The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has announced significant changes to the DC Circulator service, a key component of Public Transportation In Washington Dc. These adjustments, part of the District Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, will begin on October 1, 2024, and will culminate in the complete cessation of the DC Circulator service by December 31, 2024. DDOT is collaborating with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to mitigate the impact of these changes on public transportation users.
Important Dates and Route Adjustments for DC Circulator Riders
Starting October 1, 2024, riders of public transportation in Washington DC will experience the initial phase of these service reductions. The following key changes will be implemented:
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Route Terminated: The Rosslyn-Dupont Circle (RS-DP) route will be discontinued entirely. This means that this specific connection within the DC public transportation network will no longer be available via the DC Circulator after October 1st.
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Reduced Service Hours: Late-night services on the Woodley Park-Adams Morgan (WP-AM) and Georgetown-Union Station (GT-US) routes will be eliminated. These routes will now operate with a reduced service window, ending at 9 pm daily. Passengers relying on these routes for evening public transportation should plan accordingly.
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Decreased Frequency: The remaining DC Circulator routes will operate with reduced frequency. Buses will arrive every 20 minutes, which is a decrease in service frequency compared to the previous schedule. This adjustment will affect wait times for all routes still in operation.
Brochures detailing these service terminations are available to the public in multiple languages to ensure that all users of public transportation in Washington DC are informed about these changes.
Public Engagement and Further Information
DDOT held a virtual public meeting on Thursday, September 19, 2024, to disseminate information regarding the DC Circulator service phase-out. This meeting was intended to inform the public about the upcoming changes to this aspect of public transportation in Washington DC and to answer any questions from concerned citizens and commuters.
View the presentation from the public meeting here.
View the recording of the public meeting here.
Access the questions and answers from the public meeting here.
These resources offer further details and insights into the decisions and plans surrounding these adjustments to public transportation in Washington DC.
Official Updates and Press Releases
For the official announcement and further details, you can refer to the Official Press Release. This release provides the official statement from DDOT and related bodies concerning these changes to public transportation options.
Monthly reports on the DC Circulator wind-down process are also available for those seeking detailed updates on the progress of these service adjustments.
Alternative Public Transportation Options in Washington DC
To assist passengers in navigating these changes, DDOT has provided guides outlining alternative transportation options within Washington DC’s public transportation network. These guides suggest alternative routes using Metrobus, Metrorail, and Capital Bikeshare, helping riders adapt their commutes and travel plans.
Dupont Circle-Georgetown-Rosslyn Route Alternatives
Georgetown-Union Station Route Alternatives
Woodley Park-Adams Morgan-McPherson Square Metro Route Alternatives
Congress Heights – Union Station Route Alternatives
Eastern Market – L’Enfant Plaza Route Alternatives
National Mall Route Alternatives
Riders needing personalized assistance are encouraged to utilize the Trip Planner feature on wmata.com. For the most up-to-date information on routes and DC Circulator changes, please visit dccirculator.com.
WMATA Interim Route Enhancements
WMATA is implementing interim route adjustments to bolster public transportation in Washington DC during this transition. These enhancements are designed to provide alternative services as the DC Circulator service is phased out.
| Tentative Effective Date * | Circulator Route | Proposed Metrobus Route Enhancements |
|---|---|---|
| October 2024 | Rosslyn –Dupont | Route 38B additional service between Rosslyn and Farragut Square during peak weekend hours to achieve 15-minute headways. |
| December 2024 | Union Station – Congress Heights | A new Anacostia shuttle to Stanton/Pomeroy Street every 30 minutes. |
| December 2024 | Woodley Park – McPherson | Routes 52/54 additional service on 14th Street NW between Colorado Avenue and Metro Center. |
| December 2024 | Georgetown – Union Station | Merge routes 31 and 33 into a single route along H and I Streets NW through Franklin Square and extend via New York and Massachusetts Avenues to Union Station, improving public transportation access. |
| December 2024 | L’Enfant – Eastern Market | No interim service adjustments were provided. Western stops are covered by Route 74, Central stops by Route P6, and Eastern stops by Routes 90/92. Metrorail also provides service along the original Circulator route. |
| December 2024 | National Mall | No interim service adjustments were provided. |
*Upon WMATA Board approval, a final service adjustment schedule will be made publicly available.
These WMATA adjustments are intended to ensure continued and effective public transportation in Washington DC as the DC Circulator service undergoes these significant changes.
