Todd Introduces Two Bills to Position District of Columbia for Success in 21st Century High-Tech Economy

At the DC Council’s Committee of the Whole meeting on February 22, Councilmember Brandon T. Todd (D-Ward 4) introduced two bills aimed at boosting the District’s prosperity in the high-tech economy.

The DC Circulator Tech-Friendly Feasibility Study Act of 2017 would require the District Department of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study on improving all DC Circulator buses with high-technology upgrades, including wireless internet and USB charging ports. A number of major American cities already provide these services on their public buses, including New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, the Twin Cities, Florida’s Miami-Dade County, and Riverside, California. This legislation would improve the daily commuting experience of our residents who take mass transit, and also allow for increased access to the internet and mobile connectivity in case of a terrorist attack or natural disaster. The plan is to begin with a pilot program on select Circulator buses, and eventually expand the upgrades to all Circulator buses and streetcars.

“Access to technology is just as important to District residents and visitors as it is elsewhere, and it is time to usher the District’s transit service into the 21st century,” said Todd. “As Metro continues with SafeTrack, commuters will spend more time on Circulator buses. Having internet access and the ability to charge mobile devices will ensure that productivity remains high and will also make longer commutes easier and more enjoyable.”

The Digital Literacy Council Establishment Act of 2017 would create a council to promote digital literacy by improving digital education for all DC residents, guiding communities as they support digital success and business growth, fostering greater access to information, communication networks, services, and online participation, ensuring that learners of all ages are successful and safe, and helping close the digital divide in the District.

“Digital literacy has become an absolutely critical skill for navigating 21st century life in America,” said Todd. “This legislation would bring the diverse agencies of our government together to formulate a holistic plan and programs to give DC residents — especially low-income residents — the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today’s digital era.” Todd went on to say that “these two pieces of legislation represent major investments in our residents that will bolster the digital literacy and connectedness of our city and reap significant rewards down the road as Washington, DC strives to continue our prosperity into the 21st Century and beyond.”