The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has announced significant changes to the DC Circulator service, a familiar mode of transport for many in Washington, D.C. Starting October 1, 2024, the service will begin a phased reduction, culminating in a complete shutdown by December 31, 2024. This adjustment is part of the District Fiscal Year 2025 Budget and Financial Plan. For residents and visitors alike wondering about public transportation options in DC Washington, these changes necessitate understanding alternative routes and services.
DDOT is collaborating with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to mitigate the impact of these changes on the public. RATP-Dev USA, the operator of DC Circulator, has already notified its employees about the planned service cessation.
DC Circulator Service Adjustments Starting October 1, 2024
Several immediate changes will take effect at the beginning of October:
| Change | Route/Service Affected | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rosslyn-Dupont Circle (RS-DP) Route | Complete Termination: This route will no longer operate. |
| 2 | Late-Night Service | Woodley Park-Adams Morgan (WP-AM) & Georgetown-Union Station (GT-US) Routes: Late-night services are discontinued. Daily service will end at 9 pm. |
| 3 | Service Frequency | Remaining Routes: All remaining DC Circulator routes will operate with 20-minute intervals (headways). |
Brochures detailing the service termination are available in multiple languages to ensure broad public awareness.
Public Engagement and Information
DDOT conducted a virtual public meeting on Thursday, September 19, 2024, to disseminate information about the DC Circulator phase-out. For those seeking more details, the presentation and recording from this meeting are publicly accessible:
- View the meeting presentation
- View the public meeting recording
- View questions and answers from the public meeting
These resources provide valuable insights into the reasons behind the service changes and address public inquiries.
Finding Alternative Routes in DC Washington
To assist DC Washington commuters and travelers in adapting to these changes, DDOT has prepared guides outlining alternative transportation options. These guides highlight the nearest Metrobus, Metrorail, or Capital Bikeshare services that can serve as replacements for the DC Circulator routes.
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
For personalized route planning, riders are encouraged to utilize the Trip Planner feature on wmata.com. For the latest updates on DC Circulator routes and services, please visit dccirculator.com.
WMATA Interim Route Enhancements
WMATA is implementing interim Metrobus service adjustments to compensate for the DC Circulator changes. These enhancements are tentatively scheduled to roll out starting in October and December 2024, pending WMATA Board approval.
| Tentative Start Date | Affected Circulator Route | Proposed Metrobus Route Enhancements |
|---|---|---|
| October 2024 | Rosslyn –Dupont | Route 38B will see increased service frequency between Rosslyn and Farragut Square, especially during peak weekend hours, aiming for 15-minute headways. |
| December 2024 | Union Station – Congress Heights | A new Anacostia shuttle service to Stanton/Pomeroy Street will be introduced, operating every 30 minutes. |
| December 2024 | Woodley Park – McPherson | Routes 52/54 will have enhanced service along 14th Street NW between Colorado Avenue and Metro Center. |
| December 2024 | Georgetown – Union Station | Routes 31 and 33 will be merged into a single route along H and I Streets NW, extending through Franklin Square and via New York and Massachusetts Avenues to Union Station. |
| December 2024 | L’Enfant – Eastern Market | No interim service adjustments are planned. However, existing Metrobus routes 74, P6, 90/92, and Metrorail provide coverage along the former Circulator route. |
| December 2024 | National Mall | No interim service adjustments are planned for the National Mall route. |
Note: The final schedule for these service adjustments is subject to WMATA Board approval and will be publicly announced once finalized.
Conclusion: Adapting to Transit Changes in DC Washington
The phase-out of the DC Circulator service marks a significant shift in Washington, D.C.’s public transportation landscape. While these changes may require adjustments for regular riders, alternative options are readily available through WMATA’s Metrobus and Metrorail services. By utilizing the resources provided by DDOT and WMATA, commuters and visitors can effectively navigate these transitions and continue to move around DC Washington efficiently. Staying informed through official channels like dccirculator.com and wmata.com will be key during this period of change.
