Pope Francis will use a modified Jeep Wrangler as his “popemobile” when he visits DC this month. That’s a fine choice for a tubing trip to Harpers Ferry, but if the pope wants to roll like the people he’s visiting, the way he did in South Korea and the Philippines, he might want to consider some vehicles that would be more at home on Washington’s streets. Photo illustrations by Brooke Hatfield.
1) A Capital Bikeshare bike
Just imagine how much less traffic chaos his holiness would cause (and how much less gasoline this climate-change-conscious pope would use) if he used a convenient bike to get around. There are two Bikeshare stations convenient to the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, several ringing the White House and the Capitol, and a couple near the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. A three-day pass would cost the Vatican only $17, plus a few bucks if his trips take longer than 30 minutes.
2) A Metrobus
Francis is a man of the people, so why not take the Washington region’s best form of motorized surface transit? The H1 line would take him almost everywhere he needs to go (with a slight walk to the White House, and maybe an Uber to the Capitol).
Not only would these amphibious vehicles give the pope some flexibility on the size of his traveling retinue—Imagine how many members of Congress could tag along!—but they’d offer him some splendid city views from the Potomac.
5) The DC Streetcar
At this point, the system needs a miracle. And Francis speaks for a guy who might be able to help.
Andrew Beaujon joined Washingtonian in late 2014. He was previously with the Poynter Institute, TBD.com, and Washington City Paper. He lives in Del Ray.
5 Popemobiles That Will Help Pope Francis Feel Like a Real Washingtonian
Pope Francis will use a modified Jeep Wrangler as his “popemobile” when he visits DC this month. That’s a fine choice for a tubing trip to Harpers Ferry, but if the pope wants to roll like the people he’s visiting, the way he did in South Korea and the Philippines, he might want to consider some vehicles that would be more at home on Washington’s streets. Photo illustrations by Brooke Hatfield.
1) A Capital Bikeshare bike
Just imagine how much less traffic chaos his holiness would cause (and how much less gasoline this climate-change-conscious pope would use) if he used a convenient bike to get around. There are two Bikeshare stations convenient to the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, several ringing the White House and the Capitol, and a couple near the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. A three-day pass would cost the Vatican only $17, plus a few bucks if his trips take longer than 30 minutes.
2) A Metrobus
Francis is a man of the people, so why not take the Washington region’s best form of motorized surface transit? The H1 line would take him almost everywhere he needs to go (with a slight walk to the White House, and maybe an Uber to the Capitol).
3) Jack Evans’s illegally parked car
The DC Council member’s Chrysler Sebring (touring edition) is likely just sitting, unused, in front of a fire hydrant or in a no-parking zone in Georgetown or a loading zone or in a no-parking zone at an event where there’s already valet parking. Why not put that sweet ride to good use?
4) A DC Duck
Not only would these amphibious vehicles give the pope some flexibility on the size of his traveling retinue—Imagine how many members of Congress could tag along!—but they’d offer him some splendid city views from the Potomac.
5) The DC Streetcar
Andrew Beaujon joined Washingtonian in late 2014. He was previously with the Poynter Institute, TBD.com, and Washington City Paper. He lives in Del Ray.
Related
A Striking New Work From the Artist Behind the Covid Flags on the Mall
Guest List: 5 People We’d Love to Hang Out With This April
A Critical Take on Government Cafeterias
5 Ways Federal Agencies Are Already Using AI
More from News & Politics
PHOTOS: Demonstrators Gather Outside the Supreme Court as It Hears Arguments on Emergency Abortion Case
DC’s Coolest Jobs: A Jazz Detective. Orchid Whisperer. Armageddon Stopper.
Seven Miles of Georgia Avenue Will Have a Bus-Only Lane This Summer
What We’ll Miss (or Won’t Miss) About Foxtrot
Foxtrot Is Closing Its DC-Area Stores
Taylor Swift Class Will Be Offered at American University
You Can Still Get Tickets to See Caitlin Clark Play in DC
The Capital Pride Parade Won’t Go Through Dupont Circle This Year
Most Popular
45 Hidden Gems and Attractions Around DC
The Hot List: 10 Restaurants Around DC We’re Loving Right Now
The 100 Very Best Restaurants in Washington, DC
Causa Is Washingtonian’s #1 Restaurant in 2024—Watch Us Surprise the Team
The 100 Best Things to Do in Washington, DC
7 Luxury Home Sales in the Washington Area—and Who Bought and Sold Them
Meet the 2023 Washingtonians of the Year
40 Ways to Relax and Feel Better Now Around the DC Area