Columbia Pike Premium Transit Network
Location
Along Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204 View Map
38.861480888341035, -77.0919292445672
Along Columbia Pike ,
Arlington, VA 22204
Along Columbia Pike ,
Arlington, VA 22204
Columbia Pike Premium Transit Network
StatusConstruction
Transit Stations construction
Platforms and foundations have been completed for the first 8 stations along Columbia Pike. Twenty-three stations will be constructed in total. Visit the project page for details.
Premium Transit service
The first phase of Columbia Pike Premium Transit service was implemented in June 2018. It included a restructuring of the Metrobus 16 line (11 route patterns streamlined to 5, with a net increase in service), Metrobus schedule improvements, and introduction of an updated logo for Pike Ride.
In spring 2023, the second phase of Premium Transit service was implemented. This will included the Metrobus 16M, which replaced the 16G/H/K routes, and provides high-frequency service connecting Skyline, Columbia Pike, Pentagon City and Crystal City. Arlington worked through WMATA’s budgeting process for the 16M, since it is a regional route serving Fairfax County and Arlington that requires funding support from regional partners.
On June 29, 2025, WMATA implemented its Better Bus Network Redesign, which which renamed and consolidated routes, and amended destinations.
About the Project
A major feature of the County’s prior 10-year plan for transit improvements was the creation of a Premium Transit Network connecting Columbia Pike, Pentagon City and Crystal City. The premium network offers bus service that is fast, frequent, reliable and easy to use, with features including simplified routes, increased weekday and weekend service, and a new one-seat bus ride from Skyline to Pentagon City-Crystal City. This plan has since been updated as part of the Arlington Transit Strategic Plan.
Bus service
The Premium Transit Network features different types of service to meet the needs of different riders in the Columbia Pike and Crystal City-Pentagon City corridors:
- ART Local / Neighborhood Connections – Enhanced service on ART 41, 42, 45, and am/pm peak service on ART 74 linking nearby neighborhoods along South Glebe Road, Columbia Pike, and Pentagon City and improve connections to the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor.
- Metrobus A40 – Simplified limited-stop Metrobus service provides commuters with frequent, faster trips along Columbia Pike from Skyline City in Fairfax County to National Landing.
- Metrobus A49 – Simplified limited-stop Metrobus service provides commuters with frequent, faster trips along Columbia Pike from Culmore in Fairfax County to Washington, DC.
Amenities
All of the transit service along the Premium Transit Network will benefit from passenger amenities aimed at creating a system that is fast, frequent and easy to understand. These amenities will be phased in and include:
- Transit Stations – The stations will provide a comfortable passenger experience with near-level boarding and real-time bus arrival information to make the system easier to use.
- Transit signal priority – This is a way to reduce delays for buses at signalized intersections and help reduce travel times for bus riders.