The DC Circulator will remain free through September 30, as per a newly issued emergency order, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced on August 2.
The extension of free fares on the DC Circulator aims to increase ridership on the network as the city emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Today, more residents, commuters and visitors are traveling in and around the District, and it is essential that they have as many safe, accessible, and affordable public transportation options as possible,” Bowser said in a release. “Keeping the DC Circulator free as long as possible is a crucial part of meeting that objective.”
The District’s government made the Circulator free in March 2020 due to the coronavirus public health emergency, which ended on July 25, 2021. The free-fare policy will continue during a promotional period ending September 30, under the new emergency order.
As part of her Fiscal Year 2022 Fair Shot Budget proposal, Bowser invested a total of $6.5 million to keep the DC Circulator free, maintain the reliability of the bus system, and acquire electric charging stations for the fleet. However, the DC Council voted to eliminate free rides on the DC Circulator.
The DC Circulator is currently holding an annual survey for riders to share their experience on the service. To take part in the survey click here.