City Adopts Circulator Extension Without Service Cuts (For Now)

Yesterday, DDOT released its final plan for new Circulator service for the coming years. GM has raised some alarms previously about how the apparently beneficial changes could ultimately mean reduced service for Georgetowners. Reflecting his later reporting, the initial changes are all positive for Georgetown, although future additional proposals may change that.

First the good news.

As expected, DDOT is proposing to extend the Union Station to Georgetown Circulator route all the way to the cathedral. It will continue up Wisconsin Ave. all the way to the underground garage at the cathedral.

This will obviously be a good benefit to Georgetowners heading up the hill, either to Glover Park or beyond. Yes the 30 series WMATA buses do the same route, but this will increase the frequency of options for Georgetowners. And while there’s only so many time you need to go to the cathedral, it’s worth noting that it’s only a short walk from there to the west Cleveland Park shops and restaurants along Wisconsin.

The initial plan does not call for the route to be severed, as GM feared. This would have resulted in the cathedral to Union Station route to be split in two, with one route going from the cathedral only as far east as McPherson Square, and the other route coming from Union Station and only getting as far into Georgetown as M and Wisconsin. Georgetowners catching the Circulator north of M St. would only be taken as far as McPherson Square unless they switch buses.

DDOT does state that it still wants to do this eventually, once funds can be obtained. So it’s a fight for another day, for now.

The initial extension will be implemented next year.

Another extension that Georgetowners should be excited about is the extension to the Rosslyn-Dupont Circle route, which travels through Georgetown. It will be extended eastward to U St. and on to Howard University. With so much nightlife now taking place along 14th St. and U St., this will give Georgetowners easier access. For the hipster Georgetowners (yes, there are some) you can take the bus right to the front door of the 9:30 Club.

This extension will also be implemented next year.