D.C. Removes Parking Spaces to Make Room for Late-Night Ride Hailing

Washington, D.C. recently launched a pilot program meant to cut down on congestion on Connecticut Avenue, just south of Dupont Circle, at closing time for the nightlife that coalesces there.

"In a new year-long pilot program, they’re taking 60 parking spaces out of commission on Connecticut Avenue between Thursday night and Sunday morning, reserving them instead for pickup and dropoff zones," reports Benjamin Schneider. The configuration responds to the practice of ride-hailing companies and taxis double and triple parking while waiting for passengers.

According to Schneider, this seemingly small pilot project could be a "serious trendsetter" as cities look for new ways to deal with the conflicts that arise when crowds gather, and then need to get home all at the same time.

Schneider includes a lot more details of the project, including an account of the planning and outreach process that preceded its implementation.