2009 Presidential Inauguration Transportation Information

Employers, commuters and residents should prepare for crowds, traffic and delays in and around the entire National Capital region and are strongly encouraged to allow employees to telework on January 20.  Employees that are required to travel into the workplace are encouraged to ask their employers to allow them to work flexible schedules in order to avoid peak inauguration traffic.  If you must travel on Jan 20, form a carpool or use transit.   

 

TELEWORK

If you have internet access from home or other work tasks that can be accomplished at home, ask your employer if you can telework on January 20.  Even if you have not teleworked before, you might consider asking your employer to make a special exception for January 20. You might also explore the use of a Telework Center http://www.wmtc.org/

 

CARPOOL

Heavy traffic volume is expected and some roads, bridges and highways may be closed temporarily. Cars will be restricted from some parts of the District, and it will be very difficult to find parking.  If you must travel into or near the District of Columbia by car, be sure to have a full tank of gas and CARPOOL. Although January 20 is a federal holiday, some local municipalities are enforcing weekday parking regulations. Sign up for Commuter Connections' free ridematching program or use the free online Bulletin Board to find a carpool.

 

TRANSIT

Mass transit systems will be extremely crowded.  Some transit lines will not accept normal commuter fare and are issuing special tickets for January 20.  

 

Metro

Some downtown Metro Stations will be closed so expect to walk long distances. If you intend to drive to the transit station, you are strongly advised to carpool to the station.  Note that parking at some Metrorail stations will be unavailable. 

http://www.wmata.com/getting_around/metro_events/inauguration.cfm

 

MTA / MARC Trains & Commuter Bus Information

http://www.mtamaryland.com/services/marc/inaugurationday/presidential-inauguration-day.cfm

Virginia Railway Express

http://www.vre.org/Inauguration09/main.html

 

Amtrak

Amtrak has expanded service by adding trains and cars to maximize capacity for service to and from Washington, D.C., seats may still be available.

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Copy/Hot_Deals_Page&c=am2Copy&cid=1178294251053&ssid=6

Charter Buses

All those who plan to travel the District of Columbia during inauguration week via chartered buses, motor carriers, etc, must obtain a Trip Permit from the District Department of Motor Vehicle and must sign up for a parking pass at designated parking sites.

http://inauguration.dc.gov/bus.asp

 

Bicycle

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) will be providing Inaugural Bike Valet parking in areas north and south of the National Mall. WABA is encouraging those interested to RSVP to ensure enough availability and volunteers.

http://www.waba.org/events/inauguralbikevalet.php

 

Other Inauguration Links

District of Columbia Department of Transportation

http://inauguration.dc.gov/index.asp

 

Maryland Department of Transportation

http://www.mdot.state.md.us/News/2009/January/Inauguration%20update.htm

 

Virginia Department of Transportation

http://www.virginiadot.org/news/northern_virginia/2009/virginia_prepares_for_inauguration37980.asp