Member Spotlight: District Department of Transportation
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) owns and manages the transportation network of the United States Capitol and is responsible for Washington DC’s portion of the Capital Bikeshare Network. DDOT and the other seven jurisdictions in the system own the physical assets- bikes, stations, charging cabinets, etc. Operations are sub-contracted to Lyft Urban Solutions.
DDOT also manages the Shared Fleet Device (SFD) program, for dockless bikes and scooters. The DDOT team states that, “Locally, it doesn’t bring the same sense of loyalty and pride as Capital Bikeshare, but it’s no less impactful.”
SFDs have been more popular than Capital Bikeshare in the District since electric scooters launched in 2019. The 12.6 million SFD trips in 2025 was nearly double that of CaBi’s ridership. Current vendors Hopp, Lime, and Veo also nearly double CaBi’s capacity in terms of vehicles. DDOT established performance-based fleet cap increases that aim to incentivize operators to produce favorable outcomes. DDOT shared that the programs goals are aligned with practical performance metrics for operators: Public space stewardship is mandated through a 2-hour complaint response requirement, efficient supply and rate of device usage measured by trips per device per day (TVD) supports mode shift and reduces car dependency, minimum deployment requirements and low-income customer ridership ensure reliable access and affordability.
Similar to any public good or service, users demand services that meet their changing needs, resulting in innovative vehicle designs and apps offering advanced rebalancing algorithms. For DDOT, these factors inform decision and policy-making, contract terms, and funding environments. “For the next 15 years of bikeshare to be as eventful and as the last, it needs to prove its staying power.”
When asked about the value of NABSA membership, DDOT’s bikeshare team said they value community and knowledge sharing. “The vast knowledge base of NABSA members and the dedication of its staff and board members ensure that the best ideas and relationships aren’t gatekept. While the jurisdictions, non-profits, and private companies behind shared micromobility often stick to their own lane, NABSA is a helpful reminder that bikeshare is a people-first industry with the common cause of advocating to improve lives through transportation.”
To learn more about the District Department of Transportation visit: https://ddot.dc.gov/
