Transportation Appendix to the Georgetown 2028 Plan

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


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


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


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.


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.


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.


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.


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


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


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


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.


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:


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


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


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


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.


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.


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


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.

Documents

Transportation Appendix to the Georgetown 2028 Plan