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DC Runs on Movement: How Commuter Benefits Can Save You Time, Money, and Stress

  Are you tired of spending too much money getting to work? Commuting in the District doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With the right resources, you can save money for the things that matter most, whether that’s groceries, travel, or everyday expenses.  Through employer-sponsored commuter benefits programs, DC commuters have access to a wide range... View Article

Help Your Employees Welcome Spring!

Spring is right around the corner (March 20), and it is almost time for blooming flowers, warmer temperatures, and longer evenings thanks to daylight saving time. After months of snow, chilly days, and darker commutes, this season invites us to step outside, soak up the sun, and shake up our routines, which includes the way we get around.   Spring is... View Article

Welcome Spring by Rethinking Your Commute!

Spring is right around the corner (March 20), and it is almost time for blooming flowers, warmer temperatures, and longer evenings thanks to daylight saving time. After months of snow, chilly days, and darker commutes, this season invites us to step outside, soak up the sun, and shake up our routines, which includes the way we get around.   Spring is the... View Article

Pedal, Stroll, or Ride: Sustainable Date Night Ideas

Valentine’s Day may be over, but date night in the District is always worth celebrating. Whether you are planning a cozy dinner, an activity-filled evening, or something spontaneous just because, DC offers plenty of ways to keep the romance going all month long. To help you plan a night that feels special from start to... View Article

From Solo Driving to Shared Rides: How Vanpooling Changed Kirti’s Commute

For many commuters, driving alone feels like the default. Long hours in traffic, expensive parking, and the mental toll of congestion quickly become part of the daily routine. For Kirti Rajpurohit, a commuter from Chantilly, Virginia, that routine became unsustainable. Discovering vanpooling through the Commuter Connections program ultimately transformed not only how she got to work, but how she... View Article

How To Build a Bike-Friendly Workplace

Did you know that over 18,000 DC residents bike to work every day? And that number is only growing. For employers, providing a workplace that supports those who bike is not just a nice reward, it’s a smart investment. What is a bike-friendly workplace? A bike-friendly workplace is one that not only promotes and encourages... View Article

Drive Change with goDCgo’s Carpool Incentive Program! 

Ready to make carpooling easy and rewarding at your worksite? Starting in 2026, we’re partnering with select District employers to incentivize carpooling at their organization. Our new Carpool Incentive Program will run from February through March, rewarding drivers and riders in newly established carpools with cash incentives. Participating carpools will log their trips in the... View Article

Washington, DC’s Winter Wonders

The holiday season in the District always brings an abundance of FREE holiday festivities and events. From annual tree lightings to family-friendly ZooLights, to ice skating and so much more — the city celebrates all winter long! With so much to see, many visitors come to share seasonal joys with family and friends. Avoid the traffic and take transit to visit all the different events. Transit options include Metrorail, Capital Bikeshare, Metrobus, and dockless vehicles like bikes and scooters.

Design the Next DC Bike Map

Calling all District residents! We want to showcase your art on the 2026 DC Bike Map cover! Whether it’s a drawing, painting, digital art piece, photograph, or another form of art, we encourage you to let your creativity shine. This map will be distributed to thousands of people across the DMV digitally and in person... View Article

Less Gas, More Candy: Sustainable Trick or Treat Tips in the District

Halloween in the District is a time for costumes, candy, and creativity, but it doesn’t have to mean more cars on the road. Whether you’re walking through neighborhood streets for trick or treating or attending special events across the city, there are plenty of ways to commute smarter, not harder. By choosing walking, biking, scooting,... View Article

Active Travel After Dark: Traffic Rules and Tips to Stay Safe

Get ready for shorter days and longer nights as Daylight Saving Time will end on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 2am. In addition to setting your clock back to standard time, goDCgo suggests staying extra alert once the sun goes down so you can stay safe while walking, biking, or driving. While this may or may not be the final ending to Daylight Saving Time (per the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021), we want you to be prepared to take the proper precautions when traveling around the District of Columbia after dark. Review the traffic laws and tips below, so bicyclists, motorists, and pedestrians can coexist peacefully on the road both day and night.

DC Parking Cashout Law: Do I Need to Report This Year?

With the DC Parking Cashout Law reporting deadline approaching on January 15, 2025, employers across the District are asking: do I need to report my compliance this year and what do I report? This reporting cycle, all District employers with 20 or more covered employees* need to report.  

A Commuter’s Guide to Carpooling

From rising traffic to high gas prices and parking costs, driving to work comes with numerous challenges. Those who don’t live or work near transit and bike infrastructure may believe that these struggles are entirely unavoidable, but there’s one often overlooked way to make driving less expensive, faster, and more fun: carpooling! What is Carpooling?... View Article

Supporting Low-Wage Workers

Low–wage workers make up a major portion of the United States workforce. Fifty-three million people, or 44 percent of all workers ages 18 to 64 in the United States, earn low hourly wages. According to the Brookings Institute, a low wage is $17.26/hour, which working full-time equates to roughly $36,000/year. These are often shift-based workers... View Article

Getting to the Fall Festivities in DC

This blog references DC Circulator. Please note, as of 1/1/2025, DC Circulator no longer provides bus service.

As summer ends, we’re looking forward to fall! In addition to DC’s picturesque fall foliage, this is a popular season for music and food events, art shows, and neighborhood festivals throughout the city. There’s a long list of upcoming events, so goDCgo has highlighted a few popular fall festivals you should attend and the best ways to get there without a car.

Whether you live in the District or are visiting to experience the culture, goDCgo highly suggests leaving the car behind to avoid traffic and the search for parking. Get to the fall festivities using sustainable transportation instead! In addition to the public transit options below, you can easily get around by walking, biking, or scooting.

Trip Planning Tools and Apps for Sustainable Transportation in DC

Navigating public transportation in DC, especially with ongoing changes from the Better Bus Network, can be overwhelming for both commuters and visitors. Frequent route updates, new signage, and shifting schedules often leave people confused and frustrated, pushing many to drive instead of using more sustainable options. Trip planning tools and apps take the guesswork out... View Article

Setting the Carpool Standard: World Bank’s Ridesharing Success

The  World Bank Group headquarters are located on H Street NW in the District’s Foggy Bottom neighborhood. Located in a hub for government, nonprofit, and for-profit businesses alike, the areas surrounding the World Bank face high parking demand. To mitigate parking competition among its employees and reduce the World Bank’s carbon footprint, the Commuter Services... View Article

The Results Are In!

  A big thank you to everyone who participated in the inaugural goDMV Commuter Competition! This year, goDCgo was thrilled to partner with Commuter Connections and regional governments across Maryland and Virginia to put an exciting twist on the former goDCgo Commuter Competition. Previously only open to those living and working in the District, this... View Article

Enhance Your Commuter Benefits

  Do you provide commuter benefits to your staff? Have you ever considered expanding them? Offering commuter benefits to your employees not only helps them afford their commutes, it also is required by law if you have over 20 employees in DC. Read on to learn more about the perks of revitalizing your commuter benefits,... View Article

Student Transportation All-Stars: Creating the Next Generation of Leaders

  In January 2025, goDCgo launched the inaugural cohort of its Student Transportation All-Star (STAS) program. This initiative is designed to empower high school students to become sustainable transportation champions through leadership, education, and action. Read on to learn more about the program’s success and goDCgo’s plans for future cohorts! Program Overview  The STAS Program... View Article

Slugging 101: A Practical Guide to Car-Free Commuting

As more commuters look for smarter alternatives to driving alone – especially with return to office and increasingly congested traffic – slugging has re-emerged as a highly-effective form of commuting smarter, not harder. While it may be unfamiliar to some, slugging has been a long-standing transportation option in DC. Learn more about what slugging is,... View Article

Rules of the Rail: Metro Etiquette Tips & Tricks

With Metro ridership reaching its highest numbers since 2020, it’s more important now than ever to respect your fellow passengers and understand the rules of the rail. Following proper Metro etiquette not only helps you travel more efficiently, but also keeps our Metro clean and operating smoothly. Read on for a list of ways you... View Article

Getting to Downtown DC’s Attractions

This blog references DC Circulator. Please note, as of 1/1/2025, DC Circulator no longer provides bus service.

From museums and shopping, to major arenas and restaurants, Downtown DC is filled with exciting attractions. This summer, go Downtown, leave the car behind, and skip the traffic and hassles of parking! To make getting there easy, we've put together a list of attractions Downtown and how to get to them sustainably with ease.

Read the DC Bike Map With Ease

  If you’re new to cycling or plan to explore a new commute, understanding how to read a bike map is essential for a smooth and enjoyable ride. Bike maps are specially designed to help cyclists navigate routes, identify bike-friendly paths, and find key amenities. To help you explore the city confidently, we’ve put together... View Article

goDCgo’s Impact: Empowering Sustainable Travel in DC

As an initiative of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), goDCgo encourages the use of sustainable transportation among DC commuters, residents, and visitors by providing complimentary resources and consulting services educating the public on the many ways to get around the city without a car. Our goal is to decrease traffic congestion, improve air quality,... View Article

Let’s Go to the Games: Getting to DC’s Sporting Arenas

Attending a sporting event in Washington, DC? Whether it’s cheering on the Wizards, Mystics, and Caps at the Capital One Arena or supporting a local college team, attending a sporting event in Washington, DC is an exciting way to spend the day.

DC Parking Cashout: Missed the Deadline, Now What?

The reporting deadline for the DC Parking Cashout Law has officially passed. Thank you to all employers who worked hard to make sure their organization was compliant. This year, we assisted more than 233 employers in the compliance and reporting process! 
 
We understand that some employers may have missed the reporting deadline. If you missed the reporting deadline, please contact DDOT as soon as possible at [email protected]. Employers who do not contact DDOT or submit a report on time will be audited to determine compliance status. DDOT will assist non-compliant employers to come into compliance. 

Have additional questions? Reach out to DDOT directly by emailing [email protected]. 

Challenge Accepted: OAS’ Sustainable Success

Located in Northwest DC, the Organization of American States (OAS) boasts the title of being the world’s largest regional organization. OAS represents the unified governments, community partners, and humanitarian organizations across all 35 independent states of the Americas, all the way from Canada to Argentina. To embody their mission of helping others and helping the environment, OAS works towards a sustainable future, protecting the livability of all people who share the land, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, and status.

DC Parking Cashout Law: How Do I Report?

As the DC Parking Cashout Law reporting deadline (January 15, 2025) approaches, many District employers have chosen their compliance option and are beginning the reporting process. This can be a daunting task for those who have never reported before, which is why we’ve created a comprehensive overview on how to get started and how to report for each compliance option.

DC Parking Cashout Law Basics

To continue to improve air quality and traffic congestion in the District, the Transportation Benefits Equity Amendment Act of 2020, also referred to as the DC Parking Cashout Law, was signed into law by Mayor Bowser in April 2020. This law encourages sustainable transportation use and aims to reduce the number of commuters driving alone to work in the District. Read on to learn about the most important things you need to know about this law. 

The Results Are In!

A big thank you to everyone who participated in our 2024 goDCgo Commuter Challenge! With over 1,600 participants, this year's Commuter Challenge broke records. Over the last 3 months, we collectively logged 91,215 sustainable trips, reducing 232 tons of CO2 in the District, burning 6.2 million calories, and saving $0.3 million collectively. These choices have a huge collective impact; thank you to our Challenge participants for doing their part to help make DC the healthiest, greenest, and most livable city in the nation!

Let’s Go: The Story of goDCgo’s Captain Commute

The Prequel

Creating a Carpool-Friendly Workplace

As the weather continues to get colder, commuters who typically walk, bike, or take public transportation may be tempted to start driving to work. However, it's still possible to maintain your workplace's sustainability goals even through this shift in commuting habits. We've compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you reduce your driving employees' carbon footprints by creating a carpool-friendly workplace. 

Commuter’s Guide to Tandem Bicycles

Biking is a wonderful mode of sustainable transportation that offers commuters fresh air and exercise while getting around the District. With over 100 miles of bike lines provided throughout the city, DC is committed more and more every year in getting residents and visitors on two wheels.  

Intermediate Biking Tips to Ride Confidently Throughout the District

by Necole Jackson

Save Time and Money: Carpool to School

Do you drive your child to and from school every day? Are you tired of waiting in long lines for pickup/dropoff? Now that students have settled into the hustle and bustle of the new school year, it’s the perfect time to explore a new way to get your kids to school: Carpooling.

The Results Are In: 2023 Commuter Challenge

A big thank you to everyone who participated in our 2023 goDCgo Commuter Challenge. Over the last three months challenge 565 participants logged 38,062 sustainable trips; reducing 88 tons of CO2 in the District, burning 2.5 million calories, and saving $100,000 collectively. Choosing to commute around the District sustainably may seem like a small effort but together these choices have a huge impact! Thank you to our challenge participants for doing their part to help DC become the healthiest, greenest, and most livable city in the nation!

Sponsors!

Another big thank you to our sponsors! Without them we couldn't have had such a fun an amazing commuter challenge. From free food coupons and complimentary dinners to staycations and sporting event tickets, our sponsors provided us with amazing monthly prizes. 

Find the Bike Route for You!

Ready to get your roll on this summer?! Washington, DC has 150 miles of bike lanes and trails for you to discover. goDCgo teamed up with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) to customize different bike routes throughout the District that cater to your bike skill level. Whether you're a beginner biker, avid cyclist, or anywhere in between, you're sure to find the best bike route for you. For your convenience, each bike route features Ride with GPS turn-by-turn directions so you can navigate each trail with ease.

Keep in mind that you should still practice proper biking etiquette and safe social distancing when sharing the trails. Check out the custom bike route options below.

Bring on the Four-Day Work Week

Read the latest report from the UK's Four Day Work Week trial published Feb 2023

As many employers have transitioned back to the worksite, the four-day work week has become a popular topic. In fact, the number of ZipRecruiter jobs that mention four-day work weeks is up 67% this year. This comes as no surprise to employers watching the trends, as 66% of US workers report wanting to work fewer than 5 days a week, and 85% approve of moving to a four-day work week. In addition to the four-day work week’s favorability among employees, there are many pilots occurring globally in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and some in the United States that are showing the four-day work week is beneficial for companies and management; reporting increases in productivity, greater ability to attract and retain talent, and improvements in company loyalty. 

DC Parking Cashout Law: Next Steps

With the January 2023 DC Parking Cashout reporting deadline in the rearview mirror, it’s time for employers to start preparing for what’s to come. The next step for employers varies based on which compliance option your organization chose. To help you navigate your next steps, we’ve outlined below what you need to do over the next year for each compliance option and exemption, and for those organizations that missed the deadline.     

Explore Black-Owned Restaurants in DC

This blog references DC Circulator. Please note, as of 1/1/2025, DC Circulator no longer provides bus service.

In honor of Black History Month, we’re highlighting Black-owned restaurants within the District and the ways you can get to them sustainably. Maybe you already have your favorites or are looking to try something new; either way, enjoying delightful cuisine at these restaurants is an opportunity to explore and indulge. It’s an excellent opportunity to celebrate Black History Month, and by traveling sustainably, it can have a lasting impact on our environment and communities. We hope you continue to explore Black-owned restaurants and businesses, not just in February but all year long.

Part III: Clean Commutes to DC-Based Cafés and Coffee Shops

This blog references DC Circulator. Please note, as of 1/1/2025, DC Circulator no longer provides bus service.

As they say, all good things must come to an end, right? While this will be the final piece of our blog series, the list of Washington, DC coffee shops is ongoing and here to stay! You never know what new shop will pop up in the city, so stay on the lookout. In the meantime, goDCgo recommends reviewing these local cafés below and grabbing your next cup of joe by foot, bike, bus, streetcar, or Metro. And in case you missed it, you can still check out Part I and Part II of this series for even more coffee stops.

goDCgo’s Guide to Zoning Order Compliance

This blog references DC Circulator. Please note, as of 1/1/2025, DC Circulator no longer provides bus service.

The District of Columbia is attracting new residential, commercial, and retail development, and redevelopment at an unprecedented pace. While this activity has many benefits, it also increases traffic to/from and within our nation's capital. To enhance the quality of life for residents, commuters, and visitors, the District issues zoning orders that require buildings to implement sustainable transportation services and programs that reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles (SOV), also known as Transportation Demand Management (TDM).

Part II: Clean Commutes to DC-Based Cafés and Coffee Shops

This blog references DC Circulator. Please note, as of 1/1/2025, DC Circulator no longer provides bus service.

Now that the weather is cooler, there's nothing like a hot cup of coffee to warm you up! Even if you prefer iced over hot, black, with or without cream, or any variation in between, Washington, DC has plenty of spots to get a quality cup of joe. And since the city has so many staple coffee shops and cafés, goDCgo encourages you to take a tour of all of them! Continue following our blog series to discover more of DC's popular coffee spots and learn about the best ways to get to each of them by bike, bus, or Metro. Stay tuned for more café commutes to come!

Clean Commutes to DC-Based Cafés and Coffee Shops

This blog references DC Circulator. Please note, as of 1/1/2025, DC Circulator no longer provides bus service.

As many of you are probably aware, Washington, DC loves a good café! Whether you're a DC commuter, resident, or visitor, nothing quite gets a day in the District started like a soothing cup of joe. In our opinion, coffee is part of the DC culture, so goDCgo is shining a spotlight on some of the city's very own local cafés and coffee shops. Since there is such a long list of popular spots, we're creating an alphabetical series, so there will be even more to come! For now, let's jump into the first few. Be on the lookout for your favorite, and keep following us for the best ways to get there using alternative transportation for a true DC experience!

Celebrating Theatre Week in DC

This blog references DC Circulator. Please note, as of 1/1/2025, DC Circulator no longer provides bus service.

Are you a fan of the performing arts? Get ready to celebrate theatre season in the DC region! Starting September 22 to October 9, 2022, the District will launch Theatre Week to kick-off the popular production season by providing discount tickets to over 20 live shows and hosting a community kickoff party, along with dozens of free events to entertain, educate, and inspire. With plenty of participating theaters and productions, Theatre Week is an opportunity to sample diverse and vibrant work throughout the city.

To help you prepare for these plays, musicals, dramas, comedies, and other #DCTheatre productions, goDCgo has highlighted the top 10 venues in the city and the best ways to get there by foot, bike, bus, or Metro.

Quick Getaways to Enjoy Via Transit

This blog references DC Circulator. Please note, as of 1/1/2025, DC Circulator no longer provides bus service.

Does getting away from the city sound enticing, but the thought of driving makes you wince? Did you know you can take a quick day or weekend trip by using local or regional transit? Whether you want to travel a few miles or plan for something a bit farther away, we’ve got you covered. Below you’ll find several destinations highlighted that you can easily get to. It doesn’t matter if you are a solo traveler or a group, let us show you how easy it can be to hop on transit. All you need to do is pick a destination! 

#100MILEStone: Celebrate 100 Miles of Bike Lanes

As of May 2022, DC celebrates 100 miles of bike lanes. This milestone marks a 60% increase in bike lanes in the District and four times the number of protected lanes installed since 2015. The District takes pride in being a bike-friendly community and continues to improve and expand its bike infrastructure to make bicycling easier, safer, and equitable for everyone. In addition, DDOT is celebrating 20 years of service to residents, businesses, and visitors of the District of Columbia! 

Welcome to National Bike Month

May is National Bike Month! Established in 1956, this month-long celebration honors biking as a form of transportation and recreation, and as essential to our well-being and everyday lives. National Bike month gives us a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling and encourage more folks to give biking at try.

Navigating DC During Capital Pride

Capital Pride is back in person this year! The Nation’s annual Capital Pride celebration recognizes its LGBTQ+ communities in an effort to unify, educate, and preserve the history and rights of citizens. From June 10 through June 12, there will be a variety of festivities such as the Pride Parade, block parties, and concerts. Whether you are going solo or traveling with a group, we encourage you to travel sustainably. Check out the transportation options below that will get you to Capital Pride events sustainably.

Accessible Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities

goDCgo is here to support sustainable transportation needs for all DC commuters and residents, regardless of age, ability, or income. In addition to providing complimentary resources about the alternative travel options available in the District, we have information on affordable, easily-accessible programs that can break down transportation barriers and help those with special mobility needs get to/from their communities and around the city. From adaptive vehicles, to shared rides, to the Metro, there's no limit to where you can go.

Benefits of Car-Free or Car-Lite Living

Living in Washington, DC can bring you closer to car-free living with all of the sustainable transportation options available to get you to, from, and around the city. In fact, Redfin ranked DC the 4th “Best City for Living Without a Car” in 2017. If you still aren’t quite ready to hang up your car keys, here’s the bigger picture of car ownership -- the average cost to own and operate a new car is nearly $10,000/year or $805.50/month. This estimate is calculated based on considerations for vehicle value and depreciation, finance/loans, and the price of gas, insurance, licensing, registration, taxes, maintenance, and repairs. It's no wonder that buying a car is one of the biggest purchases a person will make in their lives! Try calculating your own driving costs to see how much you're spending every year.

Be a Roll Model: Practicing Proper Bike Safety and Etiquette

The District of Columbia has over 100 miles of bike lanes and more than 60 miles of trails to discover, providing bicyclists with lots of space to get around town. For added security and confidence, there are 24 miles of protected bike lanes, so even the most novice of bicyclists can feel safer riding throughout the city. And there's more where that came from! The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) plans to install an additional 20 miles of protected bike lanes by the end of this year, ten of which are already completed.

While it's always important to practice proper bike etiquette and follow the rules of the road, there are even more safety precautions that bicyclists should know since the COVID-19 pandemic. goDCgo encourages you to be a "roll model" for others and use your best biking judgement. That means staying alert, maintaining safe speeds, keeping right and passing left, standing aside if standing still, and being courteous and considerate when sharing the road. Review more of the bike safety tips so you're properly prepared for your next ride and beyond.

Honoring DC’s African American Transportation Professionals

This blog references DC Circulator. Please note, as of 1/1/2025, DC Circulator no longer provides bus service.

In honor of this year's Black History Month, goDCgo wants to shine a spotlight on some of the African American leaders and professionals who help shape transportation in the District today. From city infrastructure, sustainable transportation promotions, transit operations, vehicle management, road safety, bike education, and much more, they're involved in nearly every aspect of DC's transportation systems and make a strong impact on the commute options that we use every day including Capital Bikeshare, DC Circulator, Metrobus, Metrorail, and even personal bike riding experiences.

Five Tips to Attract DC Business Travelers to Your Hotel

According to data from trivago, 43% of travelers are booking hotel stays for trips that occur during the workweek. That means a lot of people travel for business purposes that includes corporate, group, government, and other commercial categories. Prior to the pandemic, business travel was the hotel industry's largest source of revenue, accounting for about 70% of all global revenue for high-end hotel chains.

Is your property set up for the business savvy visitor? Though the industry is making a slow return, you can prepare by getting ahead of the curve and updating your hotel amenities to accommodate corporate travelers who care about work-life balance, even when traveling. Review our tips below to see what you can do to help your guests travel smarter, not harder.

Two-Wheel Tips: Bicycling Through the Seasons

Season's greetings bicyclists! Now that it’s officially fall, we know the change in weather can present some challenges, but we want to keep you on two wheels year round. With a little planning and a positive attitude, the cool fall season presents an ideal time to take bike rides. In fact, there are several benefits to riding a bike during the fall and winter seasons:

goDCgo Impact: Contributing to a Greener City

As an initiative of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), goDCgo's top priority is to encourage the use of sustainable transportation among DC commuters, residents, and visitors by providing complimentary resources and consulting services that help raise awareness and educate the public about the many ways to get around the city besides driving alone. Our goal serves to decrease traffic congestion, improve air quality, and create a better quality of life for everyone in the DC area.

2021 Commuter Challenge Results!

Thank you and congratulations to all the DC employers and commuters who participated in the goDCgo Commuter Challenge! Participating organizations included GoRove Slade, Brookfield Properties, American College of Cardiology, Ballard Spahr LLP, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), So Others Might Eat (SOME), and Washington Gas. This year, commuters that were unaffiliated with a participating employer were also allowed to sign up. We hope everyone enjoyed the competition and was inspired to turn this challenge into a lifestyle. 

Walktober Spirit Weeks: Walk and Be Rewarded

goDCgo encourages you to get outside and walk for wellness. October, also known as "Walktober," is ideal for walking outdoors because the temperatures are cool and the fall foliage reaches its peak, so you can experience the beautiful changing leaves. In addition to the fall feels, walking for at least 30 minutes a day is a great way to improve or maintain your overall health.

Travel Tips for Touring Washington, DC

Planning a trip to visit the District? Get the true DC experience by learning about the available transportation options to navigate the city with ease. Our Program Director, Danelle Carey, planned a weeklong stay in the District with a goal to have a car-free experience. During her stay, she was able to get to meetings, events, and visit iconic sites using bikeshare, scooters, and public transit. However, she discovered some details that can help visitors like you avoid the hassles and inconveniences that she experienced. To help you happily explore DC, we've outlined some travel tips below.

Perks of Real-Time Transit Displays

This blog references DC Circulator. Please note, as of 1/1/2025, DC Circulator no longer provides bus service.

Ready to get real? Real-time transit displays, that is! Transit display screens show real-time information about local buses, trains, subways, bikeshare, and weather. Here in DC, that includes public transportation information about Capital Bikeshare, DC Circulator, Metrobus, Metrorail, Lyft, and Uber.

goDCgo Recognizes New Residential Ambassadors

Despite challenges presented by the pandemic, many residential properties in the District have remained resilient over the past year. Whether it was an existing multi-family property or new development, goDCgo appreciates these properties' commitment to providing and promoting sustainable transportation for staff and residents. 

5 Reasons Why Students Should Walk to School

When students walk to school, they're setting good habits and a positive tone for the day. Although distance, weather, and infrastructure can make walking challenging for some, those that do live within walking distance (typically 1 mile or less) can reap some amazing benefits from getting their stride on each day. Here are five ways walking to school can benefit your children and family. 
 
1. Improve Test Scores 
Adding just 20 minutes of physical activity (approximately the time it takes to walk a mile) into a child's day can increase test scores. In a 2015 study, researchers found that after just 20 minutes of physical activity students tested better in reading, spelling, and math and were more likely to read above their grade level. By having your child walk to and from school you can help them perform better.  
 
2. Fewer Sick Days 
Walking just 30 minutes a day can boost your child's immune system and cut their risk of catching a cold in half. Walking to school could mean fewer sick days for your child and fewer missed work days for you.  
 
3. Improve Mental Health 
With mental health issues rising in children throughout the past decade, it's important to find small ways to combat these issues and improve mental health on a daily basis. During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, children have been sheltered from their normal interactions with peers such as playing during recess and the overall social aspect of being in person. Walking can help to reduce the severity of mental health issues. Just an hour of physical activity a day can help reduce stress and reduce depression and anxiety.  
 
4. Improve Sleep 
Sleep is crucial for children and teens who are developing both mentally and physically, but unfortunately students, especially teenagers, can have issues with sleep and often don't get a good night's rest. Walking to school can help children and teens sleep more soundly and improve their sleep quality. Getting an adequate amount of sleep in turn can contribute to higher test scores, better moods and behavior, and improved mental and physical health.  
 
5. It's Good For You, Too! 
It's advised that children under ten are walked to school by a parent, trusted adult, or as a part of a walkpool (similar to carpools but walking instead of driving). By walking your child to school, you can reap the health benefits that walking brings as well. Walking just 30 minutes a day can reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, depression, certain cancers, Alzheimer's and dementia, osteoporosis while improving fatigue, blood pressure, strength, and boosting endorphins and the immune system. Walking your child to school can make you healthier and happier!  
 
Worried About Safety?  
Safety can be a big concern for many parents when it comes to walking to school. Parents can ensure their child is safe by helping them understand and obey traffic signs and signals. Walking in groups and adopting a buddy system can also increase safety. Walkers should also avoid using electronics that could distract them during their route.  
 
In addition, the District's Safe Routes to Schools program works year-round to advance safe walking and biking to and from schools and address problem areas. DC's Safe Passage initiative has also identified safe spot locations that are local stores and businesses known to welcome students who encounter safety issues on their way to and from school. Find safe spot locations along your route to school.  

Why Are Walk Scores Important for Residential Properties?

Our nation's capital boasts a number of sustainable transportation options including public transit and active modes like biking, walking, and scooting. This makes it easy to get around, no matter the mode you choose. In fact, Washington, DC ranks the 4th most transit-friendly city, 7th most walkable city, and 9th most bike-friendly city in the U.S.!

Navigating to Black-Owned Businesses in the District

This blog references DC Circulator. Please note, as of 1/1/2025, DC Circulator no longer provides bus service.

Black History Month is nationally observed every February to recognize the great contributions of African Americans in US history -- past, present, and future. This year, goDCgo is celebrating Black History Month in a new way by highlighting some of the black-owned businesses in the District and how to get to their storefront locations using sustainable transportation.

It’s a New Year! Consider New Commute Possibilities

This new year brings a welcomed spirit of new beginnings and the perfect opportunity to rethink your commute. Will you be returning to the office full-time or a few days a week? Have you considered resuming your pre-pandemic commute? Are you exploring other travel options for getting to work? You should ask yourself these questions, among others, when considering the commute that best meets your needs.

Steps Toward Sustainability: Earn LEED Points with goDCgo

Did you know prioritizing sustainable transportation at your new development can put you on the path to LEED certification? goDCgo gathered information about the transportation-related LEED points and discovered the many ways you can earn points to become LEED Certified™ and rise the ranks as a goDCgo Transportation Ambassador.

Attract New Tenants with Sustainable Transportation Incentives

Carver Apartments, a 63-unit building situated in the District’s LeDroit Park neighborhood, has created a car-lite community ready to embrace sustainable transportation. After Carver Apartments opened in 2019, Dominique Danielle, Marketing Manager at Urban Investment Properties (UIP), developed a transit-friendly campaign to attract new residents.

New Pilot Program Launching in the New Year!

goDCgo is proud to announce the Employer Ambassador Pilot Program. This program will involve a few select employers in the District that are looking to enhance their transportation programs, foster a culture of sustainable commuting, and reduce their carbon footprint. These employers will receive one year of guided support, including a custom sustainable transportation plan to develop or improve their commuter benefits program offering an effective and efficient opportunity for employees to commute to work. With a more holistic approach to providing services to District employers, we hope to make a bigger impact within organizations that will create lasting changes in employee commutes.  

Points, Perks, and Participation! 
The new pilot program will be based on a points system that will recognize employers with commuter benefit programs that support employees who choose sustainable commutes. Employers can earn points for workplace features and policies that support alternative commute choices, such as telecommuting, bike racks, dedicated carpool parking, subsidies, or other incentive programs. Points can also be earned by regularly encouraging sustainable commute choices by hosting events, sending newsletters, or participating in goDCgo promotions. Employers can earn additional points by increasing the number of employees who choose sustainable transportation choices and participate in commuter programs. Employers have a fantastic opportunity to level up their individual programs and benefit offerings while competing with the other employers in the pilot program to see who can accumulate the most points! 

Future of the Ambassador Program 
Existing Employer Ambassadors not involved in the pilot program can still receive goDCgo complimentary services and level up their designation. Based on the results of the pilot program, goDCgo may choose to implement these changes program-wide. All in all, we’re excited to launch the pilot program to help participating employers get going, earn points, and upgrade their commute programs!  

Interested in Participating?
Spots are limited and it's first come first serve! Contact goDCgo Employer Client Service Manager Rebecca Johnson to express your interest or sign up for an informational webinar to learn more.

Commuting to School During Covid-19

Although teachers, staff, and students no longer will be returning to school this month, it's important for school administrators to plan and prepare for safe commuting when students do return. We've compiled a list of ways your school administration can prepare to support the commutes of your teachers, staff, and students.

Promote Commuting with Care
No matter what form of transportation your teachers, staff, or students use, encourage them to commute with care. That includes wearing a face covering/mask, using hand sanitizer, and staying 6 feet away from other passengers when possible.

Create a Car-Free Culture at Your Residential Community

This blog references DC Circulator. Please note, as of 1/1/2025, DC Circulator no longer provides bus service.

Did you know that creating a car-free or car-lite residential community can reduce housing costs for both you and your tenants? A car-free development is a residential or mixed-use property that normally provides a traffic-free environment, offers no parking or limited parking separate from the residence, and/or is designed to enable residents to live without owning a car.

Whether you're planning or currently developing a new residential building or updating an existing property, it's never too late to implement a transit-oriented strategy to help reduce vehicle use and traffic congestion in the District of Columbia. Even if you're not immediately ready to go car-free, goDCgo has outlined a range of options to help get you started with supporting a car-lite lifestyle or fully committing to going car-free. 

Transit Benefits for Restaurants: 6 Tips to Enroll Tipped Employees

Offering pre-tax transit benefits is a great way to help your employees save, but some aspects of the restaurant industry present special challenges for owners and managers.

No Red Line Service? No problem! 3 Alternate Routes

Beginning July 21, WMATA will be performing scheduled maintenance work along the Red Line, resulting in the closure of both the Brookland-CUA Metro Station and Rhode Island Ave Metro Station until September 3. There will be no Red Line service between Fort Totten and NOMA Metro stations during this time. To assist you with these commute disruptions, goDCgo has compiled 3 great alternative routes to help you navigate your commute.

Try out one of the options below and tag us with #CommuteSmarterNotHarder during the shutdown for a chance to win a free month of Capital Bikeshare!  

Bike the Metropolitan Branch Trail to Save Time and Money 

20-minute commute from Fort Totten to NOMA, $2 per ride with Capital Bikeshare.

Take the Metropolitan Branch Trail for an off-street trail (completely separated from car traffic for most of the way) stretching from Fort Totten to Union Station (see picture, right) where you can easily transfer to the Red Line. There is a Capital Bikeshare station at all four affected Metro stops, download the CaBi App to quickly purchase a $2 trip and be on your way in no time! 

A Capital Bikeshare corral with unlimited parking will be available at 3^rd St. NE and M St. NE from 8am-1pm, on Monday - Friday from 7/23 – 8/31, so you can easily drop off your bike.

Dockless bikeshare or a scooter are other great alternatives for commuting.

Express Buses and Shuttles

Commute times will vary depending on traffic but the shuttles are free. 

Free Shuttles will replace service between Fort Totten, Brookland, Rhode Island Ave, and NoMa-Gallaudet U stations. There will be additional express shuttles from Brookland and Rhode Island Ave to Metro Center, Gallery Place, and Union Station neighborhoods.

The MetroExtra G9 usually operates only during rush hour, but during the shutdown will run at all times Metrorail is open. This route connects to Shaw-Howard & McPherson Square Metro stations. It will operate in a temporary dedicated bus lane on Rhode Island Avenue NE to allow buses to avoid congestion.

P6 originates at the Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station, with connections to numerous downtown Metrorail stations. 80 stops at numerous Metrorail stations, including Brookland.

Check out the map below for additional bus route options and this map for the free express shuttles.

Alternative Rail Options

MARC train, 30-minute commute and $5 one-way.

Green and Yellow lines will be operating additional trains to accommodate riders that transfer between Fort Totten and Gallery Place to avoid the closed stations.

The MARC Brunswick Line has a stop in Rockville Silver Spring before reaching Union Station where a connection can be made to Red Line. The MARC Brunswick Line operates on weekdays only.

If you have additional questions, please tweet us @godcgo or email [email protected]. WMATA has additional info here. 

Transportation Guide to Audi Field

New Year, New Commute

New year, new you! Did you make a new year's resolution to be more eco-friendly or perhaps to add more exercise to your daily routine? Fear not as goDCgo has some tips to help you reach both goals!

DC has plenty of transportation options – including Metrorail, lots of buses, biking, walking, teleworking, etc. – to choose from and avoid driving into or within the District altogether. You could even switch it up by sharing a ride or scooting! Either way, we've got you covered with the best ways to commute in the District.

Explore New Commute Options

There is no shortage of commute options for you to try in the DC area.

Bus: The metro DC area offers a robust network of local and regional bus options to get you to and around the city. In fact, two-thirds of commuters in the area live less than one mile away from a bus stop. When you choose to walk to your local bus stop to commute to work, you will be adding some extra steps to your day. To plan your trip, visit our bus resources page.

Train: The DC area has several train options, including Metrorail, DC Streetcar, MARC, VRE, and Amtrak.
By choosing to commute by rail, you will have more time in your day to catch up on work or do something fun like read a book instead of fighting traffic—this can ultimately reduce your stress level. Plus, if you live close enough to the train station to either walk or bike, you can incorporate your fitness routine into your commute. Find maps, apps, and other tools to help you plan your trips by rail.

Biking: Did you know that 4.9% of DC residents bike to work every day? Join these residents to save money and improve your health by adding more exercise to your routine. If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one through Capital Bikeshare; it has over 500 stations and more than 4,300 bikes across six jurisdictions. Now, Capital Bikeshare has upped the ante by adding 80 e-bikes to its system.  The new e-bikes, known as Capital Bikeshare Plus are all black and available for rent through the kiosk or through the CaBi app.  Additionally, dockless bikes and scooters are available to rent from multiple companies. Explore all the bike-friendliness in Washington by downloading the DC Bike Map.

Walking: Did you know DC is the 7th most walkable city in the nation with 13.2% of commuters walking to work? You can walk 1,000 steps in around 10 minutes. So if you are looking to boost your fitness in the new year, try adding some more walking to your commute and daily routine around town. Take advantage of the region’s incredible pedestrian network by tapping into the maps and other tools.

Rideshare: Fewer cars on the road means lower emissions and less stress for you. Share the ride through carpooling or vanpooling by connecting with co-workers or logging into Commuter Connections or the CarpoolNow app. Consider borrowing a vehicle using a carsharing service like car2go, Zipcar, or Maven. You can also participate in a slugline, which is an easy, informal way to carpool and take advantage of I-395/I-95 and I-66 HOV lanes between Northern Virginia and Washington. You can wait in line at designated pick-up locations to catch a carpool to a drop-off point. The DC metro area has over 30 slugline locations. 

Teleworking: Talk to your supervisor or human resources department to check whether your company already offers a telework program. If your company doesn’t have a program in place, advocate for one. goDCgo’s Employer Services team can help walk your employer through the setup process.

Which New Commute Options Will You Try?

Congratulations Winners & Participants of the 2020 Commuter Challenge!

Thank you and congratulations to all our employers and commuters who participated in the goDCgo Commuter Challenge! Participating organizations included American College of Cardiology, the American Transportation Association, Ballard Spahr LLP, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), So Others Might Eat (SOME), Virtual Enterprise Architects, and Washington Gas. We hope everyone enjoyed the competition and was inspired to turn this challenge into a forever lifestyle.

How to Comply with Your Residential Zoning Order

To help reduce drive-alone traffic in the city, District zoning orders require residential buildings to provide sustainable transportation options and amenities for residents, visitors, or staff traveling to/from a property. goDCgo offers complimentary assistance to help you comply with the service requirements of your zoning order, which further supports Transportation Demand Management (TDM) best practices.

DC Sites to Enjoy While Social Distancing

For several months, restrictions have been in place to reduce the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community. The District government understands that it’s important for businesses and individuals to responsibly resume normal activity. The Mayor’s reopening plan allows that, phase by phase.

As more people are getting out, it's important to remember to still recreate responsibly. This means you need to wear a face covering or mask whenever you leave home and maintain six feet of distance from others to keep everyone safe.

Many gems in DC, such as national parks and memorials, allow you to remain socially distant. Go for a solo bike ride or take a walk with family or your furry friend(s) to sightsee in DC. This is the perfect time to rediscover all the city has to offer and use the amazing network of transportation options to get you there.

goDCgo School Services is Here to Help!

goDCgo is here to help schools however we can! With face-covering/mask-wearing and social distancing protocols still in place, the options outlined below are great ways goDCgo can help you promote health, wellness, and safety in your school community.

Virtual Complimentary Consultations:
We’re still here to help you virtually! Meet with School Client Services Manager Barbara Moreno one-on-one via phone or video chat to discuss how goDCgo can help you support the health and wellness of your teachers and staff while preparing for reopening. Schedule your virtual consultation today!

Telework & Distance Learning Webinars:
Since many are spending so much time working and teaching from home, it's important that your teachers and staff’s workspaces are comfortable so they can feel their best and maintain productivity. The efficiency of one’s work environment, or ergonomics, plays a major role in how employees get work done. In other words, staff should fit their workspace to meet their needs. goDCgo can help teach your teachers and staff how to set up their workspace and stay healthy and happy while distance teaching. Reach out to goDCgo to schedule a webinar for your staff.

Capital Bikeshare Memberships:
Capital Bikeshare is a great benefit to offer that can be especially helpful to your teachers and staff as they commute and run errands while practicing safe social distancing. It's also a great way to stay healthy by adding exercise into your daily routine. 

Private/Charter Schools: goDCgo can help you decide if offering a Capital Bikeshare membership as a part of your commuter benefits program is right for your school's reopening plans, and help you sign up for the Capital Bikeshare’s Corporate program.

DCPS: DCPS employees automatically receive a discount on Capital Bikeshare memberships; it's $25 a year for an annual membership. goDCgo can explain how to sign up your staff and get the word out to your employees as you prepare for reopening.

How to Create a Comfortable Workspace

Since we're spending so much time working from home, it's important that your workspace is comfortable so that you can feel your best and maintain productivity. The efficiency of your work environment, or ergonomics, plays a major role in how you get work done. In other words, create a workspace that meets your needs.

Employer Spotlight: Transit Benefits a “No-Brainer” for FOX Architects

“We’re delighted the company is doing this!”

Enjoy Parking Spaces in a New Way

You're probably wondering, what is PARK(ing) Day? Is goDCgo encouraging us to drive now? Actually, it's the exact opposite! Held the third Friday in September, PARK(ing) Day is a day designed to encourage people to rethink how we use public space by temporarily converting metered parking spaces into parklets. As we shared last month, a parklet is a conversion of on-street parking into a mini park or oasis, community seating area, picnic area, art pop-up, play space, outdoor reading room, or any other alternative usage besides parking a car.

Foreign Tourist – A BIXI Bikeshare Story

The DC Metro area loves to head north for summer vacation to escape the heat and humidity. Many Capital Bikeshare members travel to Montreal in search of culture and cooler weather based on several reports received about a rogue Capital Bikeshare bike roaming its streets. What’s the story here? Some kind of study-abroad program for Capital Bikeshare bikes? Capital Bikshare asked its friends at the BIXI Montreal system to get to the bottom of this great international mystery.

Capital Bikeshare Corporate Membership Hits the Right Spot

In spring of 2015, local DC interactive agency, Threespot signed on as a “Gold-level” Capital Bikeshare corporate member. We decided to check in with Threespot’s founder, Bill Barbot, to get a glimpse of how he and his employees have been enjoying the bikeshare benefit.

Three Simple Bike Modifications for Fall

Don't let the chilly weather deter you from bike riding! With a little planning and a positive attitude, a cool fall season presents an ideal time to take your two wheels out for a ride. In fact, there are several advantages to riding a bike during the fall and winter seasons:

Get a FREE Transit Screen Feed

Get a transit display at your school! Transit displays are a great way to show off all mobility options near your school, at a glance, and in real-time. These options include the bus, Capital Bikeshare, carshare, and the Metrorail. By providing a digital display with real-time transportation arrival data in lobbies, main offices, and teacher break rooms, your students and staff can plan their sustainable commutes back home more easily and efficiently.

Many schools are hesitant to use their limited budgets on transit display software, but thanks to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), schools can install a live transportation feed for at no cost to you! All you have to do is provide the television screen or monitor and use Ride DC's portal to set-up a live feed. School administrators will have the ability to create a custom dashboard specific to their school's location.

How Do Staff, Students, and Families Get to School?

In 2019, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) conducted a district-wide school transportation survey to evaluate the state of school commutes in Washington, DC. In the survey, they found that students and families are more likely to choose sustainable transportation options than teachers and staff. Results show that only 33% of elementary students are driven to school, while another 33% of parents walk their youngest child to school, and 59% of students have used Kids Ride Free cards. On the other hand, 78% of the District's school staff drive to work alone, while only 2.2% ride a bike to school. The survey also revealed that 43% of school staff commute from Maryland and Virginia.

WMATA Platform Improvement – Orange Line Closures

Though we're still a couple months away, pre-construction activity has already started for Metro's Platform Improvement Project this summer. This project will close three Orange Line stations in Virginia from Saturday, May 23 through Monday, September 7, 2020: Vienna, Dunn Loring, and East Falls Church. The West Falls Church Station will also undergo construction but will remain open to customers throughout the summer.

Do I Need to Comply with the DC Commuter Benefits Law During the Health Cri

In response to the public health crisis, many organizations are questioning if they are still required to comply with the DC Commuter Benefits Law during the health crisis. The answer is YES, compliance is still required despite the circumstances. The DC Commuter Benefits Law requires businesses (including non-profits) with 20 or more employees (full-time or part-time) in the District to offer commuter benefits. 

What to Wear for Cold-Weather Biking

How you dress for winter cycling is the key to comfort, but it doesn’t have to be expensive technical gear. As long as you keep pedaling, the activity of cycling generates a pleasant warming from within.  Hold just enough of this heat within your clothing and allow the excess to vent out and you have found the winter riding “sweet spot.”

Here are 7 tips for this season:

How Are You Celebrating America’s 243rd Birthday?

What better place to celebrate America's birthday than the nation’s capital? Washington, DC is home to some of the best Fourth of July celebrations in the country. We observe the holiday with plenty of events including the Independence Day Parade, the Nationals baseball game, and of course watching the epic fireworks display on the National Mall.

Brush Up on Cycling Etiquette

Peak tourist season has arrived in DC, and many visitors choose to get around on two wheels. Our streets and sidewalks are particularly crowded this time of year, and it’s important that every rider does their part to ensure that everyone can get around quickly and safely

Carpooling Made Easy: Introducing the CarpoolNow App

Thinking about carpooling but not sure where to start? You're in luck. With the CarpoolNow app, you can simply request a carpool in the same way that ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft find you a driver - via your smartphone.

Women Paving the Way in Transportation History

Happy International Women's Day and Women's History Month! Thousands of strong and innovative women have helped transform the way we think about and use transportation. Their contributions have not only enhanced safety but also increased the efficiency of all modes within the transportation industry. Let's learn a little more about some of these amazing women.

Ride Smart with SmarTrip®

Do you ride the rail or bus? If not, now's the time to start! We encourage you to try transit this winter. Whether you're a rookie or a vet to public transit, we want to make sure you're familiar with all the perks that having a SmarTrip® card provides you with as a local transit rider. A SmarTrip® card is a durable, plastic, rechargeable farecard used to pay Metrorail and local bus system fares... and it's pretty "smart" because it keeps track of the value on the card!

goGREEN to saveGREEN

Summer is almost upon us, which means more sunshine for bike riding. Join the movement to grow the DC bike community and ride with purpose by pledging to goGREEN to saveGREEN! Here’s the simple math, goGREEN by riding a bike and saveGREEN by leaving your car at home. Those simple steps can have instant benefits such as improving your health, reducing pollution, saving travel time, and the cost of vehicle maintenance. Also, in DC, riding a bike can get you around faster than a car, especially during high-traffic periods like rush hour or during special events.

DC Ranks #1 Place to Visit in 2020: Prep for Guests

Of the New York Times' top 52 places to go in 2020, our very own Washington, DC came in at number one! You may be wondering, why now? Well, in addition to the city's already rich history, political precedence, memorials, monuments, and FREE exhibitions, DC culture is on the rise. Our nation's capital is one of the very few majority-minority cities in the country, so we have garnered a diverse culture of food, music, and art. Residents can barely keep up with all the new trending restaurants that are popping up with blended international influences. Now that our city has been nationally recognized as a top place to visit, hotels and lodging providers should prepare for an influx of visitors this year.

Pedal Pushin’ to the Finish Line

We've officially crossed the finish line of our 10-week 2019 Spring Pedal Push! Thank you to all organizations who participated this year and a huge welcome to our new Capital Bikeshare Corporate Members! Capital Bikeshare Corporate Membership allows employers to provide a fun, affordable, and healthy commute option for their employees to bike to/from the office.

Are You Up for the Challenge?

Get your game face on! We're seeking top DC employers who offer commuter benefits to join goDCgo's first-ever Employer Commuter Challenge from September 1 to 30, 2019. To make DC a healthier, greener, and safer city for all, we're launching this inaugural challenge to encourage employees to use sustainable transportation instead of driving to work alone. Alternative options include biking, walking, public transit, carpooling, vanpooling, scooting and even travel by water taxi here in the District!

Welcome to 2020: New Decade, New Transportation Benefits Increase

Welcome to the new decade! Starting January 1st, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) increases the monthly pre-tax deduction limit for transportation fringe benefits from $265 to $270; that's $5 more towards your transit or vanpool expenses! So, make sure to let your employer know if you'd like to increase your commuter benefits election.

Not yet saving money on the cost of your public transportation or vanpool to work? Let's fix that! Whether you’re an employer or employee, we can give you the tools you need to gain a competitive edge or to save time and money on your commute. Visit goDCgo.com/commuter for transportation options and resources to help you explore a new commute.

goDCgo, Literally!

Since launching in 2010, goDCgo has continued to have a major influence on DC commuters choosing to travel sustainably. goDCgo is an initiative of the District Department of Transportation and the leading resource for sustainable transportation information and options in Washington, DC. We work with DC employers and residential and hospitality industries to provide complimentary consulting services to encourage and support the use of active transportation and public transit. Our goal serves to decrease traffic congestion, improve air quality, and create a better quality of life in the DC area for commuters, residents, and visitors.

Getting Around DC Sustainably

Whether you're a DC local, visitor, or transient, making the choice to commute by bike, bus, foot, or train contributes to a greener community. goDCgo encourages you to walk, bike, or take public transit instead of driving a car. By opting to travel greener, you'll help make our city a better place to live, work, and play!

Is your SmarTrip Card prepared (to not have a negative balance)?

Beginning January 8,  2018, WMATA’s Metro's fare system will no longer allow customers to carry a negative balance on a SmarTrip card for Metrobus and Metrorail. 

Top 10 Sites to See for Black History Month

This blog references DC Circulator. Please note, as of 1/1/2025, DC Circulator no longer provides bus service.

Every year, February is celebrated as Black History Month to recognize both the achievements and central role of African Americans in US history. Initially coined "Negro History Week" in 1926 by the notable black historian Carter G. Woodson, the week was founded to raise awareness about African Americans' contributions to civilization. Decades later, Woodson's legacy remains stronger than ever. In fact, the celebration expanded to a month during its 50th anniversary in 1976 to become the first-ever African American History Month. Since then, each US president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme. From our nation's first African American president, Barack Obama, to one of the greatest leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we thank you and honor you for your contributions.

10 Facts about DC Circulator’s New National Mall Route

Launched in 2005, the DC Circulator has been providing public transportation to the District’s main attractions and most lively neighborhoods for business, culture, and entertainment for only $1 per ride. The Circulator services each stop every 10 minutes, providing simple, fast and affordable transit to residents, commuters, and visitors around the nation’s capital. Celebrating a decade of affordable, comfortable, and efficient service, the Circulator system continues to expand and is now the fourth-largest bus system in the region.

Bikes, Bikes & More Bikes

It’s no secret that Washington, DC is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country. In fact, our nation’s capital was named a “Gold” Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists just earlier this year! Over the years, more than 800 communities have applied for the Bike Friendly Community designation, but our nation's capital became the first large eastern city to receive the Gold level designation which was based on a number of factors:

• the percentage of residents who bike to work
• the amount of bike lanes, cycletracks, and multi-use trails in the city
• the large and growing Capital Bikeshare system

Over 18,000 (or 5%) of DC residents bike to work on a daily basis and you could join the fun! In addition to the number of cyclists and abundance of bike lanes, trails, and infrastructure, there are also multiple biking and scooter share options that are easily accessible in the District. 

Four Major Changes Coming to Metro on June 25

Established in 1967, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), or what we informally call the "Metro," was created to plan, develop, build, finance, and operate a balanced regional transportation system in the DC metro area. Metro began building its rail system in 1969, acquired four regional bus systems in 1973, and began operating the first phase of Metrorail in 1976. Today, Metrorail serves 91 stations and has 117 miles of track. Metrobus serves the nation's capital 24 hours a day, seven days a week with 1,500 buses. Metrorail and Metrobus serve a population of approximately 4 million within a 1,500-square mile jurisdiction. And now, it's time for some change.

In early 2017, Metro's Board of Directors approved four major changes to the Metro system:

• a fare increase
• updated schedule
• altered hours of operation
• the renaming of two popular stations

What to Know: WMATA Yellow Line Shutdown

Attention Yellow Line riders -- be sure to plan your post-Thanksgiving holiday travel accordingly! Starting Monday, November 26 to Sunday, December 9, Metro’s Yellow Line service will be shut down for 14 consecutive days as the transit agency closes the bridge over the Potomac River to work on repairs, taking advantage of lower ridership during the holiday season.

Free City Cycling Class and Community Rides for CaBi Members!

Spring is in the air, which means the Washington Area Bicyclists Association (WABA) cycling classes have finally returned! And in even better news, the City Cycling classes and Community Rides are FREE to Capital Bikeshare members! 

Get Active on the Klingle Valley Trail

Need a new route to explore? The Klingle Valley Trail officially opened this summer! Spanning just shy of a mile, the trail is located in a lush, forest-like, residential area in Northwest DC with easy access to the neighborhoods of Cleveland Park, Woodley Park, and Mount Pleasant. At 0.7 miles long, the trail has a steady, moderate incline and follows a small brook through a small wooded stream valley leading to the rugged and picturesque Rock Creek Park.

Take the Car Free Day Pledge

Car Free Day is on Thursday, September 22. Are you ready to take the pledge?

Let Us Be Your Go-To Transit Resource

Staying at A Cherry Blossom Hotel? Download Your Get Around Guide

The cherry blossom trees are, without a doubt, the stars of springtime in Washington, DC. Each year between March and April, the District sees its highest peak in tourism, as thousands flock to the nation’s capital to witness the city in bloom and enjoy the spirit of the National Cherry Blossom Festival along with all of its events and activities.

Who Knew a Taxi Could be So Scenic?

The Wharf is officially open -- reestablishing the District as a waterfront city and destination! Although this is only Phase One, this mile-long stretch along the Potomac River has been newly constructed with restaurants, retailers, residences, and businesses—all complemented by monumental views, landmarks, and a vibrant culture.

Get Rewarded by Going Car-Free

Attention DC employers! goDCgo invites you and your employees to drop your car keys for a day and leave the car behind on September 22 as Washington, DC will celebrate Car Free Day.

How you can help your employees walk to work

While the District of Columbia is well-known for its avid and fiercely loyal biking community and amenities, did you know that DC is also well-equipped for pedestrians? In fact, the city is so well suited for walking that it was recently designated as a Gold level walk friendly community by the Walk Friendly Community (WFC) program. This rank can mainly be accredited to Washington, DC's high transit and walking mode share and exceptional planning and engineering. We also boast a high level of staffing and public input for pedestrian issues which demonstrates a strong commitment to walkability.
 
The Walk Friendly Community is a national recognition program developed to encourage cities across the US to develop and support walking environments with an emphasis on safety, mobility, access, and comfort. Washington, DC is proud to be one of 63 cities in the country with such a designation and one of just 15 with a Gold level designation.
 
This is a prime opportunity to educate your employees about the many benefits of walking to work. Specifically, be sure to mention:

• 96 percent of DC’s population lives within a quarter-mile of a bus stop or half-mile of a rail station meaning that even if they don’t want to walk the entire commute, they can at least walk a portion!
• DC’s Downtown Business Improvement District led the effort to develop a citywide wayfinding signage system to make walking around the city as easy as possible. In other words, no one will get lost walking to work.
• A recent study found that people who switched their commutes from driving to walking experienced greater well-being, specifically a greater ability to concentrate and felt less stress overall.

goDCgo is your number one resource for education about sustainable transportation choices for employees. Find out how goDCgo can help your organization today. 

Year in Review: goDCgo Employer Services

Thank you to all of the Human Resource (HR) representatives, Directors, CEOs and green teams for working with us to make commuting easy, affordable, and fun this year! goDCgo is honored to have supported more than 1,000 businesses across the District of Columbia with complimentary commuter services. That means we’ve helped almost 300,000 commuters save both time and money on commuting while curbing emissions and traffic!

Below are goDCgo's highlights from 2016:

• 161 employers offer Capital Bikeshare corporate memberships to over 3,000 employees
• 182 businesses took advantage of a one-on-one commuter benefits consultation 
• 2,115 employees learned about their commute options at presentations and events

Take a look back some of our favorite milestones and events:

Getting to the national portrait gallery

On Monday, February 12, the National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian unveiled former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama's official portraits. As you can imagine, this is a very popular exhibit and with nearby parking costing upwards of $20, it can be a costly viewing as well. If you plan on checking out the latest addition to the Presidential Portraits, please consider these budget-friendly options for getting to and from the National Portrait Gallery.

Commuter Benefits Ordinance 101

Do you know about Washington, DC’s new commuter benefits ordinance? goDCgo is here to provide you with all you need to know below.

How Well Do You Really Know Your Employees?

One of the many complimentary services we offer here at goDCgo are commuter surveys, in which we have the ability to poll your employees. This allows you, as their employer, to take a closer look at your organization's travel patterns to help you uncover the bigger picture of HOW your employees travel, WHERE they travel in from, and what their wish list is to improve their commute. As an open and anonymous forum, this is a great opportunity for your employees to speak out about their commutes and perhaps company perks and/or amenities that they wish were in place. These commuter surveys will also highlight their pain points, all of which can help you become a superstar employer by providing unique benefit packages for current and future employees that address these issues. The goDCgo Employer Services team can introduce you to what options are available and identify programs that will benefit both you as the employer and your employees with robust recommendations.

Brush Up on Your Biking Skills

Here at goDCgo, we take bicycle safety seriously, and we want you to do the same!

Luckily, the DC region has the Washington Area Bicycle Association (WABA) as a resource for all things bike – and they’re kind of the experts when it comes to bike safety. Over the past year, WABA has been bringing us monthly pointers about bike safety, which we've adopted as Capital Bikeshare's official Riding Tips. Here, we provide some additional detail and context for each riding tip to help you follow the rules of the road this Bike Month.

7 Ways to Make Your Business Bike Friendly All Year Long

Although Bike to Work Day has passed, this season offers commuters an ideal opportunity to try biking. Here are seven simple ways to create a bike-friendly workplace and culture while keeping your employees healthy and engaged throughout the year:

DC’s Most Romantic Spots Accessible by Metro

With Valentine’s Day just a few days away, goDCgo put together a list of DC’s most romantic destinations for you and your Valentine to visit. Not to mention, you can save a few bucks and gas and visit all these places via the Metro. 

DC Bike Maps are Back!

Do you commute by bike or scooter, or perhaps go for recreational rides? Whether you’re an occasional or devoted bicyclist in the District, be sure to grab an updated 2019 edition of the DC Bike Map FREE at your disposal both online and in print. Riders can use the map to plan commuting and recreational trips since it shows off-street trails, a newly detailed mountain bike trail, and identifies the suitability of streets for bicycling. The map also provides riding tips and other information about bike lanes and bike safety for beginner cyclists and scooter riders. The map can be downloaded as a PDF file and accessed online or from a mobile device.

A Bike-Friendly Washington, DC

As the saying goes, "You never forget how to ride a bike," so it's a skill that you carry for a lifetime. Put those skills to good use by exploring the 150 miles of bike lanes and trails that Washington, DC has to offer! goDCgo encourages you to join the rising number of residents who already commute by bike, making DC a healthier, greener, and more sustainable city. Our prospering bike community continues to grow year over year, with an emphasis on the District's commitment to improving bike safety, infrastructure, and accessibility. In fact, we're nationally recognized as one of the top cycling cities by popular advocacy groups like People for Bikes and the League of American Bicyclists!

Manage Parking Demand & Save Money With Parking Cash-out

Under a parking cash-out program, an employer offers employees the option give up their free or subsidized parking space at work for taxable cash income. Parking cash-out is one of the most effective but underutilized strategies to manage parking demand and encourage employees not to drive alone to work.

Women Transforming Transportation

Initially, women were only celebrated on International Women's Day on March 8. In 1978, this day extended to become Women's History Week and the movement expanded nationwide as other communities initiated their own celebratory observations. Two years later, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week. Subsequent presidents continued to proclaim a National Women’s History Week in March until 1987 when Congress passed a law designating March as Women’s History Month.

DC Commuter Benefits Law: Comply or Be Fined

Are you a DC organization with 20 or more employees? The DC Commuter Benefits Law requires businesses (including non-profits) with 20 or more employees (full-time or part-time) in DC to offer commuter benefits. Starting on November 14, 2019, businesses operating in Washington, DC that are not in compliance with the DC Commuter Benefits Law, will be subject to fines. 

What are the fines for non-compliance? 
For the first offense, each month that a business is not in compliance could result in a fine of $100 per covered employee. Repeat offenders would see fines of $200 per employee for the second offense, $400 per employee for the third offense, and $800 per employee for subsequent offenses. To review the regulation in the Notice of Final Rulemaking, click here. 
 

DC Circulator is Going Wild!

Let your wild side out for a ride. The DC Circulator has launched a Zoo Express Bus – its first-ever summer bus service to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! Starting May 4 through September 30, 2019, this bus will provide FREE express service between the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro Station and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. The new service closes the ½ mile transit gap between the Metro and the northwestern portion of Connecticut Ave, providing access to the Zoo and all the shops, restaurants, and hotels in the area. 

5 Easy Ways to Make Your Property More Desirable

What's your New Year's Resolution? Why not leave the car behind in the last decade and transition to more sustainable means of travel? That's certainly our goal in the coming years and you can bet that your residents are aiming for the same. We all have the power to make a difference!

pre-tax commuter benefits will increase by $5 in 2020

Effective January 1^st, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will increase the monthly pre-tax deduction limit for transportation fringe benefits from $265 to $270. This $5 increase applies to commutes by vanpool and transit, and for qualified parking. Be sure to let your employees know in case they’d like to increase their commuter benefit contribution in the coming year.

Dc Circulator Service changes

Effective June 24, 2018, the DC Circulator is implementing major service changes including two route realignments, increased service hours on select routes and a revised fare payment option. 

I Tried Capital Bikeshare and I Loved it! 

It's been almost a year since I took my first Capital Bikeshare trip from Rosslyn to Pentagon City, and I was hooked immediately.

6 Easy Steps to a More Bike-Friendly Workplace

Encouraging your employees, customers and visitors to bike is a great way to promote a healthy
workforce and an environmentally-friendly travel mode. But where do you start?

On October 6, goDCgo and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) teamed up for a webinar and broke it down into 6 easy steps:

3 Easy Tips to Navigate Cold-Weather Biking

Is there special clothing I should wear while biking during the winter months?  How do I choose the best bike route when its dark before I leave work?

Congratulations 2019 Commuter Challenge Competitors!

Thank you and congratulations to all of our employers and commuters who participated in the first-ever goDCgo Commuter Challenge! Participating organizations included the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DDOE), the World Bank Group, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), Washington Gas, Community of Hope, and TCG. We hope everyone enjoyed the competition and was inspired to turn this challenge into a forever lifestyle. Thanks to your efforts, we’ve collectively logged over 8,500 clean trips, burned 753,440 calories, saved 106,100 pounds of carbon emissions, and reduced 90,400 car miles during the month of September. This just goes to show that making the choice to walk, bike, or take public transit even one day a week can help make DC a greener city. YOU have the power to make a difference!

Summer Move-In? No Sweat!

Now that we've entered peak move-in season, it's a great time to welcome your new residents with transportation information to get acquainted with the neighborhood. When residents move to a new home, they must figure out new commutes to work, local travel options, and how they'll run errands. All of these trips lead to the overall happiness and satisfaction of residents in their new home. As the saying goes, “location, location, location,” so help your residents be confident in their choice by providing transportation information, and highlighting the travel options that are easily accessible from your community.

Bike to Work Day is Back to Business

As the cherry blossoms turn and the thermometer ticks up, you may notice more cyclists in city bike lanes. This can only mean one thing – Bike to Work Day is quickly approaching! On Friday, May 17, goDCgo and many other local organizations and businesses will be celebrating bicycling as a clean, fun, and healthy way to get to work – and you’re invited! Before we share registration information and locations for the celebratory events, let’s reflect on how far biking has come in the nation’s capital.

New Traffic Signal System Gives Buses Priority

If you are one of the thousands of Metrobus riders throughout DC, you will be excited to know that DDOT just added a new way for buses to move through intersections before other traffic. By installing new “bus only” traffic signals, buses will have their own dedicated time to jump ahead of traffic at busy intersections. This means no more getting stuck behind other vehicles that could delay your schedule. 

Best Spots for Cherry Blossoms

Here in the District, spring signifies more than just the arrival of warm weather — the season marks the blooming of our world-famous cherry blossom trees, symbolizing the natural beauty of our nation's capital city.  

African American Contributions to Transportation

The depth and breadth of African American contributions to the American experience are immense. When it comes to transportation, the impacts have been felt worldwide. Below are just a few examples of African American designers, inventors, and engineers who have made a lasting impact on how we get around today.

Open Enrollment Season Is Here

How are you preparing for Car Free Day 2018?

Mark your calendars! Friday and Saturday, September 21 and 22 are Car Free Days. Celebrated around the world, this is a free event in which people are encouraged to get around town without driving alone in cars. The entire community is invited to take different modes of transportation such as train, metro, bus, carpool, or bike. Or, maybe cut the commute completely and telework. The goal is to reduce traffic congestion, create a greener environment, reduce the demand for gasoline, and help people save money and reduce stress! Over 1,500 cities in 40 countries will participate in Car Free Day 2018.

Spring Pedal Push Results

In order to promote biking in the District, goDCgo launched the Spring Pedal Push promotion to raise awareness of the Capital Bikeshare Corporate Membership Program.

Roll to the Watering Hole

As we traverse the hottest month of the year, temperatures and humidity are at their annual high. But have no fear, goDCgo has put together a guide to help you stay cool by hitting up the pool! Below you will find a list of all the public pools that are accessible by Capital Bikeshare. Rides start at just $2 for a single trip under 30 minutes. For more information and passes, visit www.capitalbikeshare.com. 

Explore More Than The Blossoms With The DC Circulator

capital bikeshare adds stations in wards 7 & 8

Last month, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser cut the ribbon on eight new Capital Bikeshare stations in Wards 7 and 8 in Washington, D.C. The ribbon cutting, which took place on Capital Bikeshare’s seventh anniversary, was led by the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) and was attended by both the Mayor and the interim Director of DDOT.

Dockless Bikeshare in the District: FAQ’s

By now, you might have heard that DDOT is allowing private companies to operate dockless bikeshare in the District. The six-month demonstration project will determine if dockless bikeshare will be allowed to remain in the District, and how such businesses would be required to operate. Many have had questions regarding this new service, so we’ve answered the most common inquiries below. Should you require more information, please contact [email protected]. 

Top cycling situations to avoid

Cycling is one of the healthiest and most fun ways to get from point A to B. To ensure your ride goes as smoothly as possible, you should always avoid some common “tricky situations” that may lead to collisions with motorists. Wearing a helmet and signaling is always a must, but here are some situations to look out for when riding alongside traffic:

leave the car at home

International Car Free Day is only a few short days away on Friday, September 22, 2017. People across the world in over 40 countries will come together and leave the car keys at home for a day to do their part in making the world a little more green and the roads a lot less congested.

How are you preparing for Car Free Day?

Mark your calendars! Friday, September 22 is Car Free Day. Celebrated around the world, this is a free event in which people are encouraged to get around town without driving alone in cars. The entire community is invited to take different modes of transportation such as train, metro, bus, carpool, or bike. Or, maybe cut the commute completely and telework. The goal is to reduce traffic congestion, create a greener environment, reduce the demand for gasoline, and help people save money and reduce stress! Over 1,500 cities in 40 countries will participate in Car Free Day 2017.

Top Spots to See Cherry Blossoms in DC

Here in Washington, DC, spring signifies more than just the arrival of warm weather—the season marks the blooming of our world-famous cherry blossom trees, symbolizing the natural beauty of our nation's capital city.  

Each spring, the cherry trees take over the Tidal Basin, drawing thousands of visitors to a sea of pale pink and white blossoms at the Jefferson Memorial. While the Basin is home to the official Welcome Center and a majority of the cherry trees, it is not the only location in the city to marvel at the pink petals. Avoid the crowds and witness the beauty of the cherry trees at these lesser-known locations: