As summer comes to a close, we're looking forward to fall! In addition to DC's picturesque fall foliage, this is a popular season for music and food events, art shows, and neighborhood festivals throughout the city. There's a long list of upcoming events, so goDCgo has highlighted a few popular fall festivals that you should attend and the best ways to get there without a car. Please be advised that face masks are still recommended when using public transit. Whether you live in the District or visiting to experience the culture, goDCgo highly suggests leaving the car behind to avoid traffic and the search for parking. Get to the fall festivities using sustainable transportation instead! In addition to the public transit options below, you can easily get around by walking, biking, or scooting....

As of Saturday, May 1, Washington, DC has transitioned to the use of 11 high-capacity, walk-up, no appointment needed vaccination sites. Please be advised that designated walk-up sites are for first vaccination doses ONLY. After you receive your first dose, you still need to make an appointment to get your second dose. The walk-up sites are available in addition to pharmacies, clinics, and health care providers that are administering the vaccines throughout the District. These sites will operate their own scheduling systems....

Since the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the District has experienced a decline in traffic due to many of us working from home. However, there's evidence that people may actually be driving more for non-commute trips. Many individuals have shifted to driving outside of work for recreation and to run errands, visit stores, workout at the gym, go out to eat, etc., leading to an increase in personal vehicle trips. And as people start returning to workplaces, our commute choice plays an integral role in helping to mitigate traffic congestion. goDCgo encourages you to do your part and travel sustainably by foot, bike, bus, scooter, Metro, or rideshare. Additionally, being able to telework has major implications for the environment, because in the U.S., transportation is the biggest source of greenhouse gases. So, if you have the option to work remotely, you can help fight climate change and improve the air quality in DC and beyond....

Black History Month is nationally observed every February to recognize the great contributions of African Americans in US history -- past, present, and future. This year, goDCgo is celebrating Black History Month in a new way by highlighting some of the black-owned businesses in the District and how to get to their storefront locations using sustainable transportation....

As of December 2020, WMATA's multi-year Platform Improvement Project (PIP) hit a milestone by passing the 50% completion mark, with 11 of 20 total stations now completed -- and the project continues to push forward. Beginning Saturday, February 13 to Sunday, May 23, WMATA will perform the next phase of its PIP to repair and reconstruct platforms at two stations on the Blue Line: Addison Road and Arlington Cemetery. As a result, there will be NO Blue Line service. To help you plan accordingly, goDCgo has outlined some of your travel alternatives below. During this time, FREE shuttle bus service will be available. Additional Yellow Line trains will replace Blue Line trains between Franconia-Springfield and Mt Vernon Square. Silver Line trains will continue to pass through but not serve Addison Road while the station is closed to minimize service impacts outside the construction area....

Although teachers, staff, and students no longer will be returning to school this month, it's important for school administrators to plan and prepare for safe commuting when students do return. We've compiled a list of ways your school administration can prepare to support the commutes of your teachers, staff, and students. Promote Commuting with Care No matter what form of transportation your teachers, staff, or students use, encourage them to commute with care. That includes wearing a face covering/mask, using hand sanitizer, and staying 6 feet away from other passengers when possible....

For several months, restrictions have been in place to reduce the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community. The District government understands that it’s important for businesses and individuals to responsibly resume normal activity. The Mayor’s reopening plan allows that, phase by phase. As more people are getting out, it's important to remember to still recreate responsibly. This means you need to wear a face covering or mask whenever you leave home and maintain six feet of distance from others to keep everyone safe. Many gems in DC, such as national parks and memorials, allow you to remain socially distant. Go for a solo bike ride or take a walk with family or your furry friend(s) to sightsee in DC. This is the perfect time to rediscover all the city has to offer and use the amazing network of transportation options to get you there....

In 2019, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) conducted a district-wide school transportation survey to evaluate the state of school commutes in Washington, DC. In the survey, they found that students and families are more likely to choose sustainable transportation options than teachers and staff. Results show that only 33% of elementary students are driven to school, while another 33% of parents walk their youngest child to school, and 59% of students have used Kids Ride Free cards. On the other hand, 78% of the District's school staff drive to work alone, while only 2.2% ride a bike to school. The survey also revealed that 43% of school staff commute from Maryland and Virginia....

With certain states and municipalities beginning to lift stay-at-home orders, it’s important to create a Return to Work Plan to ensure you have commuter programs and policies in place that accommodate the interest of your organization and its employees. As we continue to adapt to the “new normal,” goDCgo employer services recommends putting in place a variety of commuter benefit options that help your employees feel safe and confident as they commute to and from the office, or when working remotely....

Prepare yourselves! This summer, WMATA will initiate phase two of its Platform Improvement Project by reconstructing platforms at four Orange Line stations and connecting the Silver Line to new stations in Metro's network. To finish the project on time, all stations west of Ballston will be closed starting Saturday, May 23, 2020: Vienna, Dunn Loring, West Falls Church, East Falls Church, Wiehle-Reston East, Spring Hill, Greensboro, Tysons Corner, and McLean. Ballston-MU station will remain open and serve as the western destination on the Orange Line. Silver Line service will be temporarily suspended. You should allow extra travel time and start planning alternatives if your commute will be affected.* *Please be sure to check the transit providers' websites for any updates or changes to schedules given the public health crisis....