Free Fares, Redesigned Bus Network Coming To DASH In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A redesigned bus network and fare-free rides are coming to Alexandria's DASH Bus on Sept. 5.

The fiscal year 2022 budget approved by City Council in May included the elimination of DASH bus fares on Sept. 5 through a $1,470,000 increase in the general fund transfer to DASH. The elimination of fares seeks to address low ridership and boost transportation access.

The change goes into effect the same day as the new DASH Network with route and service changes. The Alexandria Transit Vision Plan sought a redesign of Alexandria’s bus network to meet current and future transit ridership demand. Network changes boost the percentage of low-income, minority and senior riders within walking distance of frequent transit service.

This is the first phase of the Alexandria Transit Vision Plan approved by the Alexandria Transit Company board in December 2019. While the first phase is described by DASH as a "reduced, cost-neutral version," the full recommendations and service increases in the plan will be proposed in increments during fiscal years 2022 and 2023.

With the new network, new bus line numbers will be provided for all routes. Lines 30-36 will be the core DASH lines running daily, and Lines 102 to 104 are commute-oriented routes on weekdays only. Line 34 and Line 102 will be significantly different from existing DASH routes. Routes with minor or moderate changes from current routes are: Line 31 (AT6), Line 32 (AT7), Line 35 (AT1), Line 36A/B (AT9), Line 103 (AT3) and Line 104 (AT4). Four routes will be the same: Line 30 (AT8), Line 33 (AT10), Line 102X (AT2X) and the King Street Trolley. The King Street Trolley continues to operate between the King Street Metro and City Hall due to the city's closure of the 100 block of King Street.

The new network also includes a new frequent network with all-day bus service on major transit corridors, including West End, Landmark, Parkfairfax, Arlandria, Potomac Yard, the King Street Corridor and Old Town. Buses will run every 15 minutes or better between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

Metrobus will also make adjustments to three routes — 7A/F, 25B, 28A — on Sept. 5 to complement changes with the new DASH network.

Riders can see route maps, route comparisons and more information at www.dashbus.com/newnetwork.