This page contains information about the Department of Transportation for French speakers.
Mission Statement:
Welcome to the District Department of Transportation, or DDOT! DDOT is committed to achieving an exceptional quality of life in the nation's capital through sustainable transportation, safer streets, and outstanding access to goods and services. At the heart of this vision is improving energy efficiency and modern mobility, offering next-generation alternatives to single-passenger vehicles moving through the city.
The mission: The mission of the DDOT is to develop and maintain a sustainable and coherent transportation system that produces safe, affordable and convenient means of transporting people and goods while protecting and enhancing the District's natural, environmental and cultural resources.
Basic Programs:
The DDOT is composed of 6 divisions and a Director's Office. Each division is responsible for managing the DDOT's robust and diverse programs.
The Infrastructure and Project Management Administration (IPMA) is responsible for the design, engineering, and construction of roads, bridges, traffic lights, and driveway projects in the District. The Anacostia Waterfront Initiative is one of IPMA's most popular programs: it is a transformative effort for the Anacostia waterfront area through the planning, design, and construction of transportation infrastructure in the area, including the 11th Street Bridge.
The Policy Planning and Sustainability Administration (PPSA) sets the broad strategic objectives to guide the development of multimodal programs, the policies needed to achieve these objectives, and ensures compliance through the review of plans and permits. The PPSA is responsible for managing the Capital Bikeshare program (Vélib'), which provides access to over 1,800 bicycles, and MoveDC, a participatory effort led by the Department of Transportation and Observatory (DDOT) that seeks to develop a bold plan for implementing future transportation for the city. They also collaborate with other transportation departments to develop regional policies.
The Progressive Transportation Services Administration (PTSA) provides funding, policy advice, and coordination services to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and ensures that residents and visitors to our capital city can enjoy a variety of transportation services that help them reach their destinations quickly and reliably. The PTSA oversees the School Transit Subsidy Program, the Transportation for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Program, and the Circulator service. It is also preparing to introduce the streetcar, the DDOT's newest and most exciting program.
The Public Space Regulations Administration (PSRA) enforces laws and regulations governing public spaces and inspects all work in public spaces carried out under public space permits to ensure that the work has been completed according to DDOT standards. Residents wishing to carry out work in public spaces can apply for permission at PSRA offices. The PSRA also manages the Block Party Registration (Block Party Registration) process through the Transportation Online Permit System, also known as TOPS.
The Transportation Operations Administration (TOA) is responsible for maintaining roads, sidewalks, traffic calming measures, streetlights, and parking meters, ensuring a safe and user-friendly transportation environment. TOA operates the 24/7 Traffic Management Center, prevents congestion, and ensures pedestrian safety through the Traffic Control Officer & School Crossing Guard program. It also handles daily repairs to roads, sidewalks, and faulty traffic lights.
The Urban Forestry Administration manages the District's green spaces by maintaining healthy trees that improve air quality and retain groundwater, thus reducing flooding and moderating temperatures. Residents can rely on the Urban Forestry Department to encourage tree planting, provide prompt pruning and small tree removal services, and remove hazardous or diseased trees from public spaces.
The Office of the Director performs various administrative functions, including emergency management, communications, and customer service. This office also houses the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), which manages compliance with civil rights programs and policies. This includes the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, which certifies small and medium-sized businesses and helps them obtain transportation construction contracts. The OCR also receives accommodation requests, including requests for language assistance, and handles public discrimination complaints, all under the DC Human Rights Act, the DC Language Access Act, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Services:
- The Circulator: Unlike any other mode of transportation in the District, the highly visible red Circulator buses feature low floors, large windows, and multiple doors for easy boarding and alighting. They run every 10 minutes, and each ride costs $1. Subway users with SmartTrip cards are also eligible to use discounted transfer cards. For a route map and other information about this service, please visit DCCirculator.com.
- The Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Program: a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to non-profit organizations in the District of Columbia to purchase vehicles enabling them to offer transportation services to elderly and disabled people.
- The School Transit Subsidy Program: – The School Transit Subsidy Program provides a discount on fares for students who use Metrobus, Metrorail, or the Circulator to get to or from school. Students can now purchase a monthly pass for $30 that is valid for any trip within the District, including Metro stations on the outskirts (e.g., Southern Avenue, Silver Spring, Capitol Heights, Friendship Heights, and Naylor Road); a 10-ride rail pass for $9.50 with the same restrictions as the monthly pass; a 10-ride electronic bus pass for $7.50 – DC One Card only; and a pack of 10 bus tokens for $7.50. This program helps students get to public, contract, and private schools in the District. [Click here to insert text]
- District Streetcars: DC Streetcars will greatly facilitate travel for residents, workers, and visitors to the District and will complement existing public transportation options. The streetcars will connect neighborhoods by providing a modern, convenient, and attractive transportation alternative and quality service to attract and retain new public transit users. They will reduce short car trips within the city, the need for parking spaces, traffic congestion, and air pollution. For the latest information regarding DC Streetcars, please visit www.dcstreetcar.com .
- MoveDC : The DDOT's initiative to develop a long-term, multimodal transportation plan that considers all modes of transportation in the District. The entire District of Columbia transportation network, in addition to major regional connections, will be considered in the MoveDC plan. Each mode of transportation will be evaluated and considered as an element in the development of the multimodal transportation plan. For more information or to participate in the program, please visit http://www.wemovedc.org/
- Capital Bikeshare : This bike-sharing program offers over 1,800 bicycles for your use. Capital Bikeshare allows you to choose from over 110 stations throughout Washington, DC, and Arlington, VA, and return the bike to any station near your destination. Email any comments regarding proposed bike-sharing locations to [email protected]. For more information about the program, visit http://capitalbikeshare.com/.
- Special permits for trees: Any person, resident or contractor who plants, prunes or removes a tree from a public place within the public right-of-way must first obtain permission from the Urban Forestry Agency (UFA) of the Department of Transportation.
- Submit your permit application via the Transportation Online Permitting System (TOPS) on the Internet or visit the Public Space Permit Office and use one of the kiosks in the lobby on the second floor located next to the Permit Office, which is located at the following address:
District Department of Transportation
Public Space Permit Branch
1100 4th Street SW
Washington, DC 20024
- As soon as the UFA receives a permit application, it is forwarded to a qualified arborist who will assess site plans and other information and may schedule a site visit to verify the scope of work required.
- The designated arborist will make the necessary decisions regarding the application in question.
Note: The Urban Forestry Agency reserves the right to reject any application for a public place permit that concerns or has an impact on public trees.
- Request for tree service(s): Call 311 or go to 311 Online to request street tree service, including emergencies, trimming, removal or planting of trees.
- Your request will be processed according to the following schedule:
- Urgent requests – within 72 hours
- Regular maintenance requests – inspection within 30 days
- Planting: from November to May, annually (submit your request before June 15th)
- Pruning and removal: can take up to 9 months to complete
- Canopy Guardian Program: Adopting a tree is a great way to bring nature into your family. New trees planted in your neighborhood need your help to survive!
Residents and businesses are responsible for maintaining the property up to the street: see DCMR rule 21-702. By accepting the agreement below, the DDOT-Trees department will provide you with a free slow-drip irrigation system. For two years after planting, you agree to:
- Fill the device with 10 gallons of water once a week from spring hatching until winter freeze.
- Cover with a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch if possible; do not cover the trunk itself.
- Remove weeds and any debris from the planting area
- Contact 311.dc.gov or call 311 for any service needs.
Submit your agreement:
Online:
Submit the Canopy Keeper Application by selecting the "Submit" button at the bottom of the form.
By mail:
Urban Forestry Administration
District Department of Transportation
55 M Street, SE, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20003
- Residential Parking Petitions (RPP): The RPP program restricts on-street parking to participating residents living in designated blocks. For others, parking is limited to two hours. City residents have successfully advocated for the inclusion of over 4,100 blocks in this program. You can search for streets included in the parking permit program using the Residential Permit Parking Block Data Inquiry database at https://www.parkdc.com/pages/residential . To use this feature, enter a street name. Do not include the suffix ST or AVE. You can also enter a partial or full street name. Block or neighborhood numbers are optional, but they may help refine your search. If your street is not listed, you can submit a request to the DDOT to initiate a parking permit program by downloading the application form. For any assistance regarding your request, please contact customer service at (202) 673-6813.
- Disability Parking Program: The District has several programs that provide on-street parking for residents and visitors with disabilities. Residents with disabilities living in single-family homes and meeting certain other requirements can apply to have a reserved on-street parking space made available to them. For more information about this program and to apply for a reserved space, please contact us at [email protected] .
- Requests for New Sidewalk Repairs: You can request sidewalk repairs by calling the Mayor's Citywide Call Center at 311 (202-727-1000) or by completing an online service request using the District Government Service Request Center. Please clearly indicate the exact location of the sidewalk problem and describe the type of sidewalk (e.g., concrete, brick, or other surface). Most importantly, describe the severity of the damage (e.g., cracked or broken, missing bricks, tree roots growing through the sidewalk). Service requests are entered into the tracking system, and you will receive a service request number.
Expected response time:
- Investigation: 1-10 business day(s)
- Temporary (emergency) repairs: up to 15 working days
- A permanent solution depends on the findings of the investigation.
- Permanent repairs take longer and depend on available funding.
Note: A request for a "new" sidewalk requires a petition from the majority of residents in your block and a public hearing.
- Request for Speed Bump Installation: The use of speed bumps can reduce the negative effects of vehicle use, change driver behavior, and improve conditions for pedestrians and non-motorized users of streets and roads. To address the demand for quieter traffic on residential streets, the DDOT has developed guidelines to respond to requests from individuals, community groups, and Neighborhood Advisory Committees (NACs). Speed bumps may be installed upon receipt of a petition in which residents support the measure with at least seventy-five percent (75%) approval from households within the block or portion of the street being considered. To request speed bump installation, customers should contact Customer Service at (202) 673-6813.
- Bus Stop Change Request: The District of Columbia Department of Transportation accepts requests for new bus stops, bus stop liquidation, bus stop relocation, and other requests to improve bus stops within the District of Columbia. You can use the following PDF form or submit your request electronically by visiting the Citizen Service Request Center and selecting "Bus Stop Change" from the drop-down menu.
- Urgent tree removal: To request urgent tree removal, please call 311.
- Block Party Permit: Residents who wish to apply for a block party permit can visit the TOPS website at tops.ddot.dc.gov and submit event information online. For assistance completing the form, clients can contact customer service at (202) 673-6813.
- Applications for Public Space Permits: Applications for permits to use or occupy a public space may be submitted to the Permit Center located at 1100 4th Street, SW, 2nd floor, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. The Permits Office is located on the 3rd floor. Applicants must go to the 2nd floor to submit their permit applications. Several types of public space permits are issued.
- goDCgo: goDCgo is a DDOT initiative. Falling under the DDOT's commitment to moving people and goods in DC in the cleanest and most efficient way, goDCgo was created to provide employees, residents, and visitors with the information and assistance they need to make informed choices about their travel within the District.
The goDCgo program aims to reduce the use of single-occupancy vehicles and promotes sustainable modes of transportation such as cycling, walking, carpooling, shared vans, and public transit. Our website outlines a range of options for entering and getting around the city and offers numerous resources to help you plan your special or everyday trip using a mode of transportation that minimizes your impact on the District's streets and environment.
Interpretation services:
The DDOT offers special arrangements and free language assistance services (translation and interpretation). To request a special arrangement or language assistance service, please contact Jordyne Blaise at [email protected] or (202) 671-5117.
Contact Information:
District Department of Transportation,
55 M Street, SE, Suite 400,
Washington, DC 20003,
(202) 673-6813
, www.ddot.dc.gov
