Being an active Metrobus rider since 1988, I have watched fares jump from $0.80 to $1.10. Yet, I've seen many changes for the better. Until a few years ago, riders had to endure bumpy rides in old buses with torn vinyl seats. You can now enjoy a smooth ride in the comfort of new Metrobuses with spacious, clean interiors. Heating and cooling systems operate reliably making buses a fine shelter against the heat or cold. Most of these new buses have automated announcements notifying riders of each stop's location. Thus, District visitors have an easier time recognizing stops. Tourists find their Metrobus rides comfortable and convient.

Finding a Metrobus stop is not a problem. Metrobus serves over 1,500 square miles in Washington area in the following jurisdictions: District of Columbia, Montgomery County, Prince Georges County, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, City of Alexandria, City of Fairfax and the City of Falls Church. All 12,490 Metrobus stops are identified by red, white and blue signs located approximately every 2 to 3 blocks along bus routes. Often bus stops have shelters to keep out the rain, wind and glaring sun.

Metrobus runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many of the stops also have signs with four-sided cases noting route and schedule information. Barring any traffic jams or construction barriers, Metrobuses operate on convenient timetables, and on most well-traveled routes, passengers won't wait for more than 5 to 7 minutes during rush hours or a few more minutes during regular hours. On holidays and weekends, buses run approximately every 12 to 15 minutes. With all these bus facts in mind, tourists and DC residents alike should enjoy Metrobus service as a fine means of traveling around the city.

When waiting for a bus, look for the route number and destination displayed above the windshield.

Bus drivers are usually very helpful informing passengers about route information; however, because the driver's first priority is operating the bus safely, passengers should be versed in their bus routes and destination prior to riding.

Regular routes on Metrobus will cost $1.10 for one way.

Remember, drivers don't carry change, so have exact change in hand when boarding the bus.

Ask the driver for a FREE transfer that allows unlimited Metrobus connections within the 2-hour period designated on the transfer.

Traveling from Metrorail to Metrobus, get a FREE transfer at the Metro station when entering. With this transfer, pay $0.25 when boarding on regular Metrobus routes.

There are discounts for senior citizens and handicapped persons ($0.50), and up to 2 children under 4 years may ride free with a paying adult.

Metrobuses come equipped for handicapped passengers with special rising stairs and seat belts to secure wheelchair-bound riders. (Seats in the front of the bus are specially equipped to fold up and make room for wheelchairs.)

On selected routes after 7pm, drivers will let passengers off the bus at other points along the route - not necessarily a bus stop - which are more convenient and safe for arriving in the dark.

Remember, never bring food or beverages on buses, and be alert when buses are crowded because often, passengers will have to stand when seats are all taken. Buses do have ceiling mounted bars for standing passengers to hold for safety. Passengers having to stand should move toward the back of the bus to keep the front entrance open.

The front seats are reserved for senior citizens and disabled passengers. Other riders should always keep those front seats open and use the seats in the middle and back of the bus.

Metro offers many types of bus and bus-rail combined passes. The most popular of these passes are the $10 weekly Metrobus pass valid on all regular routes from Sunday thru Saturday and the 28-day pass for $40 also valid on regular bus routes. There are also passes that cover riders for both Metrobus and Metrorail rides, and day passes are available.

Considering a one-way fare is only $1.10, a ride between popular tourist spots like the Capitol and Georgetown (located along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue) is quite a bargain.

Tourists planning sight-seeing trips in North-West can use Metrobus for convenient connections between points of interest. One of the most popular routes from Georgetown to the U.S. Capitol Building is covered by the 30, 32, 34, 35, and 36 lines. These routes run from the Friendship Heights or Tennleytown Metrorail stations, down Wisconsin Avenue, past the National Cathedral onto M Street, Pennsylvania Avenue (a short walk from the White House, Renwick Gallery, Corcoran Gallery and the National Mall), past the National Gallery of Art, and go as far as the House of Representatives office buildings on Capitol Hill.

The D2, D4 and D6 buses connect Georgetown to Dupont Circle. Most tourists will want to pick up these lines at Q Street and Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown and ride a scenic route lined with the historic homes along Q Street in Georgetown arriving in Dupont Circle. A must see,Dupont Circle is a vital DC neighborhood filled with eclectic culture, unique boutiques and a wealth of small art galleries. The Phillips Collection featuring works from the Impressionists is a popular tourist destination in Dupont Circle too. Booklovers will enjoy stopping by Kramer's Afterwards and Café on Connecticut Avenue.

Travelers staying on D-bus lines will ride through downtown DC via K Street and eventually arrive at Union Station. The hub for AMTRAC trains, Union Station is a well-known attraction in Washington. As a Red Line Metrorail stop, Union Station is a fine example of Beaux Arts architecture after a grand renovation saved it from demise in the 1980s. Enjoy shopping and dining on three levels at Union Station. It is within walking distance of the United States Capitol, Library of Congress and other Capitol Hill destinations.

For riders desiring to travel from historic Georgetown University as far as Howard University with stops in Dupont Circle, try the G2 bus. It will travel along P Street, through Georgetown, providing riders with another scenic view of Georgetown's historic row houses, and it stops in the heart of Dupont Circle,making it convenient to access the Metrorail stop there.

Since Georgetown has no Metrorail stop, visitors may wish to use the Dupont Circle Metrorail Red Line station.

Once in Dupont Circle, tourists may want to get on the 42 bus going toward Mount Pleasant and visit the multicultural neighborhood of Adams Morgan. This neighborhood is packed with culturally diverse shops, bazaars and restaurants. With all these connections to Dupont Circle in mind, it is easy to see why many Washingtonians say "all roads [in DC] lead to Dupont Circle"!

Visitors wanting to view chancelleries and embassies representing many countries around the globe can catch the N6 bus at Florida Avenue (in Dupont Circle). The N6 travels along Massachusetts Avenue, commonly known as Embassy Row. Planning ahead, tourists can call the embassy that represents their cultural background and enjoy a special tour of that embassy. The Naval Observatory on the grounds of the Vice President's house can also be found along this stretch of Massachusetts Avenue. Once on Wisconsin Avenue, riders can transfer to the even-30s routes mentioned above.

With so many convenient Metrobus lines like those listed above, tourists can enjoy touring DC without spending too much on taxis or parking fees. Remember to visit the Metro's convenient web site, http://www.wmata.com, for helpful tips on touring and all the details about the types of passes and how to order them. The site also includes a "Ride Guide," http://rideguide.wmata.com, for helping visitors determine which routes to take. Now, get out and ride the bus!