DC’s never had more commuting options—or more hype around them. Intrepid reporter Jackson Knapp tried every method from his Cathedral Heights home to our office near Farragut Square.
Jump Bike
Cost: $2.
Door-to-door time: 25:11.
These “e-bikes” offer an electric boost each time you pedal, making it easy to go uphill.
Metrobus
Cost: $2.
Door-to-door time: 27:40.
I had to sprint to the stop. (The 37 comes infrequently.) Thank you, driver, for waiting.
Dockless Bike
Cost: $1.
Door-to-door time: 28:11.
These can be tough to find uptown after 8 am. I eventually scored an orange Spin bike on Wisconsin Avenue, zipped through traffic, and dumped it right outside the office.
Dockless Scooter
Cost: $5.50.
Door-to-door time: 29:30.
Fast but uncomfortable. And where to drive it? Cars honk if you’re on the road, and pedestrians scowl if you’re on the sidewalk.
Lyft
Cost: $23.10.
Door-to-door time: 31:19.
My driver went the wrong way to get me, but when he did finally appear, he offered lovely (though unsolicited) dating advice.
Uber
Cost: $22.76.
Door-to-door time: 32:07.
The driver came fast but then took a bad route through Rock Creek Park.
Capital Bikeshare
Cost: $2.
Door-to-door time: 33:05.
I found one easily near my house, but parking was a problem: Docks fill up fast downtown, so I burned five minutes looking for a slot.
Metro
Cost: $2.25.
Door-to-door time: 33:18.
It’s a hike to my nearest station, which accounted for much of the elapsed time. I saved several seconds by brisk, left-side escalator walking.
My Car
Cost: $13 (for parking).
Door-to-door time: 35:34.
Free advice: Never drive down 19th Street south of Dupont Circle during rush hour.
Walking
Cost: $0.
Door-to-door time: 53:04.
I felt inspired and invigorated while strolling through some of the city’s prettiest streets. I was also late for work.
This article appeared in the June 2018 issue of Washingtonian.
