Tentative Agreement For DASH Bus Operators Reached, Union To Vote

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Alexandria Transit Company and the union representing DASH bus drivers reached tentative agreement over the weekend. If union members vote in favor of the agreement, a strike can be avoided when six Yellow and Blue Line Metro stations are closed for the summer.

NBC4 first reported bus drivers planned to strike during the summer Metro shutdown. A union member said a strike during the shutdown would be an opportunity to call for better pay and benefits.

The Alexandria Transit Company says "the agreement includes improvements in wages, benefits and working conditions for DASH bus operators and includes offers of return to work for two terminated employees." The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 will vote on the tentative agreement on Wednesday, May 22.

The union bargaining committee urged members to approve the agreement. According to an ATU press release, the agreement "largely" meets the goal of meeting wages and benefits that Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority workers have.

"The ATU Local and DASH are proud to have worked collectively with such a committed group of people, and we hope to continue our productive partnership going forward," said Raymond Jackson, the ATU Local 689 president, in a statement.

DASH Bus will have enhanced service as an alternative for Metrorail riders when Alexandria stations are closed. Customers who pay with the app can get $1 fares, WTOP reported. The regular fare is $1.75.

The Braddock Road, King Street-Old Town, Eisenhower Avenue, Van Dorn Street, Franconia-Springfield and Huntington stations will be closed from May 25 to Sept. 8.

Find alternative transportation during the Metro shutdown

• WMATA webpage on project details and alternative transportation
• City of Alexandria's summer Metro shutdown webpage