“You know, I felt that [the strike] wasn’t going to take that long because…we do move the city,” says one Circulator operator who has been driving for 13 years.

It’s set to launch in 2023.

A recent regional surge in COVID-19 cases has seen many jurisdictions encouraging locals to stay home.

The city wants input from riders, especially those in Ward 7.

Plus, the Circulator will take riders from the Woodley Park Metro to ZooLights on weekend nights.

The free fare program was part of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s “Fair Shot” budget initiative.

Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon Todd introduced a bill earlier this month following a months-long quarrel between the mayor and some councilmembers.

Transportation committee members say it’s a big decision to make without a larger look at the implications.

It normally costs $1 to ride.

It is linked, however tenuously, to the mayor’s upcoming series of budget forums.