DASH Bus Fares To Increase Week After Metro Shutdown Ends

ALEXANDRIA, VA — DASH Bus will charge higher fares about a week after the summer Metro shutdown ends in Alexandria. Effective Sunday, Sept. 15, fares will increase from $1.75 to $2.00. The Metro shutdown's last day is Sunday, Sept. 8.

The Alexandria Transit Company attributed the increase to "rising operating costs and to assist in ensuring the long-term financial health of DASH." The board of directors approved the fare hike earlier in the year, but the fare increase was held off until the six closed Yellow and Blue Line Metro stations reopen.

The six Metro stations are scheduled to reopen on time after platform rehabilitation and other work. DASH has been operating the free Blue Line shuttle serving several of the closed stations.

The new DASH Bus fare aligns with the base fare for Metrobus. There is no change to discounted senior SmarTrip card fares during off-peak times and the $45 DASH Pass. The King Street Trolley from the King Street Metro Station to the waterfront remains free.

Meanwhile Alexandria Transit Company and the city are working on a future bus network to improve mobility, accessibility and cost efficiency. Over the summer, the board of directors provided guidance for the Alexandria Transit Vision Plan for a new bus route network based on feedback for proposed ridership and coverage concepts. The board recommended 85 percent of service hours dedicated to ridership oriented goals and the remainder to coverage oriented goals. A final draft of a new bus route network is being developed over the summer and will be available for public feedback in September.