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Transportation Appendix
to the
Georgetown 2028 Plan
Georgetown 2028 — Transportation Appendix 1
Table of Contents
Purpose ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Transportation Vision & Strategies ............................................................................................... 5
Transportation Recommendations ............................................................................................... 6
1 Make Major Transportation Infrastructure Investments ................................................ 6
1.1 Begin operations of a Georgetown Metro station by 2028 .................................................................... 6
1.2 Study Gondola Lift to MetroRail .............................................................................................................. 6
1.3 Study pedestrian and bicycle bridge across the Potomac ...................................................................... 7
1.4 Study Extending Streetcar ....................................................................................................................... 7
1.5 Consider Future of Whitehurst Freeway ................................................................................................. 7
2 Make K St. a major multimodal gateway .............................................................................. 8
2.1 Build Fast Reliable Streetcar .................................................................................................................... 8
2.2 Improve Transit speed and reliability to and from K Street ................................................................... 8
2.3 Build North-South connections between the Western Waterfront, C&O Canal, and M Street ............. 8
3 Reduce Driver Frustration ............................................................................................................. 9
3.1 Station Traffic Control Officers (TCOs) .................................................................................................... 9
3.2 Provide Real-time travel information ..................................................................................................... 9
3.3 Improve Canal Road / M Street / Key Bridge intersections ................................................................... 9
3.4 Improve Intersection of 27th and K Streets ......................................................................................... 10
3.5 Improve Traffic compliance at intersections and bus zones ................................................................ 10
3.6 Loading zone management .................................................................................................................. 10
3.7 Examine Usage of Rush-hour lanes ...................................................................................................... 10
4 Improve parking management ................................................................................................ 11
4.1 Identify New, and Better Coordinate, Existing off-street parking options ........................................... 11
4.2 Manage On Street Parking ................................................................................................................... 11
4.3 Improve Information on Parking Availability ....................................................................................... 11
Georgetown 2028 — Transportation Appendix 2
5 Improve Wisconsin Avenue and Book Hill accessibility ............................................... 12
5.1 Improve shuttle and transit services ..................................................................................................... 12
5.2 New off-street parking options ............................................................................................................ 12
6 Enhance the pedestrian experience ....................................................................................... 13
6.1 Implement Comprehensive pedestrian wayfinding system ................................................................. 13
6.2 Expand Space for Pedestrians .............................................................................................................. 13
6.3 Create Active Pedestrian links through alleyways, parking lots, and side streets ............................... 13
6.4 Improve Safety and Convenience of Pedestrian crossings ................................................................... 14
6.5 Create Visible and Pleasant Pedestrian link to Foggy Bottom Metro ................................................... 14
6.6 Create Georgetown University to M Street pedestrian link ................................................................. 14
6.7 Improve Sidewalk Maintenance ........................................................................................................... 14
6.8 Implement Intersection Improvements under section 3.1 and 3.3 ..................................................... 14
7 Improve transit efficiency .......................................................................................................... 15
7.1 Increase Bus Efficiency and Reliability .................................................................................................. 15
7.2 Waiting for the bus experience ............................................................................................................ 15
7.3 Shorten bus dwell time ........................................................................................................................ 15
7.4 Implement Free shuttle options ............................................................................................................ 15
7.5 Better Coordinate Existing Bus Services ............................................................................................... 15
8 Make Georgetown a bicycle-friendly destination ........................................................... 16
8.1 Construct and Connect Bikeways . ........................................................................................................ 16
8.2 Bicycle and motor scooter parking options .......................................................................................... 16
8.3 Improve Bike Sharing Options .............................................................................................................. 17
9 Increase Transportation Options and Use of Alternatives ........................................... 18
9.1 Foster Use of Alternatives .................................................................................................................... 18
9.2 Enhance taxi service ............................................................................................................................. 18
10 Ongoing analysis and data gathering ................................................................................. 19
10.1 Examine Streetcar Extension ............................................................................................................... 19
10.2 Conduct Ongoing Studies ..........................................................................................................19
Georgetown 2028 — Transportation Appendix 3
Purpose
This document provides a more detailed description of trans-
portation recommendations included in the main body of the
plan. Recommendations are organized around 10 strategies,
most of which correspond to subsections within the transporta-
tion and public space sections of the plan. All of the recom-
mendations are represented in Georgetown2028 action agen-
da, though often with much less detail.
Introduction
Approach The strategies and recommendations described in this briefing
are designed to realize Georgetown’s transportation vision of
dramatically improved accessibility.
This agenda combines bold proposals that will change
Georgetown’s relationship with the District and the region,
practical major investments that are closely aligned with the
District’s existing transportation agenda, and near-term prag-
matic actions that will improve the everyday Georgetown travel
experience.
The transportation agenda intentionally puts advocacy for a
Georgetown Metrorail station first – acknowledging that a
Metrorail station is the single action that will obliterate percep-
tions that Georgetown is inaccessible, provide a level of transit
connectivity that enables broader thinking about how
Georgetown uses its roadways, and allows all of DC and the
region seamless access to Georgetown’s unique amenities. The
agenda also includes other transformative new infrastructure
recommendations such as a gondola lift and a new pedestrian/
bicycle bridge over the Potomac– these are important, but un-
certain new connections for the future of Georgetown.
As a second strategy, this transportation agenda recommends
making K Street a new multimodal gateway. This will dramati-
cally improve Georgetown’s connectedness. This action is
more closely linked to infrastructure actions that are District-
wide priorities and well-funded under current District and pri-
vate plans – most notably, the One City Streetcar Line.
The remaining strategies propose meaningful smaller scale in-
vestments, policy changes, and coordination efforts that will
collectively make a dramatic change in Georgetown’s connect-
edness across all travel modes. These traffic, parking, pedestri-
an, bicycle, and communications recommendations are the
connectors that will deliver the full value of major infrastruc-
ture investments to the full extent of the business district, and
connect the University in a way that allows Georgetown to fully
benefit from this community asset.
Process to Date The Georgetown2028 transportation recommendations con-
tained in this briefing are the product of significant and broad
community input including guidance from the Georgetown
2028 Task Force over three separate meetings focused particu-
larly on transportation and 7 meetings of the Georgetown 2028
Transportation Working Group (TWG), which includes repre-
sentatives of the ANC, Georgetown University, DDOT, the Citi-
zens Association of Georgetown, as well as the Georgetown
business and office community. The transportation discussion
has also been informed by an open community forum, a
meeting of BID membership, and an online forum on
Georgetown transportation ideas.
In developing transportation recommendations, BID staff and
the Transportation Working Group have reviewed a number of
previous Georgetown plans and the limited data that is availa-
ble on transportation system use.
Financing the Transportation Plan Significant new investment is required to advance the transpor-
tation recommendations described below. Funding will come
from a combination of DC Government funds, private invest-
ment, BID funds, and other government sources such as
WMATA, Arlington County, and the Federal government. Five
different regimes for project finance are described in the main
body of the Georgetown 2028 Plan.
Major Capital Investments Metrorail stands alone as the single largest investment pro-
posed in this plan and will require a broad sustained campaign
over the next decade. Other major infrastructure such as
streetcar, the pedestrian bicycle bridge, and the gondola pro-
ject all have the possibility of attracting private (including Uni-
versity) investment, but will also depend on DC capital budget
investment. Note: significant funds are already in the Capital
budget for streetcar.
Smaller Investments Most of the smaller investments will require advocacy for DC
funding under existing programs (e.g., additional traffic control
officers, signal timing adjustments, sidewalk and crossing im-
provements, and intersection enhancements).
Other small capital investments can be funded as part of the
Georgetown 2028 — Transportation Appendix 4
BID’s annual budget, such as real-time bus information signs
and bicycle parking enhancements. In some cases, funding can
be coordinated with relevant businesses, for example, parking
operators may assist in funding improved parking signage.
In other cases, the BID, Georgetown University, or private enti-
ties, can fund all or part of a feasibility study which will then be
used to support funding in the District’s capital budget.
Transit Investments Many proposed transit investments can be implemented with-
out any new funding. Nearly all bus efficiency improvements fit
under existing WMATA and DDOT programs and simply require
strategic advocacy for swift action within Georgetown. Other
programs such as water taxi are privately funded. Programs
such as the small electric shuttle program succeed with combi-
nations advertising and tips.
New Dedicated Revenue Possibilities BID Staff continue to explore potential sources of new revenue
that could be dedicated to transportation improvements within
Georgetown including:
Incremental revenue generated from additional metered park-
ing in commercial areas and increases in parking meter rates,
and
Tax increment financing associated with transportation invest-
ments such as weekend sidewalk widening.
Georgetown 2028 — Transportation Appendix 5
Transportation Vision & Strategies
This section states the draft transportation vision and briefly
summarizes the 10 strategies.
Transportation Vision Maximize Georgetown’s connectedness to the rest of DC and
the region, ensuring travel options to, from, and within
Georgetown that are efficient, reliable, understandable and
enjoyable; and that support the needs of a thriving retail,
office, entertainment, and education district in balance with
the surrounding historic neighborhood.
Transportation Strategies 1. MAKE MAJOR TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE IN-
VESTMENTS commensurate with Georgetown’s role as a
major job center, significant tourist attraction, and unique
historic neighborhood worthy of new investment and
proper maintenance.
2. MAKE K STREET A MAJOR MULTIMODAL GATEWAY AND
CONNECT IT TO THE REST OF GEORGETOWN. K Street will
be served by reliable, high speed streetcar; water taxi ex-
pansion; high quality bicycle facilities; enhanced bus and
shuttle options; and improved pedestrian link to Foggy
Bottom Metro. K Street will connect to the rest of the
Georgetown commercial district with improved shuttle
services, improved DC Circulator reliability and routing,
improved off-street parking communication, direct pm-
peak Rock Creek Parkway access, and enhanced pedestrian
access along north-south streets and paths.
3. REDUCE DRIVER FRUSTRATION through improved signage
and travel information, better signal timing and lane con-
figuration, better intersection management, and better
enforcement of traffic-generating moving violations.
4. IMPROVE PARKING MANAGEMENT through on-street
pricing on M Street, promotion of underutilized off-street
garages, coordinated real-time information about parking
availability, and sharing some currently unavailable off-
street parking facilities.
5. IMPROVE WISCONSIN AVENUE AND BOOK HILL ACCESSI-
BILITY through development of shared off-street parking
facilities, new shuttle connections to K Street and M Street,
improved DC Circulator reliability, and promotion of east
west Metrobus routes.
6. ENHANCE THE PEDESTRIAN EXPERIENCE through tempo-
rary sidewalk expansion, improved crossings, improved
wayfinding, addressing sidewalk choke points, and filling
gaps in the pedestrian network.
7. IMPROVE TRANSIT EFFICIENCY throughout Georgetown
with better routing, better designed bus zones, active man-
agement of bus operations, and better transit information.
8. MAKE GEORGETOWN A BICYCLE-FRIENDLY DESTINATION
through improved bicycle parking and facilities, expanding
bike share, and new rental options for tourists.
9. INCREASE THE DIVERSITY AND USE OF TRANSPORTATION
OPTIONS by actively promoting information about trans-
portation alternatives with businesses, visitors, and resi-
dents, and by expanding novel new transportation options.
10. CONDUCT ONGOING STUDIES, including recommended
feasibility studies and assessments of recommended pilots,
to support future plans and decision making and ensure
that goals of a healthy business district are balanced with
the needs of the surrounding National Historic Landmark
residential neighborhood.
Georgetown 2028 — Transportation Appendix 6
Transportation Recommendations
This section enumerates recommendations for each of the 10
major transportation strategies. For the first strategy on major
transportation investments, all recommendations are multi-
year, high priority efforts. All remaining recommendations are
grouped into two categories, with top tier recommendations
shown in black, and second tier recommendations (either sec-
ondary priority, or medium and long term actions) shown in
blue.
1.0 Make major transportation infra-structure investments Georgetown faces unusual transportation access challenges
and requires infrastructure funding consistent with its role as a
DC major job center, significant tourist attraction, and unique
historic neighborhood worthy of new investment and proper
maintenance.
1.1 Begin operations of a Georgetown Metro Sta-tion by 2028
A Georgetown Metrorail station will end the perception
and reality of Georgetown’s inaccessibility.
Accelerated construction of a Georgetown Metrorail sta-
tion is the top transportation priority of Georgetown
2028. Georgetown business and residential stakeholders
will organize a campaign to accelerate planning and con-
struction of a Georgetown Metrorail station, beginning
with establishing a clear timeline and funding strategy.
Next steps will include a feasibility study of possible
Metrorail Station locations within Georgetown. Once a
likely location and timeline is identified, WMATA, DDOT,
and Georgetown stakeholders will identify necessary
changes to street-level infrastructure (sidewalks, roadway,
etc.) to accommodate a Metrorail station and begin mak-
ing near term investments consistent with the station
design. The plan recommends that a Georgetown Metro-
rail station be in place by 2028.
1.2 Study Gondola Lift to Metrorail Conduct a feasibility study on the use of a gondola lift to
provide a fast, reliable, and exciting transit link between
the Georgetown Commercial District, Georgetown Univer-
sity, and Metrorail. If found to be technically feasible, and
advisable based on cost/benefit, construct aerial gondola
link to Metro, following normal approval processes.
Caption 1: Photo by flickr user Elvert Barnes
Caption 2: Conceptual rendering of an aerial gondola connecting Georgetown
to Rosslyn Metro.
Georgetown 2028 — Transportation Appendix 7
1.3 Study Pedestrian & bicycle bridge across the Potomac
Conduct a feasibility assessment of a pedestrian and bicy-
cle bridge to Roosevelt Island from Georgetown, giving
particular attention to integration into the Georgetown
Waterfront Park. Coordinate with VDOT and Arlington
County on options to provide a direct bicycle pedestrian
link into Rosslyn.
1.4 Study Extending Streetcar Assess the feasibility of streetcar extensions from the cur-
rent proposed Georgetown Waterfront terminus to
Georgetown University, Rosslyn, and other transit-
oriented markets.
1.5 Consider Future of Whitehurst Freeway The Whitehurst Freeway has been a part of Georgetown
since 1949. It underwent a major rehabilitation between
1990 and 1998. A 30-year lifespan is common for such
rehabilitations which would mean that the Whitehurst
may require substantial additional investment toward the
end of the Georgetown 2028 plan period. There are
strong proponents for keeping the Whitehurst and equally
strong proponents for deconstructing the Whitehurst,
therefore any decision process will be contentious, politi-
cal, and lengthy.
This plan envisions K Street as a major multimodal gate-
way with streetcar, bikeways, pedestrian enhancements
and new retail activity. The plan assumes that the White-
hurst Freeway will remain in place throughout the life of
the plan. There may be an appropriate time during the
plan period for the BID and other Georgetown community
stakeholders to engage in a community discussion about
whether the Whitehurst Freeway should be deconstruct-
ed and this issue can be revisited at that time.
Caption 1: Whitehurst Freeway. Photo credit Flickr user William F. Yurasko
Caption 2:: Streetcar alignment on K Street underneath the Whitehurst Free-
way.
Georgetown 2028 — Transportation Appendix 8
2.0 Make K Street a major multimodal gateway and connect it to the rest of Georgetown Current DC Streetcar plans, water taxi growth, bicycle trail con-
nections, and complimentary public space and land use chang-
es envisioned in other plan elements set the stage for K Street
to become an efficient, vibrant, and pleasing new access point
to the Georgetown commercial district. Improved transit and
pedestrian connections from K Street north are necessary to
leverage these K Street investments to improve the connected-
ness of the entire commercial district.
2.1 Build Fast Reliable Streetcar 2.1.1 Advocate for fast, reliable, and high quality streetcar ac-
cess to Georgetown that will support desirable commer-
cial corridor transformations and maintain options for
extensions beyond Georgetown.
2.1.2 Construct streetcar route to ensure the most efficient
Georgetown transit service and support Georgetown de-
velopment goals.
2.2 Improve Transit speed and reliability to and from K Street
Prioritize actions under Section 7 below to provide clear
and reliable transit connections to K Street from the rest
of the business district, particularly recommendations
under 7.1to improve transit efficiency, and recommenda-
tions under 7.4 to develop free shuttle options.
2.3 Build North-South connections between the Western Waterfront, C&O Canal, and M Street
2.3.1 Conduct a study of all possible bicycle and pedestrian link-
ages between M Street/Key Bridge, the C&O Canal, and
Water Street west of 33rd Street. Any design should be
guided by Georgetown2028 public space recommenda-
tions and coordinated with DDOT’s streetcar environmen-
tal assessment regarding the possible extension of street-
car to the west end of Water Street.
2.3.2 Construct the best options for a North-South pedestrian
and bicycle connections resulting from the assessments
above. (Medium Term)
2.3.3 Study the potential benefits from a redesigned C&O Canal
crossing at 33rd Street that allows for a direct bicycle con-
nection and restricted vehicle access when necessary due
to traffic restrictions on K and Water Streets. (Medium
Term)
Caption 1: A modern streetcar operating in mixed traffic in Seattle. Photo
credit Flickr user Kevin Lu.
Caption 2: K Street NW photo credit Flickr user John Athayde
Georgetown 2028 — Transportation Appendix 9
3.0 Reduce driver frustration Georgetown’s lack of a Metro station and the nature of some
Georgetown retail and office sector means that the automobile
is likely to remain an important travel option to and from
Georgetown for years to come. Some of the negative externali-
ties of Georgetown driving, and some of the frustration experi-
enced by those who drive to Georgetown can be mitigated
through improve information and improved roadway manage-
ment.
It is important to note that many of the recommended strate-
gies within this section also improve pedestrian safety and con-
venience and link to parking management issues, both dis-
cussed below.
3.1 Station Traffic control officers (TCOs) 3.1.1 Immediately assign Traffic Control Officers to M Street
and Wisconsin Avenue during evening peak periods and
weekends.
3.1.2 Advocate for TCOs at all intersections recommended in
DDOT's 2008 Georgetown Transportation Study and as-
sign TCOs to all other intersections where traffic and pe-
destrian safety justify the need.
3.2 Provide Real-time travel information Examine opportunities for variable message signs and
other real-time traffic/roadway information for
Georgetown visitors and commuters. This should include
information on parking options and availability and be
sensitive to historical signage requirements. (Medium
Term)
3.3 Improve Canal Road / M Street / Key Bridge intersections
3.3.1 Study and implement near-term strategies for reducing
existing vehicle lane changes and queue jumping that re-
duce the capacity of the Canal Road/Whitehurst intersec-
tion, including potential use of improved signage, flexible
barriers, and adjustments to turn restrictions.
3.3.2 Incorporate near-term traffic flow, pedestrian, and bicy-
cle, and bus improvements at the Key Bridge/M Street
intersection into the Key Bridge rehabilitation project.
3.3.3 Link further evaluation of traffic capacity and operations
of this intersection to DDOT’s planned Canal Road study,
and the University’s plans for redirecting shuttles through
the University’s Canal Road entrance.
Caption 1: Traffic Control Officer. Photo Credit—DDOT
Caption 2: Real-time Transit Information Screen. Photo Credit—Erik Weber
Georgetown 2028 — Transportation Appendix 10
3.4 Improve Intersection of 27th and K Streets 3.4.1 Seek improvements to the design and throughput at this
intersection as an element of the streetcar construction.
Linked to improved pedestrian access to Foggy Bottom
Metro stop as discussed below. (Medium Term)
3.4.2 Study the feasibility of allowing pm peak vehicle access to
Rock Creek Parkway directly from K Street and 29th Street
NW. Allow vehicles to enter Northbound Rock Creek
Parkway by reversing the K Street off-ramp during the pm,
and allow southbound access by permitting a southbound
pm travel from K Street south to Virginia Ave.
3.5 Improve Traffic compliance at intersections and bus zones
3.5.1 Request red light and block-the-box automated enforce-
ment cameras at major intersections along commercial
corridors.
3.5.2 Establish regular meetings with Traffic Control Officers
and Parking Control Officers, and MPD to discuss enforce-
ment priorities and strategies.
3.6 Loading zone management 3.6.1 Identify where loading zone hours and location need to be
adjusted to ensure that curb space is tailored to provide
necessary loading while maintaining use for general park-
ing and other purposes as appropriate.
3.6.2 Improve enforcement of existing loading zones while en-
suring that signage is clear.
3.6.3 Work with merchants and delivery companies to under-
stand appropriate incentives for more confined loading
periods and smaller delivery vehicles where necessary.
(Secondary Priority)
3.7 Examine Usage of Rush-hour lanes Where rush-hour lanes are not currently functioning to
accommodate rush hour traffic, make appropriate adjust-
ments in lane design and enforcement. This may, for ex-
ample, require additional enforcement against illegal
loading, or adjustments to existing lane restrictions if a
particular segment is not required to accommodate rush
hour traffic.
Caption 1: Intersection of K Street, 27th Street, and Whitehurst Freeway.
Photo Credit Flickr user ThisIsBossi
Georgetown 2028 — Transportation Appendix 11
4.0 Improve parking management Georgetown can increase its parking resources through im-
proved information, sharing of underutilized resources, and
better pricing. Unfortunately, for many years inefficient man-
agement has exacerbated Georgetown’s limited parking re-
sources creating unnecessary frustration for drivers, residents,
businesses, and everyone who suffers from cars cruising for a
parking space. A coordinated parking management strategy
must include the following actions:
4.1 Identify New, and Better Coordinate, Existing off-street parking options
4.1.1 Convene a parking garage working group to address ways
that off-street parking facilities can accommodate more
commercial visitors and improve information, signage,
and pricing.
4.1.2 Identify a complete list of potential shared off-street park-
ing resources in commercial areas, identify underused
times, and establish a system for allowing commercial
parking.
4.1.3 Examine the feasibility of a new, off-street parking facility
to serve Wisconsin Avenue. Consider the possible use of
robotic parking options to address space limitations.
(Secondary Priority)
4.2 Manage On Street Parking 4.2.1 As part of a comprehensive parking strategy, develop and
implement a system for improving parking availability at
parking meters on commercial corridors in a fashion that
does not adversely affect adjacent residential parking re-
sources.
4.2.2 Integrate real-time on-street parking availability into ex-
isting phone apps that already provide off-street parking
availability. (Secondary Priority)
4.2.3 As part of a comprehensive strategy, evaluate options to
charge for 2-hour parking on mixed-use blocks abutting
commercial corridors in order to manage demand and
reduce commercial parking spillover into the neighbor-
hood. (Secondary Priority)
4.3 Improve Information on Parking Availability Examine opportunities for variable message signs and
other real-time parking information for Georgetown visi-
tors and commuters, integrated with other real time
transportation information displays.
Caption 1: Parking wayfinding signs. Photo credit Flickr user John Lobo.
Georgetown 2028 — Transportation Appendix 12
5.0 Improve Wisconsin Avenue and Book Hill accessibility Upper Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown faces particular chal-
lenges because of its separation from more intense commercial
activity in the southern parts of the business district and be-
cause there are fewer major transit investments under consid-
eration for this area. As such, improving accessibility depends
on better use of parking resources, improved Circulator and
Metrobus options, and innovative new connections to the rest
of the commercial district. Transit and parking recommenda-
tions are discussed elsewhere, but referenced below.
5.1 Improve shuttle and transit services Coordinate transit efficiency improvements discussed in
section 7.1, free shuttle options discussed in section 7.4,
and improved publicity of east-west Metrobus routes to-
ward a comprehensive Wisconsin Avenue transit accessi-
bility strategy.
5.2 New off-street parking options Examine the feasibility of new, off-street parking facilities,
and sharing of existing off-street parking resources to
better serve Wisconsin Avenue. Examine the possibility of
a park once program, including the possibility of robotic
parking. (Medium Term)
Caption 1: Parking space reservation and location applications by Parking
Panda.
Caption 2:
Georgetown 2028 — Transportation Appendix 13
6.0 Enhance the pedestrian experience A better functioning pedestrian realm is essential to all ele-
ments of the Georgetown 2028 transportation strategy. All
Georgetown visitors, workers, and residents are pedestrians at
some point, whether walking to transit, from a parking garage,
to their bicycle parking space, or between shopping destina-
tions. Georgetown’s constrained rights-of-way require innova-
tive solutions to create sufficient pedestrian space.
6.1 Implement Comprehensive pedestrian wayfind-ing system
6.1.1 Install remaining signs for the already approved
Georgetown Wayfinding system.
6.1.2 Convene a task force of residential leaders, DDOT, design
professionals, to develop a comprehensive pedestrian
wayfinding system in commercial areas that is consistent
with Georgetown historical standards.
6.1.3 Implement pedestrian wayfinding system recommended
by the task force. (Medium Term)
6.2 Expand Space for Pedestrians 6.2.1 Implement pilot weekend sidewalk widening efforts in
coordination with a strategy for enhanced off-street park-
ing supply and communication. Assess the potential for
regular weekend sidewalk widenings based on pedestrian
& business benefits as well as spillover parking impacts.
6.2.2 Implement a parklet pilot program in the parking lane on
side streets and assess the potential for permanent instal-
lation. Expand parklets as warranted and convert success-
ful parklet pilots to permanent installations.
6.2.3 Identify critical choke points on major pedestrian corri-
dors resulting from the placement and design of street
lights, utility boxes, tree boxes, parking meters, bus stops,
and other sidewalk intrusions. Work with DDOT, adjacent
owners, and other relevant parties to improve the effec-
tive sidewalk width. (Medium Term)
6.3 Create Active Pedestrian links through alley-ways, parking lots, and side streets
6.3.1 Catalog alleys, parking lots, and side streets that serve as
significant pedestrian links today, and those that have
potential to provide more efficient pedestrian connections
(consistent with Georgetown2028 public space recom-
mendations).
6.3.2 Work with DDOT and private property owners to identify
design improvements, lighting, signage, commercial activi-
Caption 1: Widened sidewalks for French Market. Photo credit Jonathan Kass
Caption 2: An unfortunate sidewalk closure. Photo credit Jonathan Kass
Georgetown 2028 — Transportation Appendix 14
ty, and ongoing maintenance that will improve and cele-
brate these pedestrian links. Prioritize links near well-
used public transit stops.
6.4 Improve Safety and Convenience of Pedestrian crossings
6.4.1 Implement automated enforcement where necessary to
protect pedestrian right-of-way.
6.4.2 Pilot and evaluate reduced wait time and/or increased
pedestrian crossing times for M Street.
6.4.3 Widen crosswalks where pedestrian volumes justify more
crossing capacity
6.4.4 Conduct a pilot implementation of a Barnes dance or oth-
er significant pedestrian safety enhancements at M and
Wisconsin.
6.4.5 Design distinctive imprinted and/or painted crosswalks for
Georgetown, consistent with streetscape standards rec-
ommended through Georgetown2028 public space rec-
ommendations. (Medium Term)
6.4.6 Study options for curb extensions at intersections where
feasible in order to improve pedestrian visibility and re-
duce pedestrian congestion. This study should not recom-
mend curb extensions where benefits are limited and
where there would be significant traffic impacts. (Medium
Term)
6.5 Create Visible and Pleasant Pedestrian link to Foggy Bottom Metro
6.5.1 Use plants, lighting, signal timing, and very explicit pedes-
trian wayfinding to improve the existing pedestrian route
to Metro via K Street. This should be coordinated with
gateway recommendations under Georgetown2028 public
space recommendations.
6.5.2 Leverage streetcar construction to implement improved
pedestrian experience along K Street east of Georgetown,
including wider sidewalks, street trees, and improved
street crossings.
6.5.3 Partner with any effort to develop land along eastern side
of Rock Creek valley to leverage additional pedestrian
enhancements. (Long Term)
6.6 Create Georgetown University to M Street pe-
destrian link Develop a complete list of options for a more direct pe-
destrian link between M Street and Georgetown Universi-
ty including through existing buildings (such as the Car
Barn), potential new buildings (such as on the existing
Exxon Mobile site), and potential new right-of-way. Coor-
dinate with Georgetown2028 economic development rec-
ommendations regarding the potential to encourage com-
mercial development at the western end of M Street.
6.7 Improve Sidewalk Maintenance Coordinate a system that allows the BID to act on DDOT's
behalf to immediately repair missing or damaged bricks
and other minor sidewalk repairs.
6.8 Implement Intersection Improvements under section 3.1 and 3.3.
Caption 1: A newly repaired brick sidewalk. Photo credit DDOT
Georgetown 2028 — Transportation Appendix 15
7.0 Improve transit efficiency The Georgetown business district is today served by frequent
and diverse bus service, including two DC Circulator routes, and
eight Metrobus routes. Strategic adjustments to traffic opera-
tions, traffic enforcement, bus management, routing, and side-
walk adjustments can meaningfully improve the quality, effi-
ciency, and understanding of these services. Regardless of the
combination of recommendations below, significant improve-
ments in Georgetown bus speed and reliability is an essential
outcome under this strategy.
7.1 Increase Bus Efficiency and Reliability 7.1.1 Study approaches for improving the speed and reliability
of bus service within Georgetown, prioritizing actions that
have the greatest benefit with the fewest negative im-
pacts. Take into account potential impacts of spillover
parking and traffic. Implement promising approaches.
7.1.2 Identify, study, and advocate for bus enhancements out-
side of Georgetown that will improve the reliability of
Georgetown bus service including, for example, imple-
mentation of dedicated bus lanes Downtown on H & I
Streets, K Street transitway construction, Glover Park
streetscape adjustments, shortening Metrobus 30's line to
end in the CBD, and separating the Wisconsin Circulator
segment to function as a separate line ending at Foggy
Bottom.
7.1.3 Evaluate traffic signal coordination to ensure that conges-
tion is minimized and that bus, local, and pedestrian
traffic is prioritized over through traffic.
7.2 Waiting for the bus experience 7.2.1 Create more welcoming space for waiting bus passengers,
consistent with our historic heritage. Link this strategy to
public space efforts to improve pedestrian movement.
7.2.2 Conduct a pilot of real-time bus information in businesses
adjacent to major bus stops. If the bus riders find the
screens useful, expand to cover as many bus stops as fea-
sible.
7.3 Shorten bus dwell time 7.3.1 Evaluate all bus stops in Georgetown and adjust position-
ing and design to allow buses to enter and exit the bus
stop more efficiently and passenger to board and alight
more quickly.
7.3.2 Conduct an “exit rear doors” promotional campaign.
7.3.3 Study and, if feasible, implement proof of purchase op-
tions for the DC Circulator. (Medium Term)
7.4 Implement Free shuttle options 7.4.1 Pilot a tip-based small electric vehicle shuttles for trips
within Georgetown and to/from Metro stations.
7.4.2 Conduct feasibility study of a free hop-on hop-off shuttle
circulating Georgetown, Metro stations, and garages.
Implement free hop-on hop-off shuttle if feasible.
7.5 Better Coordinate Existing Bus Services 7.5.1 Coordinate existing commuter shuttles. Prepare a plan
that fully characterizes the existing business shuttle sys-
tem (routes, ridership, costs, etc.); identifies opportunities
for additional shuttle services and for broadening the rid-
ership of existing shuttles; examines options for sharing
operations costs, and improving publicity of the shuttle
options.
7.5.2 Develop a tour bus management plan. Coordinate with
DDOT, Georgetown University, and garage owners to en-
sure that tour buses have reasonable places to load, un-
load, and park buses. (Medium Term)
Caption 1: Circulator bus on M Street. Photo credit Jonathan Kass
Georgetown 2028 — Transportation Appendix 16
8.0 Make Georgetown a bicycle-friendly destination Georgetown’s location makes it a natural bicycle destination,
with nearby outstanding bicycle trails, the proximity of
Georgetown and George Washington Universities, great prox-
imity to the central business district and a multitude of DC’s
tourist attractions, growing use of Capital Bikeshare as a basic
means of DC travel, increasing bike routes that are buffered
from vehicle traffic, and a significant number of bicycle shops.
Through the recommendations below, the Georgetown com-
mercial district can take advantage of this situation to attract
more customers with limited congestion impacts. This is essen-
tial given the planned M Street cycletrack1 which will bring
many bicyclists to the eastern edge Georgetown at M Street.
8.1 Construct and Connect Bikeways 8.1.1 Study the feasibility and trade-offs of various short and
long-term options for safe and efficient bicycle access into
the central Georgetown commercial district and construct
the best options.
8.1.2 Implement a high quality bike route along Water Street
and K Street connecting the Capital Crescent Trail with
Rock Creek Parkway Trail. (Medium Term. This will be
linked to Streetcar planning and construction.)
8.1.3 Conduct a study of all possible bicycle linkages between M
Street/Key Bridge, the C&O Canal, and Water Street west
of 33rd Street. Coordinate with Georgetown 2028 public
space recommendations as well as Streetcar environmen-
tal assessment and possible extension to the west end of
Water Street. (Link to study of Canal, Key Bridge intersec-
tion) (Secondary Priority)
8.2 Bicycle and motor scooter parking options 8.2.1 Identify locations where in-street bike corals can be locat-
ed without significant parking or traffic impacts. Work
with DDOT to install bike parking at these locations. Pro-
mote Georgetown's high quality bike parking on side
streets and campaign against bike parking on crowded
commercial intersections.
8.2.2 Examine options for improved motor scooter parking,
including the use of in-street bicycle corals.
Caption 1: Bike connection from Rock Creek Trail to K Street. Photo credit
Michael Jantzen.
Caption 2: In-street bike corral on K Street. Photo credit Jonathan Kass.
1 A cycletrack is a bicycle lane running parallel to a roadway that is separated from automobile traffic by a physical barrier or dedicated buffer space.
Georgetown 2028 — Transportation Appendix 17
8.3 Improve Bike Sharing Options 8.3.1 Identify at least 4 new locations for Capital Bikeshare sta-
tions, prioritizing locations that are likely to maintain a
stable supply of bikes and enhance visitor access to busi-
ness corridors.
8.3.2 Examine opportunities for Capital Bikeshare stations on
the Georgetown University campus that would improve
the ease for students to reach Georgetown commercial
district destinations.
8.3.3 Work with local electric bicycle vendors to establish an
electric-assist bicycle rental program based in
Georgetown.
Caption 1: Capital Bikeshare along the waterfront. Photo credit DDOT / Kevin
Kovaleski.
Georgetown 2028 — Transportation Appendix 18
9.0 Increase Transportation Options and Use of Alternatives DC is a rich environment for growing transportation options
that don’t fit into traditional categories. Because of its Univer-
sity population, the nature of its professional services, and the
historic transportation constraints, Georgetown is a place
where cutting edge transportation options can thrive. Our di-
verse transportation options must be actively promoted and
new alternatives should be nurtured as modern compliments to
foundational strategies discussed above.
9.1 Foster Use of Alternatives 9.1.1 Create an informational program designed to reduce sin-
gle occupant, auto travel with a particular emphasis on
peak periods. Partner with DDOT and GoDCGo to develop
and sustain an information program on all other options
including bus, shuttle, bike, car sharing, taxi, and foot.
Explore incentives to foster behavior changes. (Secondary
Priority)
9.1.2 Work with all car sharing companies to identify ways that
car sharing services can enhance Georgetown accessibil-
ity. (Secondary Priority)
9.2 Enhance taxi service 9.2.1 Expand Water taxi/ferry options for commuters and visi-
tors. Advocate for eliminating or adjusting the National
Park Service easement on the Potomac River edge of the
Washington Harbour in order to facilitate more active
management of the Harbour uses. Ensure that water taxi
services and responsibly operated tour services have the
level of access necessary to maintain reliable service.
9.2.2 Work with existing electronic hail services such as Taxi
Magic, Uber, and Taxi Radar, to establish Georgetown
promotions that help visitors experience the range of
Georgetown taxi options.
9.2.3 Pilot a taxi waiting stands (such as at Washington Harbor)
with remote electronic hail signals for nearby commercial
establishments. (Secondary Priority)
Caption 1: Alexandria to National Harbor river ferry. Photo credit flickr user
Adam Fagan
Georgetown 2028 — Transportation Appendix 19
10.0 Ongoing analysis and data gather-ing The strategies above propose a broad range of pilots, feasibility
studies, and initial actions which will demand informed follow-
up. This requires systematic data gathering, near term review
of short-term pilots and studies, and longer-term review of
major right-of-way choices after significant investments in new
transportation options.
10.1 Examine Streetcar Extension 10.1.1 Assess the feasibility of streetcar extensions from the
Waterfront to Georgetown University, Rosslyn, and oth-
er transit-oriented markets. (Also presented as 1.4
above.)
10.2 Conduct Ongoing Studies 10.2.1 Conduct regular surveys of Georgetown visitors/
customers in order to understand travel preferences
and experiences.
10.2.2 Periodically review all transportation pilots, feasibility
studies, and short-term actions taken to date. Update
the transportation action agenda based on lessons
learned and the status of Georgetown transportation
infrastructure planning. (Medium Term)
10.2.3 Within 1 year of streetcar operations starting in
Georgetown, , conduct a major Wisconsin Ave. & M St.
transportation study to examine the impacts of trans-
portation actions, current transportation data, and up-
coming investments (such as Metro) and, if needed,
develop recommendations to rebalance uses based on
current challenges and priorities. (Medium Term)
Caption 1: Streetcar tracks on M Street, circa 1958. Photo credit DDOT.
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