Department of Transportation Director Emeka Menome and City Council Member Tommy Wells, D-Ward 6, will meet with U.S. Capitol police over the next two weeks to discuss their concerns over new security restrictions limiting where tour buses can go on Capitol Hill.
Some area residents have complained the tour bus reroutes disturb their neighborhoods and were implemented without sufficient notice. One local said he feels his house on D Street rumbling every time a bus passes nearby, Wells spokesman Charles Allen said.
“This is an issue we’re very concerned about,” Allen said. “These small residential streets aren’t built for these buses, and it’s a danger. It could quickly become overwhelming.”
Wells plans to meet with Capitol Police Chief Phillip Morse one week from Wednesday to discuss the restrictions and possible compromises.
Capitol police said the new precautionary measures are not based on any specific threats and are meant to protect against explosive devices.
“Some residents understand the Capitol police are just working off security plans,” Allen said. “But we’d like to make sure they use Massachusetts Avenue and keep off residential neighborhoods.”
Tourists may now be picked up only at three intersections:
» First Street and Maryland Avenue SW
» First Street SW/NW between Pennsylvania and Maryland avenues
» First Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW
In response to the changes, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., said in a hearing Friday that golf carts will be brought to shuttle tourists to and from the Capitol.
The restrictions apply only to commercial buses, not Metrobuses or trolleys.
