(Editor’s Note: In Part III of our look at the state of WMATA’s metrobus system, we look forward to what could be. Granted, questions about money and political initiative will certainly dictate the future non-metrorail transit in the Washington area. So to the WMATA and political officials who may be reading this, consider this our wish list. We know you have other problems and complicated jurisdictional stuff to deal with. We know you want to improve our transit system. We’re just making sure you’re aiming high. We deserve that much. Click here for Parts I and II.)

The AP, via WJLA reported last week that the WMATA “is on track to underspend its subsidies from area jurisdictions by about $13.5 million, through a combination of increased revenues and cost savings.” The transit agency is eyeing new projects with the District to take advantage of increased bus ridership, one being the new downtown circulator, which DCist thinks is a great project — connecting Union Station with Georgetown.

As we’ve said before, metrobus plays an important and under-appreciated role in moving people in, out and across the city. As attention is paid to the ailments of metrorail, it is often forgotten that metrobus carries nearly as many passengers as the region’s rapid rail network. But there’s one problem: Metrobus can’t move very quickly along its many routes.

While the bus by design is supposed to mix with traffic and provide curb-to-curb service, metrobus could be integrated better into the existing corridors it operates on.