August 2007

RETAIL AND TRANSPORTATION

Transportation Update: New Motorcoach Regulations

In response to safety, security and preservation requirements, the Capitol Police, the Department of Motor Vehicles and District of Columbia have implemented several new regulations that impact motorcoach travel within the city. Many other popular historic tour and travel destinations; such as Savannah, Charleston, Gettysburg and New York City; already have similar arrangements in place. These new regulations cover permitting and traffic flow for motorcoaches.

Effective immediately, coaches are precluded from traveling within certain locations on and around the grounds of the U.S. Capitol and utilizing many of the residential streets in the Capitol Hill Historic District. Motorcoach operators are also required to obtain permits for operation in the District. Click here for more information and to view maps of the routes affected.

These regulations surfaced and were implemented very quickly and WCTC worked diligently on behalf of its clients and the city to strike a balance in rolling out these new laws.

Circulator Route Expands Hours & Service

Thanks to newly expanded routes and extended hours, DC's sleek, stylish Circulator bus has made it easier than ever for convention-goers, visitors and residents to navigate the nation's capital. Earlier this year, the popular transportation system launched new late-night service and adjusted its East-West route to include stops in the heart of Georgetown.

Connecting the Washington Convention Center to Chinatown and the Penn Quarter neighborhood, the National Mall and the Southwest Waterfront, the Circulator's North-South route operates from 7am to 9pm and includes stops near the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum, The U.S. Navy Memorial, the National Archives, the International Spy Museum, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and the soon-to-open Newseum and Madame Tussauds. Theatre-lovers enjoy easy access to the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Arena Stage as well as the Shakespeare Theatre Company and its new theatre, Sidney Harman Hall.

From March through October, the Circulator also operates a loop around the National Mall route with stops at popular attractions such as the National Air and Space Museum, the National Gallery of Art and the Washington Monument. The Mall loop runs daily from 10am - 4pm, seven days a week.

It's easy to see why the buses are such a hit with residents and visitors. They're colorful and comfortable, with low floors, wide windows and easy access. Riders can transfer between the routes at no cost, and bulk tickets are available for meeting planners. Click here for a route map or call (202) 962-1423 for more information.

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New Retail Opens Near Convention Center

Eight new retail outlets have opened near the Washington Convention Center this summer, giving convention delegates and meeting organizers new choices for grabbing lunch, a post-meeting beer or a slice of freshly baked pie. These new retailers join 38 additional shops located within two blocks of the convention center.

Catering to convention-goers and neighborhood residents, the new retailers enhance the diversity of dining and entertainment options in the developing Mount Vernon Square neighborhood.

"We wanted to do a new concept that would bring a friendly and warm atmosphere to both the convention center and the community," says Caffie Archie, manager of Euromarket, one of the new dining outlets. "We are here to serve the public and especially the needs of our out-of-town visitors."

The eight new establishments are: Abou Master Goldsmith, Capital Business Center, Chatman's D'Vine Bakery and Café, Enterprise Rental, Euromarket, J Summer Salon and Spa, Old Dominion Brewhouse, and Mongolian Grille.

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