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Transportation

The Downtown BID’s transportation efforts aim to sustain what work, fix what does not and introduce new services. Transportation plays a pivotal role in Washington and Downtown’s economic prosperity and sustainability because it is the platform upon which all other Downtown activities are built. By ensuring a flexible and well -managed transportation environment, the BID supports a vibrant and growing city.

Working with the public and private sectors to improve Downtown's accessibility and support a broad transportation agenda, the Downtown BID has helped to initiate plans to address street and sidewalk repair; improve signage; alleviate congestion; discourage gridlock; and manage Downtown streets. New bus and streetcar lines are part of a movement to re-imagine the way people move in and through Downtown, to connect 25 million National Mall visitors to Downtown and to enhance the "sense of place" that makes this a remarkable city.

The BID’s work includes contributing to large initiatives such as the K Street Plans; long-range DC metropolitan area  transit plans including the DC Circulator system and the DC streetcar; and smart parking.  Details such as zoning and enforcement standards to mitigate Downtown congestion, support for traffic control officers, installing pedestrian countdown signals and facilitating better bicycle parking are all part of a master program to move people, goods and services in and around Downtown.

Through research and dialogue with the community, public officials and urban transportation experts, the BID will continue to provide leadership on Downtown’s transportation future.

Transit

The Downtown BID is a leader in the city's continual efforts to improve mass transit. We have managed a Downtown BID demonstration project for bus shelters, championed extended Metro hours, partnered with DC Surface Transit, Inc. and DDOT to help launch the DC Circulator, been an advocate for a DC streetcar system and more.   GET DETAILS

DC Circulator

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Circulator buses are unlike any other public transit in town. They feature low floors, big windows and multiple doors for easy on-and-off service. The five Circulator routes link cultural, entertainment and business destinations within the city's central core. Best of all, it's only a buck, seniors and disabled ride for 50 cents, DC students with a DC Student Travel Card and kids under 5 ride free. SmarTrip card holders automatically receive discounted fares when transferring. LEARN MORE

Mitigating Downtown Congestion

More people than ever are living, working and visiting Downtown DC. Moving people, goods and services to and through the Downtown safely, comfortably and efficiently is essential to the long-term health of the city center. The Downtown, Golden Triangle, Georgetown and Capitol Hill BIDs work in collaboration with DDOT to implement congestion relief measures in greater Downtown DC.

A report on K Street congestion management improvements appeared in the
MAY 2009 ISSUE OF THE ITE JOURNAL
ite.pdf  - 214 KB

K Street Transitway

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DDOT and Downtown stakeholders are discussing ways to make K Street a great street by re-designing the corridor to enhance the public realm by improving pedestrian spaces and transit options and managing congestion.

To facilitate an informed dialogue about plans for the K Street corridor, the Downtown BID is providing our colleagues and other interested parties with a collection of publicly available studies

Smart Parking

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The Downtown BID works to make Downtown DC accessible and inviting by promoting smart transportation. Shorthand for systems that provide off-street parking location and availability information using multiple means of communication, Smart Parking is part of the Downtown BID's vision for a convenient, innovative and environmentally sustainable transportation system.   MORE

Bicycle

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Parking

The Downtown BID and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT)  have installed scores of bike racks to provide cyclists with an attractive alternative to locking bikes to parking meters, street furniture, trees and street signs. Sidewalk bicycle racks encourage short-term bicycle trips such as shopping, business meetings, deliveries, dining and patronizing the growing number of attractions Downtown.   MORE

Traffic Control

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Officers

Since 2004, Traffic Control Officers (TCOs) have helped to manage critical intersections in the Central Business District. By moving vehicles through intersections and preventing intersection gridlock, the TCOs promote the kind of mobility necessary for a robust economy in the city and help to reduce air pollution for a healthier environment.

TCO's are deployed during the morning and afternoon rush hours, Monday through Friday. When they are not directing traffic, TCOs are Parking Control Officers. Their assigned intersections vary from day to day and week to week.

Pedestrian Countdown

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Signals

Everyone who comes Downtown is a pedestrian for some part of their trip. The Downtown BID and the District Department of Transportation collaborated on installing important safety devices in Downtown - pedestrian countdown signals. Almost every signalized intersection in the District had pedestrian countdown signals by the end of 2005.

The pedestrian countdown signals indicate how many seconds are available for pedestrians to cross an intersection. These devices also provide a signal to motorists that they should anticipate and yield to pedestrians in the intersection during the time indicated on the signal. The result is more predictability for everyone in the intersection and a safer environment.