D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10, r. 10-A408
Multi-modal connections refer to the links between different modes of travel, such as Metrorail, bus, and private cars. These connections can be improved by expanding Metrorail stations to allow for more effective bus and streetcar transfers, particularly as streetcars, RapidBus, and Bus Rapid Transit services become more common. Similarly, better pedestrian amenities, increased bicycle parking and more visible parking for car-share vehicles at Metrorail stations can enhance connections. 408.1
Intercity and commuter rail and bus connections are also critical to creating an efficient multimodal transportation system. Amtrak regularly runs trains into and out of Union Station, providing service along the northeastern rail corridor as well as points west and south. The District ranks third in Amtrak station passenger volume, after Philadelphia and New York City. The District is currently served by two commuter rail systems-Maryland Commuter Rail (MARC), which provides service from Maryland, and the Virginia Rail Expressway (VRE), which provides service from Virginia. These systems provide up to 30,000 trips in and out of Union Station on a typical weekday on 96 trains per day. Commuter ridership has increased substantially during recent years, and continued growth of both systems is expected. 408.2
The expansion of these two intercity and commuter rail services, coupled with Metrorail and Metrobus service, will increase accessibility and enhance regional transportation options. A number of key facilities on the rail system need improvements to accommodate future ridership and enable intermodal transfers. Increased capacity at Union Station and L'Enfant Plaza is also needed to accommodate commuter rail passenger traffic for MARC and VRE riders respectively. Taxis may also provide enhanced mobility for the disabled and elderly. 408.3
Taxis are another important component of the District's multi-modal transportation system. They provide an alternative and convenient means of travel throughout the District. In October 2005, the District launched the Taxicab Information Project ("TIP") in an effort to move away from a zone based fare to a meter-based fare. 408.4
Policy T-2.2.1: Multi-Modal Connections
Create more direct connections between the various transit modes consistent with the federal requirement to plan and implement intermodal transportation systems. 408.5
Policy T-2.2.2: Connecting District Neighborhoods
Improve connections between District neighborhoods through upgraded transit, auto, pedestrian and bike connections, and by removing or minimizing existing physical barriers such as railroads and highways. However, no freeway or highway removal shall be undertaken prior to the completion of an adequate and feasible alternative traffic plan that has been approved by the District government. 408.6
Policy T-2.2.3: Airport Connections
Work with other local governments in the Washington metropolitan region to maintain intermodal transportation services that ensure more efficient and convenient connections between the District and the Reagan Washington National, Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International (BWI), and Washington Dulles International airports. 408.7
Policy T-2.2.4: Commuter and Intercity Rail
Support the expansion of commuter and intercity rail. Intercity rail could include magnetic levitation (MAGLEV) high-speed trains that could provide access to New York in 90 minutes and to Boston in three hours. 408.8
Policy T-2.2.5: Taxi Enhancements
Promote and incentivize upgrades to the city's taxi fleet including conversion to hybrid vehicles, installation of time and distance meters, improvements in tracking and dispatching, and implementation of handicap-accessible vehicles. Particular attention should be given to improving taxi service to neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River. 408.9
Action T-2.2.A: Intermodal Centers
Plan, fund, and implement the development of intermodal centers both at the periphery of the city and closer to Downtown. These intermodal centers should provide a so-called "park-once service," where travelers, including operators of tour buses, can park their vehicles in one location and then travel efficiently and safely around the District by other modes of travel. The intermodal centers surrounding the District's downtown should be located at Union Station, the Kennedy Center, and Banneker Overlook, and other locations that support parking for motor vehicles, including tour buses.
Action T-2.2.B: Pedestrian Connections
Work in concert with WMATA to undertake pedestrian capacity and connection improvements at selected transit stations and stops and at major transfer facilities to enhance pedestrian flow, efficiency, and operations.
Action T-2.2.C: Bicycle and Car-Pool Parking
Increase investment in bicycle parking and provide more visible parking for car-sharing operations at Metrorail stations, key transit stops, and future streetcar stations.
Action T-2.2.D: Commuter Rail and Bus Connections
Increase capacity and connectivity at Union Station and at the L'Enfant Plaza VRE station to accommodate additional commuter rail passenger traffic and direct through-train connections between Maryland and Virginia. In addition, support continued investment in commuter bus service and in Metrorail feeder bus service throughout the region. 408.13
Action T-2.2.E: Bus Connections
Promote cross-town transit services and new transit routes that connect neighborhoods to one another and to transit stations and stops.
Action T-2.2.F: Commuter Bus Management Initiative
Implement the recommendations of the DDOT Tour Bus Management Initiative, prepared to ameliorate long-standing problems associated with tour bus parking, roaming, and idling around the city's major visitor attractions.
The provisions of Title 10, Part A of the DCMR accessible through this web interface are codification of the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. As such, they do not represent the organic provisions adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia. The official version of the District Elements only appears as a hard copy volume of Title 10, Part A published pursuant to section 9 a of the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1994, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1 -301.66)) . In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions accessible through this site and the provisions contained in the published version of Title 10, Part A, the provisions contained in the published version govern. A copy of the published District Elements is available www.planning.dc.gov.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10, r. 10-A408