Alexandria: DASH bus prepares to roll out new routes, eliminate fares

[mahatmakanejeeves]

DASH prepares to roll out new routes, eliminate fares

September 2, 2021

By Cody Mello-Klein | [e-mail]

Residents who ride Alexandria’s DASH buses may notice some significant changes to the city’s bus network come next week. Starting on Sept. 5, DASH is not only eliminating bus fares altogether but it is revamping the majority of its routes.

The changes come as part of the city’s broader Alexandria Transit Vision Plan and after City Council approved the elimination of bus fares in its FY2022 budget. The aim of these changes is to expand the services’ accessibility for residents, particularly low-income residents and residents of color, who need and use this aspect of the city’s transit network.

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The broader changes to DASH’s roadmap are part of the Alexandria Transit Vision Plan and have been in the works since at least 2018. With transit ridership decreasing even prior to the pandemic, the city was looking for ways to increase ridership without adding more funding and buses. DASH and the city started to explore ways to reallocate routes and resources that would more effectively reach riders who did use the service and align bus routes with future developments such as Landmark Mall and the upcoming Potomac Yard Metro station.



The DASH network that rolls out on Sept. 5 will reach farther into the West End and connect parts of the city that have historically had less frequent bus service. (Image/DASH)

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