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City Guide - Washington, DC - Getting Around | ||
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Getting Around Public Transport The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (tel: (202) 962 1234; e-mail: csvc@wmata.com; website: www.wmata.com) is responsible for the Metro system. The Metro is an efficient and comfortable system, consisting of a subway and buses, which operates throughout the city as a fast and efficient alternative to the heavy traffic congestion experienced in the city. Information can be obtained by telephone (tel: (202) 637 7000) 0600-2230 weekdays and 0800-2230 weekends. Five subway lines (red, orange, blue, green and yellow), known as the Metrorail, cover the city, extending into Maryland and Virginia. Metrorail fares are zonal, ranging from US$1.10 to US$2.20, during off-peak hours. There is a one-day Metrorail Pass costing US$5, which is valid after 0930 or all day at the weekend. A Seven-day Fast Pass offers unlimited rail travel for US$25. There is a flat fee of US$1.10 (exact money only) on the bus system. A combined Metrorail/bus pass is available from Sunday to Saturday allowing unlimited rides on the Metro bus and subway for US$30. The system operates 0530-2400 Monday to Friday and 0800-2400 at the weekend. Metrorail stations also stay open until 0200 on Friday and Saturday. Taxis Taxis in Washington, DC are operated on a zone system and are not metered, although there are plans to introduce meters. By law, passengers must wear seat belts. The base fare for one zone is US$5.50 for one passenger with additional charges of US$1.50 for each additional passenger and a US$1.25 surcharge per person for travel during the weekday morning and evening rush hours (0700-0930 and 1600-1830). Taxis can easily be hailed on the street and it is worth remembering that phoning for a taxi puts an additional US$2 on the fare, although late at night it may be wiser to telephone rather than wait on the street. Tips of around 10% of the fare are expected. Cab drivers are entitled to pick up other fares en route if they are travelling in the same direction. Providers include: Yellow Cab (tel: (202) 544 1212) and Mayflower Cab Company (tel: (202) 783 1111). Limousines As befits a city with the status of Washington, DC, deluxe cars are often seen on its streets. Luxury stretch, super and ultra limousines can be hired from various outlets. American Eagle Limousine and Travel Services Inc (tel: (703) 550 7200) have a full range of limousines ranging in price from US$75-130 per hour (minimum three hours). Reston Limousines (tel: (703) 478 0500 or (800) 546 6141, toll free USA and Canada only) have limousines carrying between six and ten passengers starting at US$67.75 per hour (US$79.95 on Saturdays) with a minimum rental of three hours. Driving in the City When city planning began under Major Pierre L'Enfant, he could never have envisaged the demands of modern traffic. However, the streets are laid out in a basic grid pattern, divided into four quadrants, which makes navigation pretty straightforward. Streets running north-south in the centre are numbered and those running east-west are designated by letters. Roads running diagonally to the general grid pattern are named after American states. There are some confusing traffic circles and some one-way streets, which need to be looked out for. The city is encircled by the Capital Beltway, made up of Interstates I-95 and I-495. This road is almost always clogged with traffic and, even though moving slowly, it is often difficult to cross the lanes of traffic to get to the road exit required. In the rush hours (0630-0900 and 1600-1830), there are carpool regulations for certain lanes of the highway governing the number of people in vehicles. During the rush hour certain lanes and even streets change direction for morning/evening, in order to alleviate the congestion. Unless otherwise indicated, right turns on a red light are permitted if it is safe to proceed. There are restrictions on parking during rush hours and some weekend hours and cars parked illegally are towed away to a car pound only open for retrieval Monday-Friday. Meter parking is available but usually for only up to one hour, although it is usually free at the weekend. Away from the main sights, parking in the residential neighbourhoods is often reserved for the residents and a special zone sticker must be displayed. It is possible to park here but usually only for a two-hour period. There is a monthly publication, Parking Guide Magazine, which provides information on parking locations and costs around Washington. The chronic lack of parking space generally encourages most visitors to use the public transport system. Car Hire Insurance is compulsory when hiring and it should also be confirmed that there is adequate Loss Damage Waiver and personal liability insurance. The minimum rental age is generally 25 years, but some companies will rent cars to drivers aged between 21 and 24 years, at a higher charge. Renters must be in possession of a full national driving licence. The following companies all have offices in the city: Avis, 1722 M Street, NW (tel: (202) 467 6585); Budget, 1620 L Street, NW (tel: (202) 393 1255) and Hertz, 901 11th Street, NW (tel: (202) 628 6174). Rates cost US$40-70 for one-day rental of a two-door compact. Bicycle Hire It is probably best not to attempt to cycle around the city, as the traffic is so heavy. However, there are plenty of enjoyable rides along the Potomac River and around the major sites where it is possible to avoid the traffic. Better Bikes (tel: (202) 293 2080) deliver bicycles to hotels and provide a map, helmet and roadside assistance if necessary. Ten-speed bicycles cost US$25 per day and mountain bikes US$38. It is also necessary to leave a deposit, which is refundable on the safe return of the bicycle. |