Mask, Boarding Policies Updated On Alexandria's DASH Bus

ALEXANDRIA, VA — On Monday, DASH Bus in Alexandria updated its policies on face masks and bus boarding.

The mask mandate was dropped after a federal judge's ruling against the mask mandate. The Transportation Security Administration is halting enforcement of the mask mandate as the federal judge's ruling is reviewed.

Effective immediately, masks became optional on DASH buses and the King Street Trolley and for DASH employees. Riders may choose to wear a face mask if they wish. Similarly, Metro made masks optional on Metrorail, Metrobus and MetroAccess and for Metro employees.

SEE ALSO: Mask Mandate For Public Transit In VA, DC Overturned By Federal Judge

Another change to DASH affects boarding. Starting Monday, riders could board using either the front or rear doors. Riders with limited mobility are encouraged to use the front of the bus, which can be lowered for boarding. Passengers boarding at rear doors are encouraged to wait for others to leave the bus before boarding.

DASH is allowing front and rear boarding due to the elimination of bus fares in September 2021 and installation of automated passenger counters. According to a news release from DASH, "the benefits of all-door boarding include easier passenger boarding and reduced dwell time at bus stops, which provides faster, more reliable service."

Another policy change allows riders to store strollers in ADA-accessible seating when the seating is not in use. Strollers must have their wheels locked and not block the aisle. A child must be properly secured in the stroller seat, and parents or guardians must maintain control of the stroller. The stroller change was made in response to public feedback, seeking to remove a barrier for families with young children.

"It’s important that DASH service continues evolving to meet the needs of our community," said DASH planning and marketing director Martin Barna in a statement. "Allowing strollers to be used during trips and opening all doors for boarding will improve our riders’ overall experience and encourage more people to consider using DASH."

More DASH policies can be found at dashbus.com/codeofconduct.