Alexandria's Free Bus Service Facing Major Service Cuts

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria’s DASH bus system is considering eliminating three routes, shortening two others and rerouting more as it looks to close a $3.5 million budget gap.

Under both service-cut packages headed to the DASH Board of Directors on Wednesday, Line 31 would stop running through Old Town and Line 30 would no longer continue to the Van Dorn Metro station.

The more extensive service-cut package would also eliminate Lines 102, 103 and 104. Those three routes carry about 310,000 riders annually and serve the King Street Metro Station, the Braddock Road Metro Station and the Pentagon.

DASH officials have said additional service reductions are now necessary after they exhausted other cost-cutting options.

Running service as is will cost nearly $4.5 million more than its approved budget, according to the Alexandria Brief. After nearly $2 million in cuts, the service still faces a $2.55 million shortfall and a $1 million bill for last year's overspending.

The more limited service cut package covers the budget gap, while the more extensive cuts also cover the repayment bill.

The DASH board is scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. Board members are expected to choose one of two proposed reduction packages to advance for public review.

A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 12. If ultimately approved, the service cuts would take effect Jan. 31.

A DASH riders advisory committee has opposed eliminating any route, according to Alexandria Brief.

More information and meeting materials are available through the DASH Board of Directors meeting page.