ABA, AAA implore leaders to address DC parking crisis
The groups urged planners to add parking near the National Mall for the millions of people who will visit by bus and car over the next several months, kicking off with the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
The leadership of the American Bus Association (ABA) and AAA Mid-Atlantic implored government leaders to address the impending parking crisis that will hit Washington, D.C., during the peak tourism season. The groups urged planners to add parking near the National Mall for the millions of people who will visit by bus and car over the next several months.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival marks the unofficial annual kick-off to the tourism and tour bus season in the nation’s capital. ABA and AAA Mid-Atlantic say that long-term solutions are needed to provide centralized parking solutions for the Cherry Blossom Festival, other events and the day-to-day influx of visitors.
Ad Loading...
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is expected to draw as many as 1.5 million tourists and generate as much as $160 million annually in total economic impact. It also brings in one of the highest volumes of motorcoach activity in the calendar year. Statistics from Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments indicate that, during the spring and summer, the region averages 1,100 buses a day filled with as many as 50 people coming to visit the magnificent sites in Washington, Virginia and Maryland.
Overall, the motorcoach, travel and tourism industry generates more than $5 billion a year in total economic impact for Washington and the surrounding region, including Maryland and Northern Virginia.
Yet, many of the motorists and motorcoaches venturing into the nation’s capital during the tourist season are forced to run a gantlet of parking rules and parking enforcers. Potentially compounding the problem, the National Park Service has said it is considering plans to remove the limited number of free parking spaces for visitors and tourists and install multi-space parking meters. Many of these spots near the Tidal Basin are used by motorcoaches to park or drop off and pick up passengers.
“Through the year, but especially during the next several months, tens of thousands of people each day will arrive on motorcoaches and visit the wonderful sites and attractions in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia,” said ABA President/CEO Peter J. Pantuso. “But our region has big challenges when it comes to providing adequate parking for motorcoaches. There are just not enough places to park while our guests are out of the motorcoach dining, shopping and exploring the area’s attractions. We join with our colleagues at AAA Mid-Atlantic to call on government leaders to begin a discussion about how our industry, elected officials, and other stakeholders can find long-term solutions to this problem.”
Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.
Under this extension, Keolis will continue to manage and operate fixed-route bus service across the East Valley, serving communities including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, the town of Gilbert, parts of Phoenix, and the Gila River Indian Community.
Through the strategic partnership, MOIA America will provide MOIA’s turnkey autonomous mobility solution. This includes purpose-built, autonomous-ready ID. Buzz vehicles equipped with the self-driving system developed by Mobileye, as well as operator training and enablement.
LexRide connects key destinations, including Downtown Lexington, the Distillery District, and the Warehouse Block/National Avenue area, making it easier to explore without worrying about parking, traffic, or multiple rideshare trips.
Sustainability Partners’ Arnold Albiar discusses how a service-based approach is helping airports and public agencies deploy and manage electric fleets more efficiently.
The expanded service builds on Pace’s growing On Demand network and is intended to improve access to destinations such as medical appointments, schools, shopping, employment centers and connections to the regional transit system.
An important part of the authority’s NextGen Bus Network, MARTA Reach will bring transit service directly to the rider’s location and offer a seamless link to the broader rail and bus system.
