WASHINGTON —
There’s a new eco-friendly way to get around Southwest D.C. The Southwest Business Improvement District unveiled its new electric vehicle fleet that will take you around the city.
The vehicles are called ‘Circuit’ and they are an accessible and green way to travel around the DC region. This was all made possible due to a Seed Grant from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.
Lexie Albe, the Managing Director of the Southwest Business Improvement District, spoke about Circuit.
“The opportunity is not just technology for technology’s sake but, purpose-driven opportunity,” said Albe.
The fleet is made up of nine electric vehicles. All of the vehicles are low to the ground, so it is easy for people to get in. There is a wheelchair-accessible vehicle available as well.
“The service area is Southwest from the south campus of the National Mall down to the Wharf... down to Buzzard Point and then we creep over into the Capitol Riverfront bid to serve Nationals Ballpark as well,” says Albe.
So, how does it work? All you need to do is use the app to call a ride and you will get door-to-door service from a driver. The driver will also be available to help you get in and out of the vehicle if you need it. If you don’t have a smartphone, there is a phone number you can call to get a ride.
These vehicles are not only convenient, but they are also eco-friendly. They are fully electric and feature a carpool option.
“If you and I are on the same street, we are headed in the same direction, the app will merge our rides. We will carpool until one of us needs to get dropped off. So, it's serving a lot more folks without the need to put additional vehicles on the road,” said Albe.
In just the first week of operation, Circuit provided over 700 rides. “If even a fraction of those are cars off the road. I think that's a huge win for the sustainability of Southwest DC,” said Albe.
These rides are free until July 20th, and after that, they will be only $2 per trip. You can learn more about this service HERE.