Transportation Services
Transportation services is responsible for maintaining the loading dock and roadway operation, including truck and vehicle access; coordination of loading dock bays when there are multiple events in the building; loading dock storage and other dock master duties; coordinating shuttle bus drop-off requirements on L Street and other event-related transportation; management of the taxi stand operation; and scheduling and management of traffic officers at pedestrian entrances and sidewalks.
The District Department of Public Works (DPW) and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) jointly agreed to the Transportation Operations and Parking Plan (TOPP).
The TOPP requires truck traffic to enter and exit the Center via 9th Street and M Street only. Trucks may not access the Center via 7th Street. The TOPP specifies the use of other streets for taxi service, valet service and shuttle operations. Your event manager should be contacted with questions regarding TOPP requirements.
Loading Dock Procedures
Transportation services schedules loading dock access based on the move-in, event day, and move-out requirements submitted to your event manager.
When two or more events occupy the same loading dock level, transportation services will assign dock use. Transportation also makes sure that crates stored on the loading dock-in bays and on the platforms comply with safety guidelines. Further information regarding crate and bone-yard storage is in the “Exhibit Halls” section above.
Customers are responsible for ensuring the presence of a controller at the dock entrance(s) that will be accessed by truck and/or POV traffic (the general services contractor typically provides this service). This individual will confirm persons’ authorization to access your assigned loading dock(s). The controller is also responsible for managing the flow of vehicles entering and exiting the loading dock(s),
Note: In the absence of a dock access controller, the Center may assign the post at the show manager’s expense.
Shuttle Buses
Inform your event manager if you offer shuttle buses, limousines, valet service or other transportation services during your event. Transportation services will coordinate with your vendors to plan the most efficient use of L Street and the streets around the Center for your event. When two or more events offer transportation services for their attendees on the same days, transportation services will assign specific sides of L Street to each event.
Show Manager Parking
We will provide up to four (4) courtesy parking passes for your event based on availability of space. Consult your event manager to request parking passes.
Public Transportation
There are several methods of transportation near the convention center.
The Metrorail (subway) entrance is near the southwest corner of M and 7th Streets, NW. The Green and Yellow subway lines stop at this exit, called the “Mt. Vernon Square/ 7th St/ Convention Center” exit. All other subway lines connect to these two lines, so the Center is served by the entire Metrorail system. Guests arriving via Metro can see the entrance to the center directly in front of them as they travel up the escalators exiting the Metro.
Metro buses also stop on the corners of 7th St and 9th St near the Center. For more information on Metrorail and bus routes, rates and hours, please consult Metro’s website,
www.metroopensdoors.com.
The Circulator is a public transit system designed to take riders to the city’s cultural, shopping, dining and business destinations. There are two routes near the Center as well as one that travels around the National Mall. The Circulator runs frequently from approximately 8:00 AM until 9:00 PM daily. For more information, visit the website
www.dccirculator.com
Transportation services manages the taxi stand on Mt. Vernon Place. Our event schedule is shared with the DC Taxi Commission, so advise your event manager if your event has heavy taxi needs.
Public Parking near the WCC
There is no public parking at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. However, there are ample parking spaces on surface lots and garages within walking distance of the Center. These spaces are available on a first-come, first- serve basis. We encourage exhibitors and attendees to use the public parking facilities. Ticketing is heavily enforced in the Center’s surrounding residential areas. Visit our website www.dcconvention.com to view the parking map.