World City Guide

Getting Around

Public Transport
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (tel: (202) 962 1234; website: www.wmata.com ) operates the Metro system. The Metro is an efficient and comfortable system, consisting of a subway and buses, which operates throughout the city as a fast and efficient alternative to the heavy traffic congestion experienced in the city. Information can be obtained by telephone (tel: (202) 637 7000; 0600-2230, Mon-Thurs, 0600-2330, Fri, 0700-2330, Sat and 0700-2230 on Sun).

Five subway lines (red, orange, blue, green and yellow), known as the Metrorail, cover the city, extending into Maryland and Virginia. Metrorail fares are zonal, ranging from US$1.20 to US$3.60, during off-peak hours. There is a one-day Metrorail Pass costing US$6, which is valid after 0930 or all day at the weekend. A Seven-day Fast Pass offers unlimited rail travel for US$30. There is a flat fee of US$1.20 (exact money only) on the bus system. A Regional One-day Pass costs US$3 and allows unlimited travel on the buses. A combined Metrorail/bus pass is available from Sunday to Saturday allowing unlimited travel on the Metro bus and subway for US$30.

The Metrorail operates 0530-2400 Monday to Thursday, 0530-0300 on Friday, 0700-0300 on Saturday and 0700-2400 on Sunday. Metrobus operates 24 hours per day but service intervals vary.
Taxis
Taxis in Washington, DC are operated on a zone system and are not metered, although there are plans to introduce meters. By law, passengers must wear seat belts. The base fare for one zone is US$5.00 for one passenger with extra charges of US$1.50 for each additional passenger and a US$1.00 surcharge per person for travel during the weekday morning and evening rush hours (0700-0930 and 1600-1830). Tips of around 15% of the fare are expected. Cab drivers are entitled to pick up other fares en route if those people are travelling in the same direction. Providers include Diamond Cab Co. (tel: (202) 387 6200), Yellow Cab (tel: (202) 544 1212; website: www.dcyellowcab.com ) and Mayflower Cab Company (tel: (202) 783 1111).

Limousines
As befits a city with the status of Washington, DC, deluxe cars are often seen on its streets. Luxury stretch, super and ultra limousines can be hired from various providers. American Eagle Limousine Service (tel: (703) 550 7200 or (800) 730 7878, toll free in the USA and Canada; website: www.americaneaglelimo.com ) has a full range of limousines ranging in price from US$95-300 per hour (minimum hire period of three hours). Big Time Limos (tel: (202) 841 1375; website: www.biglimos.com ) has limousines carrying up to 10 passengers starting at US$75 per hour with a minimum hire period of three hours.

Driving in the City
When city planning began under Major Pierre L’Enfant, he could never have envisaged the demands of modern traffic. However, the streets are laid out in a basic grid pattern, divided into four quadrants, which makes navigation pretty straightforward. Streets running north-south in the centre are numbered while letters designate east-west streets. Roads running diagonally to the general grid pattern are named after American states. One must also be alert to confusing traffic circles and one-way streets. Unless otherwise specified, the city speed limit is 25 mph (40 kmh).

The Capital Beltway, made up of Interstates I-95 and I-495, encircles the city. Because this road is frequently clogged with traffic, it is often difficult to cross the lanes to get to the road exit required. During rush hours (0630-0900 and 1600-1830), carpool regulations govern the number of people in vehicles for certain lanes. Certain lanes and even streets change direction for morning/evening rush hours, in order to alleviate the congestion. Unless otherwise indicated, right turns on a red light are permitted if it is safe to proceed.

Parking restrictions apply during rush hours and some weekend hours. Illegally parked cars are towed away to a car pound that is only open for retrieval Monday-Friday. Meter parking is available for up to one hour, although it is normally free on the weekend. In residential neighbourhoods, parking is often reserved for the residents with a specially displayed zone sticker. In some neighbourhoods, it is possible to park for a two-hour period. Though spaces tend to go quickly, free all-day parking is available in West Potomac Park on Ohio Drive, SW, south of the Lincoln Memorial as well as south of the Jefferson Memorial in East Potomac Park. Parking Guide Magazine provides information on parking locations and costs around Washington. Because of the chronic lack of parking spaces, most visitors use the public transport system.

Car Hire
Insurance is compulsory when hiring and it should also be confirmed that there is adequate Loss Damage Waiver and personal liability insurance. The minimum rental age is generally 25 years but, for a costly surcharge, some companies will rent cars to drivers aged between 21 and 24 years. Renters must be in possession of a valid driver’s licence. Most car rental companies have offices in the city, including Alamo, Washington Union Station (tel: (800) 327 9633 or (202) 842 7454; website: www.alamo.com ), Avis, 1722 M Street, NW (tel: (800) 331 1212 or (202) 686 5149; website: www.avis.com ); Budget, 50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE (tel: (800) 527 0700 or (202) 289 5373; website: www.budget.com ), and Hertz, 901 11th Street, NW (tel: (800) 654 3131 or (202) 628 6174; website: www.hertz.com ). Rates including taxes cost approximately US$27-49 for one-day rental of a two-door compact car.

Bicycle Hire
It is probably best not to attempt to cycle around the city, as the traffic is so heavy. However, there are plenty of enjoyable rides along the Potomac River and around the major sites where it is possible to avoid the traffic. Better Bikes (tel: (202) 293 2080; website: www.betterbikesinc.com ) delivers bicycles to hotels and will provide a map, helmet, backpack, lock and roadside assistance if necessary. Per day rental rates are US$38 for mountain bikes, US$48 for hybrids, US$25 for kids bikes and US$15 for baby seats. A refundable deposit is necessary to insure the bicycle’s safe return.