Mayor Bowser Restores Service for DC Circulator’s National Mall Route

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced that, effective September 20, the DC Circulator will resume its National Mall route and the DC Streetcar will resume normal operating hours.

“As we gradually and safely reopen the District’s attractions and cultural spaces downtown and elsewhere, we are expanding public transit options to provide commuters and visitors with free, socially-distanced travel,” said Mayor Bowser. "It is critical that everyone do their part to protect themselves, their families, workers, and the community by wearing masks, social distancing, and practicing good hygiene.”

Effective Sunday, September 20, the following service adjustments will go into effect:

• DC Circulator will resume operations on the National Mall route weekdays from 6 am – 7 pm, and weekends from 7 am – 7 pm. Fares are still suspended on all DC Circulator routes.
• DC Streetcar will resume normal operating hours: Monday – Thursday 6 am – midnight; Friday 6 am – 2 am; Saturday 8 am – 2 am; and Sundays and holidays 8 am – 10 pm, running every 12 minutes.

Face coverings/masks must be worn at all times, keeping both the nose and mouth covered, and passengers are asked to take the following precautions to help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19):

• Enter and exit the bus using the rear door at all times. The only exceptions are for passengers who need to use the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) boarding ramp or require the bus to “kneel” to facilitate their boarding.
• Once onboard, practice social distancing (keep six feet of distance between you and others whenever possible).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Under Phase Two of the District’s Reopening, certain museums and galleries are open with a limited capacity of up to 50 people in enclosed rooms or exhibit spaces. A full list of open attractions can be found at Destination DC’s website, including:

Museums/Cultural Attractions

• The Hirshhorn has reopened its sculpture garden from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily with two new sculptures.
• Dumbarton House is open Thursdays – Sundays at limited capacity for self-guided tours. Guests must reserve timed tickets in advance and follow the museum’s updated safety procedures.
• International Spy Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. You must get advance tickets and abide by social distancing guidelines and mask requirements.
• Smithsonian's National Zoo is open to 5,000 people per day, face coverings required for guests ages 6 and up and guest passes required for entry (free timed entry pass or paid parking pass). The last entry time to the zoo is 3 p.m. Some exhibits are closed to visitors.
• National Museum of Women in the Arts has reopened. Advance tickets, masks and social distancing are required.
• The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has canceled all performances. Visitors may visit the JFK Memorial bust in the grand foyer if they follow safety procedures. The outdoor campus at THE REACH is accessible, including pop-up wine garden and cafe Victura Park.
• Museum of the Bible is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets, face masks and social distancing required. Use complimentary styluses on touchscreens. Read more "Thou Shalts."
• ARTECHOUSE reopened July 9. Make sure to read the museum's safety protocols before planning a trip.
• Heurich House Museum's Castle Garden is open by reservation only, Tuesday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• O Museum in The Mansion is open for socially distanced, masked visits with online reservations required. The garden is open for reservations as well.
• National Gallery of Art's West Building reopened on July 20; timed passes required for entry. Read more.
• Tudor Place has its garden and grounds open from Thursday-Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m. Garden admission is free, but make sure to reserve a ticket.
• Lincoln's Cottage has reopened for exterior-only tours on Fridays through Mondays. Advance tickets are required.

Parks/Gardens/Recreation

• The Smithsonian's Enid A. Haupt Garden is now open from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily with safety protocols in place. Learn more.
• The Thompson Boat Center and The Wharf Boathouse have reopened by reservation only. Guests must wear masks at all times on dock and during launch and maintain social distancing. Learn more.
• Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is open and requires advance reservations and social distancing. Learn more.
• Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens is open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., with limited number of visitors, required social distancing and face coverings suggested. Onsite buildings and bathroom are closed. Learn more.
• U.S. National Arboretum has reopened on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 – 5 p.m. and will limit the number of guests. Learn more.
• National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden will reopen on Saturday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. with limited capacity requiring social distancing and masks for kids ages 2 and up. Learn more.
• The Fields at RFK Campus are open from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., daily, including the playground, fitness area and tables. Occupancy is limited, visitors are asked to sanitize hands upon entry of the playground.

For updates on the District’s response to COVID-19, please visit coronavirus.dc.gov.

For more information on the DC Circulator and DC Streetcar, please visit dccirculator.com and dcstreetcar.com.