D.C. officials approved a proposal for a new pedestrian guide and mapping system along the National Mall, but didn’t get the expanded low-cost bus service there that they wanted.
The D.C. Circulator offers $1 rides along the Mall on weekends. But the National Capital Planning Commission on Thursday said running the bus on weekdays, too, should be part of the National Park Service plan that aims to improve visitor navigation of the Mall and East Potomac Park.
“The Circulator will improve the efficiency of visitor travel,” said Nancy Witherell, the commission’s historic preservation officer.
But the park service rejected including it in its proposal, citing a potential contract violation with its concessionaire, Tourmobile Sightseeing, which offers guided bus tours of the area for $16 to $30.
Under the park’s contract with Tourmobile, the company has “full rights” on transportation within the park area and is not open to partnering with Circulator.
The contract expires in December, but park service official Steve Lorenzetti said he had “a strong hunch” that it would be extended another year.
Several commission members expressed frustration with the park service’s position.
“It seems strange that the park service would prohibit public, inexpensive transportation for visitors,” added Harriet Tregoning, the District’s director of planning.
“The ability to have an economical and convenient bus service is crucial,” said Commission Chairman John V. Cogbill. “It is unacceptable that we don’t have that now.”
In 2003, the National Park Service conducted a survey about visitor transportation needs in the National Mall area. According to Ellen Jones, director of transportation for the Downtown Business Improvement District, the study found that 20 percent of visitors wanted more public transit options.
“The National Park Service itself has documented a strong interest on the part of visitors to have an affordable transit-type service, but so far the response has not been forthcoming to address those needs,” Jones said.
“The Tourmobile should be there for people who want that experience,” she added, “but to say there can be no other type of transit really seems to be upside down.”
