DC CIRCULATOR
A new route of a public bus system, the DC Circulator, provides inexpensive, frequent service around the National Mall. It’s a long walk between attractions along the National Mall, especially for children and the elderly. This new bus service increases the accessibility to Washington, DC attractions and makes it easier for visitors, federal workers and local residents to get around the downtown area.

The Circulator buses stop at each of the Smithsonian museums as well as the two National Gallery buildings. From the Mall, passengers can connect to other Circulator routes that run between Union Station and Georgetown, and between the Washington Convention Center and the Mall.

DC Circulator fares are $1 a ride, and 50¢ for seniors (exact change only). You may ask for a transfer when paying your Circulator fare that allows you to reboard any Circulator within a two-hour time period. Circulator transfers are accepted on Metrobus with no additional charge. The Circulator accepts Metrobus transfers at no additional charge. Metrorail transfers are accepted with a $.35 payment. Drivers can only accept exact change, however, regular tickets and $3 one day passes can be purchased at the fare meters located along the Circulator route. Meters accept change as well as credit cards.

The DC Circulator runs every 5-10 minutes, from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm (times may vary by destination). For more information, including a route map, visit www.dccirculator.com or call (202) 962-1423.

TAXICAB SERVICES
District cabs continue to operate on a zone system instead of using meters and the cabbies hope to keep it that way. By law, basic rates are posted in each cab. If you take a trip from one point to another within the same zone, the base rate is $5.50 (during non-rush hour) regardless of the distance traveled. That rate applies whether you travel a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol to the National Museum of American History, or from the Capitol all the way to Dupont Circle. Both trips traverse Zone 1, where most tourist attractions are located: the White House, most of the Smithsonian, the Washington Monument, the FBI, the National Archives, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the Old Post Office, and Ford's Theatre. If your trip takes you into a second zone, the price goes to $7.60, $9.50 for a third zone, $11 for a fourth, and so on. Recently, taxis have begun to charge a $1 surcharge on top of the zone fare, to cover the high price of gasoline. In addition, the rates quoted above are based on the assumption that you are hailing a cab. If you telephone for a cab, you will be charged an additional $2. During rush hour, between 7:00 am and 9:30 am and 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm weekdays, you pay a surcharge of $1 per trip, plus a surcharge of $1 when you telephone for a cab.

Other charges might apply, as well: There's a $1.50 charge for each additional passenger after the first, so a $5.50 Zone 1 fare can become $11 ($1 fuel charge, plus $9 for a family of four, though one child under 5 can ride free). Surcharges are also added for luggage (from 50¢ to $2 per piece, depending on size). Try Diamond Cab Company at (202) 387-6200 or Yellow Cab Company at (202) 544-1212.

The zone system is not used when your destination is an out-of-District address (such as an airport); in that case, the fare is based on mileage: $2.65 for the first half-mile or part thereof and 80¢ for each additional half-mile or part. You can call (202) 331-1671 to find out the rate between any point in D.C. and an address in Virginia or Maryland. Call (202) 645-6018 to inquire about fares within the District. For more information about D.C. taxicabs, including listings, a useful fare calculator and a taxicab zone map, visit the D.C. Taxicab Commission's website at www.dctaxi.dc.gov.

CAR RENTALS
You may find it easier to rent a car during your stay in Washington, DC. We have compiled a list of agencies and their locations and local phone numbers (all are within the District):