus systems. Most ART routes serve to connect county neighborhoods to local Metrorail stations, as well as the Shirlington Bus Station. It includes part of the Pike Ride service along Columbia Pike, which is shared with WMATA. In 2023, the system had a ridership of 2,258,200, or about 8,100 per weekday as of the fourth quarter of 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pike Ride</span>

Pike Ride is a combination of bus routes along Columbia Pike in Northern Virginia, United States. It consists of service operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metrobus) and Arlington Transit (ART), connecting the Pentagon and Pentagon City Washington Metro stations in Arlington County with Annandale in Fairfax County.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metroway</span> Bus rapid transit line operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

Metroway is a bus rapid transit (BRT) line operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) as part of their Metrobus system. It consists of a single line operating in Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia. It opened on August 24, 2014. It was the first bus rapid transit line to open in Virginia and in the Washington metropolitan area.

Flash BRT is a bus rapid transit network in Montgomery County, Maryland with one operational line and two more under development. When complete, the network will run along U.S. 29 from Silver Spring to Burtonsville, Maryland Route 355 from Bethesda to Clarksburg, and Maryland Route 586 from Wheaton to Rockville.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barcroft–South Fairlington Line</span>

The Barcroft–South Fairlington Line, designated as Route 22A, Route 22C, or Route 22F, is a daily bus route operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority between Ballston–MU station of the Orange and Silver lines of the Washington Metro or Skyline City (22F) and Pentagon station of the Yellow and Blue lines of the Washington Metro.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Columbia Pike–Pentagon City Line</span> Bus routes in the Washington Metropolitan Area

The Columbia Pike–Pentagon City Line, designated as Routes 16G & 16H, were daily bus routes that was operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority between the neighborhoods of Arlington Mill (16G) or Skyline City (16H) and Pentagon City station of the Yellow and Blue lines of the Washington Metro. This line is part of the Pike Ride service, which runs through Columbia Pike. This line provides service through the neighborhoods of Fairfax County and Arlington County to Pentagon City. Unlike the Columbia Pike Line, the Columbia Pike–Pentagon City Line does not serve Columbia Pike past the Arlington County line.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Columbia Pike–Farragut Square Line</span> MetroExtra bus route operated by Washington Metropolitan Area Transit

The Columbia Pike–Farragut Square Line, designated Route 16Y, is a rush hour-only MetroExtra bus route operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority between the neighborhood of Barcroft and McPherson Square station of the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines of the Washington Metro. This line is part of the Pike Ride service, which runs through Columbia Pike. This line provides service to Barcroft in Arlington County, Virginia and McPherson Square in Washington, D.C.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leesburg Pike Line</span> Daily bus route operated by WMATA

The Leesburg Pike Line, designated Route 28A, is a daily bus route operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority between Tysons station of the Silver Line of the Washington Metro and King Street – Old Town station of the Yellow and Blue lines of the Washington Metro. The 28A trips run every 12 minutes between 7AM and 9PM and 30 minutes after 9PM. This line provides service from Tysons Corner in Fairfax County to Old Town Alexandria. Route 28A trips are roughly 90 minutes long. It is the busiest metrobus route in Virginia at around 6,400 riders per weekday in 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Columbia Pike–Federal Triangle Line</span>

The Columbia Pike–Federal Triangle Line, designated Route 16F, or Route 16X, was a rush hour-only MetroExtra bus route that was operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority between Federal Triangle station of the Blue, Orange and Silver lines of the Washington Metro and the neighborhood of Culmore. This line was part of the Pike Ride service, which served through Columbia Pike. This line provides service from Federal Triangle in Washington, D.C., to the neighborhood of Culmore in Fairfax County.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wilson Boulevard–Vienna Line</span>

The Wilson Boulevard–Vienna Line, designated as Route 1A, or Route 1B, is a daily bus route operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority between Vienna station (1A) or Dunn Loring station (1B) of the Orange Line of the Washington Metro and Ballston–MU station of the Orange and Silver lines of the Washington Metro.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fair Oaks–Fairfax Boulevard Line</span>

The Fair Oaks–Fairfax Boulevard Line, designated as Route 1C, is a daily bus route operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority between the Dunn Loring station of the Orange Line of the Washington Metro and McConnell Public Safety and Transportation Operations Center on the weekdays and Fair Oaks Mall on the weekends. This line provides service within the neighborhoods of Merrifield and Fair Oaks in Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax. Trips are roughly 30 minutes on weekdays, and 60 minutes on weekends.

The Arlington–Union Station Line, designated Route 13Y, was a bus route operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Union Station in Northwest DC. The line operated during the weekend early AM hours only between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM providing riders to National Airport prior to Metro's opening at 7:00 AM. The line was discontinued due to low ridership and replaced by route 10N.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pershing Drive–Arlington Boulevard Line</span> Bus route in the Washington Metropolitan Area

The Pershing Drive–Arlington Boulevard Line, designated as Route 4A, or Route 4B, is a daily bus route operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority between Seven Corners Transit Center and Ballston–MU station of the Orange and Silver lines of the Washington Metro. This line provides service within the neighborhoods of Seven Corners, Arlington Forest, Lyon Park and Rosslyn in Fairfax and Arlington counties. Alongside the neighborhoods, it also brings service through the marketplace, businesses, and offices within the counties.

The Alexandria–Pentagon Line, designated as Routes 10A, 10E & 10N, is a daily bus route operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority between Huntington station of the Yellow Line of the Washington Metro (10A), Hunting Point (10E), or Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station of the Yellow and Blue lines of the Washington Metro and Pentagon station of the Yellow and Blue lines of the Washington Metro. This line provides service within the neighborhoods in Fairfax County, Alexandria, and Arlington County. Alongside the neighborhoods, it also brings service through the marketplace, businesses, and offices within the counties.

The Hunting Point–Ballston Line, designated as Route 10B, is a daily bus route operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority between Hunting Point and Ballston–MU station of the Orange and Silver lines of the Washington Metro. This line provides service within the neighborhoods in Fairfax County, Alexandria, and Arlington County. Alongside the neighborhoods, it also brings service through the marketplace, businesses, and offices within the counties.

The Silver Spring–Fairland Line designated Route Z6 or Z8 are daily bus routes operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority between Burtonsville Crossing Park & Ride lot (Z6) and Greencastle Park & Ride Lot (Z8), and Silver Spring station of the Red Line of the Washington Metro. The line operates every 20–30 minutes at all times. Both trips are roughly 60 minutes long.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Columbia Pike–National Landing Line</span> Bus route

The Columbia Pike–National Landing Line, designated as Route 16M, is a daily bus route operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority between Skyline City and Crystal City station of the Yellow and Blue lines of the Washington Metro. This line is part of the Pike Ride service, which runs through Columbia Pike. This line provides service through the neighborhoods of Fairfax County and Arlington County to Crystal City. Unlike the Columbia Pike Line, the Columbia Pike–National Landing Line does not serve Columbia Pike past the Arlington County line.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Metrobus FY2023 Annual Line Performance Report" (PDF). wmata.com. April 27, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  2. ↑ "Pike Ride – Bus Service on Columbia Pike". Archived from the original on July 9, 2009.
  3. ↑ "WASHINGTON DC TRANSIT ROUTES". www.chicagorailfan.com. Retrieved 2019-11-07.
  4. ↑ "Metrobus Routes To Change June 26". The Washington Post. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
  5. ↑ "2004 16A,B,D,E,F,J: Columbia Pike Line; 16L Annandale-Skyline City-Pentagon Line" (PDF). June 27, 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 16, 2004. Retrieved July 1, 2019.
  6. ↑ "2008 16A,B,D,E,F,J,P: Columbia Pike Line; 16L Annandale-Skyline City-Pentagon Line" (PDF). June 29, 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 21, 2008. Retrieved July 1, 2019.
  7. ↑ "Three Virginia Metrobus lines to change December 27". December 14, 2009. Retrieved July 1, 2019.
  8. ↑ "Metro enhances bus service in Virginia". December 3, 2010. Retrieved July 1, 2019.
  9. ↑ "Location of temporary Metrobus stops at Pentagon City". September 23, 2001. Archived from the original on September 23, 2001. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  10. ↑ "Metrobus service route changes along Columbia Pike begin the week of Sept. 7" . Retrieved 30 May 2019.
  11. 1 2 "VIRGINIA PROPOSED BUS SERVICE CHANGES FISCAL YEAR 2011" (PDF). Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  12. ↑ "Metrobus Service Changes, December 18 | WMATA". www.wmata.com. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  13. ↑ "Metrobus Service Changes, June 24 – WMATA". www.wmata.com. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
  14. ↑ "VIRGINIA Proposed Metrobus Service Changes" (PDF). Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  15. ↑ "FY2021 Budget Update; FY2022 Budget Outlook and Approval for Public Hearing for FY21 Budget Amendment" (PDF). Retrieved 9 September 2020.
  16. ↑ "Proposed Service Adjustments by Jurisdiction" (PDF). Retrieved 27 September 2020.
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