(Editor’s Note: This is the second part of a multi-part series looking at our metrobus system. For last week’s introduction, click here.)

While it is easy, and appropriate, to blame metrobus’ ills on a lack of stable transportation funding and sometimes-feeble higher political support, part of the blame must be placed squarely on the shoulders of WMATA. Despite the fact that SmarTrip has made it easy to use metrobus, the transit agency does not make it very easy to use and understand metrobus, especially if you’re navigationally challenged. We explored part of this last week, but we continue. All in all, metrobus riders survive on WMATA’s lackluster and inconsistent navigational communications outreach. It works for those who can figure it out. And things could be a lot worse. But things could be much better.