D.C. Mayor Bowser announces new proposed Ward 7 route

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District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Friday that a new proposed route has been selected for the return of the DC Circulator service to Ward 7.

The new 14.6-mile route is set to launch in 2023 and will provide a unique east/west connection between Wards 6 and 7. The new route serves Deanwood, Benning Road, Stadium Armory, and Union Station Metrorail stations and will supplement the existing WMATA Route 97 service, which operates only during peak hours.

“The DC Circulator, which is currently free, is efficient and reliable – that’s why we love it, and that’s why our residents and visitors love it. We’re proud to be in the process of returning the Circulator to Ward 7,” Bowser said. “We thank all the residents and stakeholders who took time to provide feedback and help us select a route that works best for the Ward 7 community.”

The route is part of the DC Circulator Transit Development Plan (TDP), a map for the future growth of the DC Circulator system updated every three years. As part of the 2020 update, DDOT is also proposing updates to the Circulator system district-wide and extending the Dupont Circle Rosslyn (RS-DP) route to U Street NW.

“The proposed expansion of the Circulator system is part of Mayor Bowser’s sustained investment to ensure Washingtonians have access to efficient and reliable public transit, especially with the DC Circulator,” said DDOT Interim Director Everett Lott. “Community feedback is critical to the planning process as we prepare to return DC Circulator service to Ward 7.”

Last fall, Bowser and DDOT received more than 1,700 responses from residents and stakeholders when they asked for feedback on the Ward 7 route. DDOT also asked for feedback at public meetings and in focus groups. The department is accepting feedback on the preferred alternative route and other improvements through May 28, 2021, on the TDP webpage and through phone messages.