Buses By the Numbers!

Metrobuses with pure number designations—as opposed to alpha-numeric signifiers—are descendants of streetcars that used to ply roughly the same routes. Since route numbers began in the mid-30s, that means some of these routes are nearly 90 years old! The numbered routes start with the 30s buses (the 10 and 20 series streetcars didn't make the transition to trackless transit), then increase in value as you move east across the map of D.C.

This adventure would involve riding all seven numbered routes—30s through 90s—in sequence, in a reasonably efficient manner. The trip would begin at the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro station and conclude at Union Station. (It will be interesting to see if Metro will count this as one continuous ride with six transfers! If so, it will only cost $2 :-)

We'll meet at the top of the Foggy Bottom station escalator, then at the conclusion of our "numbered adventure" have lunch and compare notes at the Union Station food court! Hope to see you all there!