The unprecedented number of people coming to the capital for President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration continues to keep city officials in a state of planning overload. With security the major issue, and with roads closed near the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue parade route, plus the chance of foul weather, a major hurdle will be where to park the estimated 10,000 charter buses that will arrive in the area for the event.
The Washington Post reported that the size of the bus contingent, carrying as many as half a million people, has a cascading effect on the rest of the transportation system. Street closures will prevent the buses from dropping passengers and parking near events, so planners need to consider parking options, possibly far into the suburbs.
In addition to traditional parking venues, including RFK Stadium and FedEx Field, organizers have identified 100 parking locations for charter buses in the region, including shopping malls and college campuses. But then, how do you move people from the lot to the Mall? “Finding a big piece of tarmac to park buses isn’t the main issue,” said city administrator Dan Tangherlini. “Getting people from that chunk of pavement to where they want to be—that’s where the big issue is going to be.”
Officials are estimating that 2 million to 4 million people will attend the inauguration—far more than can be accommodated on Metro.
