In our previous post, we detailed DC’s “time tax”—the significant time penalty residents face when using public transit instead of driving. This inequitable system disproportionately affects our most vulnerable communities and costs our city billions in lost productivity. But there’s good news: this problem is solvable.
The current transit cycle is self-reinforcing. Car dependency leads to congested roads, which makes transit slow and unreliable. This pushes more people to choose cars, creating further congestion, and the cycle continues. But we can reverse this pattern by creating fast, reliable transit that attracts more riders. As more people choose transit over driving, we’ll see fewer cars on roads, making everyone’s trips faster. This builds public support for transit, leading to further improvements. This isn’t just idealistic thinking—cities worldwide have proven this works. When properly implemented, everyone wins with better transit—even drivers.
Research and global best practices point to five key strategies to end the time tax. First, dedicated bus lanes can reserve road space exclusively for buses, allowing transit with 40+ people to bypass traffic congestion. Cities like Seattle have added 40 miles of bus lanes, making transit 30% faster and increasing ridership by 8%. Second, more frequent service reduces wait times, making transit more reliable and convenient. When buses and trains arrive every 10 minutes on major routes, the overall journey time decreases significantly. Third, signal priority for transit allows traffic lights to be programmed to prioritize buses, reducing the time transit vehicles spend waiting at intersections. Fourth, safe walking and biking infrastructure improves facilities for pedestrians and cyclists by protecting bike lanes and widening sidewalks, creating safer connections to transit. Finally, land use reform that builds more housing and services near transit stops reduces trip distances and makes car-free living more practical.
Cities implementing these solutions have reduced transit times by 15-30%. This isn’t marginal improvement—it’s transformative change.
DDS is committed to advancing these solutions through comprehensive research and analysis. DDS conducted the study quantifying the time tax across all 46 ANCs, providing the data needed to drive policy changes. Our ward-by-ward transit analysis shows precisely where improvements are most needed. DDS is also engaged in policy advocacy, developing policy recommendations based on our research and best practices from comparable cities. Our economic impact assessment demonstrates the substantial benefits of reducing the time tax. DDS focuses on making streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.
We all have the opportunity to work together to eliminate the time tax through community engagement efforts. This can be achieved by contacting ANC representatives, participating in DDOT public meetings, joining local transportation advocacy groups, sharing transit experiences with policymakers, and supporting transit-focused ballot initiatives.
Ending the time tax creates widespread benefits for all. Transit riders gain hours reclaimed each week, more reliable trips, lower stress, and expanded job access. Drivers benefit from reduced congestion, easier parking, lower car expenses, and the freedom to choose not to drive. All DC residents enjoy cleaner air through reduced pollution, safer streets, more vibrant neighborhoods, and a more equitable city.
Mitigating the time tax isn’t inevitable—it’s a policy choice. Similarly, creating safer streets for all users is a choice that benefits everyone. Together, we can build a DC where everyone’s time is valued equally, regardless of whether they drive, take transit, bike, or walk. By supporting DDS’s initiatives and participating in community engagement efforts, you’re helping create a more equitable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable transportation system.
– DDS
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