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BID Programs > Transportation > DC Circulator

DC Circulator

In 1998 the Downtown BID assembled a planning group with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) and the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA), to develop a new transit system for Downtown based on a long-range plan of NCPC.

In July 2005, the DC Circulator started service with 29 new buses on two routes linking Union Station with the Washington Convention Center and Georgetown via K Street, as well as connecting the Convention Center to the SW waterfront through Downtown and past the National Mall. The service operates seven days a week from 7 am to 9 pm, providing fast and inexpensive transportation to city museums, entertainment venues, memorials, restaurants, retail stores, hotels, offices and residences. Metro customers can use their transfers and Smart Cards to pay the $1 fare.

A partnership between the Downtown, Georgetown and Golden Triangle Business Improvement Districts, the Washington Convention and Tourism Corporation (WCTC), the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) established DC Surface Transit, Inc. (DCST) a new non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the success of the DC Circulator.

DCST is governed by a volunteer board of directors and employs a small staff to market and promote the circulator and advise DDOT on the management of the system. The net result of this "first of its kind" collaboration will be to establish a standard of excellence for the service that will promote patronage among residents, workers and visitors.

DCST goals for the DC Circulator include maintaining short dwell times at each stop and very short headways, developing and implementing a sponsorship program for Circulator buses, and creating cross marketing opportunities for the Circulator with businesses, venues and institutions along the routes.

The Circulator helps support and promote Downtown Washington as a destination with all the amenities of a world class capital. It provides highly mobile population with a high quality transportation experience.

Between July and December 2005 circulator ridership grew by over 10% per month and is projected to climb above 10,000 boardings per day by the end of 2008. Based on both demand studies and the very enthusiastic response that the Circulator received, additional routes have been added to serve the following areas: Woodley Park, Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, Capitol Visitors Center, Barracks Row, Navy Yard and National's Stadiuml.

The Circulator is distinguished from other surface public transportation by its inexpensive fares, frequent service, distinctive vehicle design, alternative fare payment options and varied ingress and egress options.