District Department of Transportation goDCgo

goDCgo is an initiative of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) that encourages the use of sustainable transportation, which it defines as modes of travel that reduce environmental impact such as riding public transit, biking, walking, carpooling and scooting. It provides complimentary transit resources and transportation assistance to organizations and commuters in the District of Columbia (DC), with the goal of decreasing traffic congestion and creating a better quality of life.

In 2024, goDCgo launched a new travel training service to raise awareness of the District’s transportation network and break down anxieties and barriers to using multimodal transportation. The service offers in-person and virtual education to DC residents on how to independently travel using transportation options like public transit, bikeshare, carpool and rideshare. Through multimodal travel training, goDCgo has helped build confidence to enable residents, including older adults and people with disabilities, to feel comfortable taking alternative transportation, reducing their reliance on driving or riding in a car.

What makes this innovative?

Older adults often face significant barriers to confident travel, including lack of experience with public transportation, high costs, fear and safety concerns. goDCgo’s two-part travel training sessions directly address these challenges. Through classroom instruction, participants—specifically older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers—receive resources tailored to their individual needs and education on safely navigating local transportation options—Metrorail, buses, shuttles and ridesharing. Topics covered include trip planning, safety information and accessible transportation alternatives. To ease financial concerns, presenters educate participants about senior and low-income discount programs and provide each attendee with a $20 SmarTrip card to begin their journey. Beyond the classroom, new riders are offered a hands-on excursion, allowing participants to practice real-world navigation and gain the confidence to travel independently.
While the District’s other travel training programs tend to focus on public transit systems, goDCgo’s travel training events are the first to cover sustainable transportation options. goDCgo’s events are also unique for their hands-on coaching style of education that ensures comprehensive education on all options offered within the District’s transportation network. The result is increased access to healthcare, community programs, grocery stores and much more.
Funding for DDOT’s goDCgo program comes from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program, funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which supports this innovation. FHWA provides a flexible funding source for transportation projects and programs that meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its amendments.

Lessons Learned and Replication Advice:

› Offer travel training incentives such as gift card raffles and free transit cards with pre-loaded values, to encourage attendance and participation.

› Partner with local agencies to capture a wider audience.

› Encourage hands-on excursions with participants to destinations important to them so that travel training becomes fun, engaging and meaningful.