DDOT Adds Carsharing Spaces - Releases - District Department of Transportation

(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announces the designation of additional on-street carsharing parking spaces, making this transportation alternative available in Brookland (Ward 5), Holbrooke (Ward 7), historic Anacostia (Wards 7 and 8), H Street, NE (Ward 6) as well as adding to existing spaces in Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill and downtown.

With the 38 new spaces, the District has 86 on-street carsharing spaces in all eight wards of the city. For more information on carsharing, including a map of these spaces, please visit DDOT's carsharing website.

"Because many of these new spaces are in low-income areas, this expansion will be particularly helpful for persons who cannot afford a car and whose transportation needs are not fully met by transit, taxis or traditional rental cars," said Michelle Pourciau, Acting Director of Transportation. "Carsharing meets many of DDOT’s goals – it reduces traffic congestion, air pollution and demand for parking while increasing access to alternative forms of transportation."

Research demonstrates that six-to-ten individuals or households can share a car instead of each owning one, with 20 percent of carsharing households giving up their first, second or third vehicle or forgoing the planned purchase of a new car. The relatively low annual and hourly fees, for insurance, fuel, maintenance and rental, makes carsharing cheaper than car-ownership for most drivers driving less than 10,000 miles annually.

Before designation these spaces, DDOT consulted with Councilmembers, residents, community leaders, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners and Zipcar and Flexcar, the two companies working with DDOT on this endeavor. The spaces are marked with orange poles, special signage and pavement markings.

DDOT also announces that the penalty for unauthorized parking in spaces designated for carsharing vehicles is now $100. Unauthorized vehicles parked in these spaces may also be towed.