The City of College Park is taking action to protect a crucial public transportation link for our community. At the upcoming City Council meeting on November 19, 2024, the Council is expected to approve a letter to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) urging them to reconsider the proposed elimination of the C8 bus route. This route is the only public transportation option that connects the National Archives at College Park to the broader Washington Metropolitan area.
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) facility in College Park is a major research center, drawing nearly 30,000 researchers each year and employing 1,100 staff members. The C8 bus route is a vital lifeline for these employees and visitors, many of whom depend on public transportation to commute. Eliminating this service would force more people into cars, exacerbating traffic congestion and increasing pollution in our area.
WMATA’s proposed 2025 Better Bus Route initiative, which includes the removal of the C8 bus route, would significantly impact accessibility to this important facility. The Council’s letter emphasizes the critical need for reliable public transit options and highlights how the elimination of this route would harm not only NARA employees and researchers but also the broader community. Maintaining the C8 bus route aligns with the City’s strategic goals of promoting sustainable transportation and reducing our carbon footprint.
The Council’s proactive effort to advocate for our community underscores our commitment to ensuring that College Park remains interconnected and accessible. Reliable public transportation options benefit everyone, especially lower-income residents who may not have access to a personal vehicle.
We hope that our advocacy will encourage WMATA to reconsider their proposal and keep the C8 bus route operational. Residents and community members who are concerned about this issue are encouraged to stay engaged and support our efforts. Together, we can work to maintain a robust and accessible public transportation system for College Park and beyond.
Stay tuned for more updates on this important initiative, and thank you for supporting efforts to make our city a better place to live, work, and study!