RATP Dev USA was awarded a contract to manage the District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) D.C. Circulator, a bus system for the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.

DDOT selected RATP Dev USA through a national competitive process that awarded the contract based on best value procurement. Contract services began Oct. 1, 2018 and will cover an initial period of five years with three additional five-year options. RATP Dev USA has appointed Tom Reynolds to serve as D.C. Circulator’s new GM.

“We trust that RATP Dev USA’s level of expertise and resources will improve the performance of the D.C. circulator and build on Mayor Bowsers' efforts to deliver quality service to D.C. riders,” said Jeff Marootian, director at DDOT.

The recent efforts include the purchase of 40 new buses, including the largest fleet of electric buses on the east coast, and the first reconfiguration of routes in years.

Under the terms of the contract, RATP Dev USA will directly supervise D.C. Circulator’s daily operations for six Circulator routes and maintain the 72-bus fleet in support of nearly five million annual trips. While the transition won’t impact riders directly, DDOT still encourages riders to monitor D.C. Circulator’s social media platforms and website for any service advisories.

“We are delighted to bring our world-renowned quality of service delivery to the customers and citizens of our nation’s capital,” said Russ Tieskoetter, COO at RATP Dev USA.  “We will leverage our extensive knowledge to enhance the experience that the D.C. Circulator provides its customers.”