Access and Circulation
In 2008, graduate students in Transportation Policy at George Mason University produced a report analyzing access and circulation issues on the Mall and made a number of recommendations for improvements. Click here to read the report, A Review of Access and Circulation on the National Mall in Washington, DC.
Not surprising to those who know the Mall, getting there is less the problem than getting around once you are there. The western end of the Mall, site of the Lincoln Memorial, for instance, is not served by anything other than the interpretive service Tourmobile, which charges a steep daily fee. Part of the story is familiar, fragmented management of the Mall makes a comprehensive approach to circulation challenging at best. The team recommended expanding the Circulator bus routes, making special provisions for those with disabilities, starting a bike share program, and more. Directional signage needs improvement, they noted. Accommodating cars and tourism buses remains one of the most difficult problems. The students also looked at Central Park and the Royal Parks of London for insights as to how people move about in those well regarded venues. The report is rich in its findings and baseline information and should serve well as the starting point for improving access to and circulation around the National Mall.
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