Lyft Inc.

01/15/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/15/2025 18:43

Presidential Inauguration in DC: Tips for getting around DC like a pro

Getting around town

Thousands of visitors are flocking to Washington, D.C. for the Presidential Inauguration this week. We anticipate increased traffic, road closures and demand for rideshare, so plan for longer-than-usual waits and give yourself plenty of time to hop from one event to the next.

Top tips for catching a ride

  • DC will be busy with events throughout the week. Use the designated pickup & drop-off locations to make moving around town easier.

  • High-traffic areas that may require extra time:

    • The Wharf

    • Capital One Arena

    • National Mall

    • Kennedy Center

Biking around town during the Inauguration

Capital Bikeshare can be rented directly in the Lyft app and will be available during the entire event. Updated operations information can be found on the Capital Bikeshare website.

After the event

When you exit the West Lawn, follow the in-app instructions to make your way to the designated pickup zones. (Due to security efforts, pickup locations will be a short walk away from the West Lawn.) When you reach the pickup zone, contact your driver to confirm your location.

The morning after

Airports may be more crowded than usual on Tuesday. Give yourself extra time to allow for traffic and increased security lines. It's recommended to request your ride to the airport at least four hours prior to your flight's departure time-or schedule your Lyft ride up to 30 days in advance.

Staying safe

Safety is fundamental to Lyft. Our proactive safety measures provide human support any time, day or night. Always confirm key details before entering a car: the make and model, the driver's name and photo, and the license plate. If the information doesn't match, do not get into the car. Go to a safe place and wait for the right car to arrive, or cancel the ride and report it to us. In an emergency or if you feel threatened, contact law enforcement immediately by dialing 911. Here are additional measures to protect your safety:

  • Smart Trip Check-In. We monitor rides for unusual activity, like long stops or route deviations. If we notice anything, we'll contact you to see if you need help.

  • Share your location. Riders can share your location and route with friends and family using our Share Location feature, so they can follow along in real time.

  • Emergency Help with ADT. If you ever feel unsafe, you can discreetly connect with an ADT security professional through the Lyft app. If necessary, they can alert authorities and share important ride details, like the vehicle's location and license plate number.

Identifying human trafficking

It's crucial for everyone, including rideshare riders and drivers, to be vigilant for signs of human trafficking. Lyft's tutorial to help drivers identify the signs can be found in our Learning Center.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Blue Campaign also provides educational resources on identifying and reporting potential signs of human trafficking.

Remember that reporting suspicions promptly can make a significant impact. Call or text the National Human Trafficking Hotline to report concerning behavior. Call 1-888-373-7888; Text: 233733.

Lyft is committed to maintaining an inclusive platform. Riders that experience accessibility issues can report them directly in the Lyft app, via our website, or through Lyft's Accessibility Hotline at 1-844-554-1297. These links are accessible to all users.