WASHINGTON — The confluence of next week’s papal visit, the Battle of the Beltways series and an Ed Sheeran concert at Verizon Center is set to test the region’s patience while getting around.
Pope Francis arrives Sept. 22, but the biggest transportation challenge arrives the following day, with an outdoor Mass, the baseball game and the concert.
The D.C. Taxicab Commission says 2,000 to 3,000 taxis will be available at the busiest times.
Ride-sharing services are trying to get ready, too.
“We do expect high demand, but we’re doing all we can to get partners out there to meet that demand,” said Taylor Bennett, an Uber spokesman. He couldn’t predict how surge pricing would impact the busy week. That pricing variable kicks in based on supply and demand.
“We’re communicating to drivers now, and we’re going to let drivers know exactly where they can and can’t drive during that time,” he said, referring to road closures around the District.
Uber contracts with thousands of drivers in the region, and the company is encouraging most of them to be available next week.
