Transportation Primer: Bethesda Circulator

Today, Bethesda Patch is launching a series of primers that focus on transportation in downtown Bethesda.

We start by a look at the Bethesda Circulator, a free downtown Bethesda shuttle that’s one way to leave your car at home. Many may recognize the circulator shuttles for their resemblance to old-time trolleys, but the trolley shuttles will be being due to maintenance issues. Riders can expect the trolleys to be phased out by July, but you can still count on the trusty shuttle for a free lift around the downtown.

More information about the circulator, sourced from the Bethesda Urban Partnership, is below.

Managed By: The

Cost: Free

Stops: 20, including the Bethesda Metro. Stop locations form a 2.1-mile loop around Bethesda Row and the Woodmont Triangle. View a map here.

Wait Time: 10 to 15 minutes. Expect a longer wait time of up to 15 minutes during rush hour.

Hours of Operation: Mondays through Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Fridays 7 a.m. to midnight; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to midnight. There is no service on Sundays.

Ridership: 1,000 per day from Monday through Friday and 23,000 per month, including Saturday riders.

Cost of Operation: $670,000 per year. The circulator is funded through the Bethesda Parking Lot District — money from Bethesda’s parking garages and meters — not the general tax fund.

For more information: Visit the Bethesda Urban Partnership’s website.