On July 29th, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced the phased shutdown of the DC Circulator service, a decision stemming from the District Fiscal Year 2025 Budget and Financial Plan. This means significant changes are coming for riders, with the phase-down commencing October 1, 2024, and concluding on December 31, 2024. DDOT is collaborating with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to mitigate the impact on the public. RATP-Dev USA, the operator of DC Circulator, has already notified its employees about the planned service closure.
Key Changes Taking Effect October 1, 2024
Several adjustments will be implemented at the start of October, changing how the DC Circulator operates.
- Rosslyn-Dupont Circle (RS-DP) Route Termination: This route will cease operation entirely.
- Reduced Night Service: Late-night service on the Woodley Park-Adams Morgan (WP-AM) and Georgetown- Union Station (GT-US) routes will be discontinued. These routes will now end service at 9 pm daily.
- Increased Headways: The remaining routes will operate with a 20-minute interval between buses.
These adjustments mark the initial steps in phasing out the DC Circulator, requiring riders to adapt and explore alternative transportation solutions.
Public Engagement and Information
DDOT held a virtual public meeting on September 19, 2024, to provide information regarding the DC Circulator phase-out.
- You can view the meeting presentation here.
- You can view the public meeting recording here.
- You can view questions and answers from the public meeting here.
These resources offer valuable insights into the rationale behind the changes and address common concerns.
Official Statements and Updates
For more details, you can find the official press release here. Monthly reports detailing the DC Circulator wind-down are also available.
Navigating Alternative Transportation Options
To facilitate the transition, DDOT has published guides to alternative transportation options, showing the closest Metrobus, Metrorail, or Capital Bikeshare alternatives to the DC Circulator routes.
Alternative Transportation Options: Guides illustrating Metrobus, Metrorail, and Capital Bikeshare replacements for phased-out DC Circulator routes.
Riders are also encouraged to use the Trip Planner feature on wmata.com for personalized route planning. For up-to-date routes and information on the DC Circulator, visit dccirculator.com.
WMATA Interim Route Adjustments
WMATA is planning interim route adjustments to compensate for the DC Circulator service reductions. The following table provides a summary of proposed changes.
| 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. |
| 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. |
| December 2024 | National Mall | No interim service adjustments were provided. |
*Upon WMATA Board approval, a final service adjustment schedule will be made publicly available.*
Understanding the Changes
The DC Circulator’s phased shutdown represents a shift in transportation strategy within the District. While the changes may require adjustments for regular riders, alternative options and enhanced Metrobus services are being implemented to maintain connectivity and accessibility. Stay informed through official channels and utilize available resources to navigate your transportation needs effectively. The public meeting presentations and alternative route guides offer comprehensive information to ease the transition.
