DASH Fare and Service Changes Go Into Effect July 1

The Alexandria Transit Company Board of Directors approved a series of fare and service changes that will go into effect on July 1, 2018. The changes seek to improve the agency’s long-term financial stability amidst declining ridership revenues and increasing operating costs. The adopted changes also include a new reduced fare for Senior/Disabled SmarTrip users.

The planned fare change will increase the cost of a single, one-way trip from $1.60 to $1.75.  The change represents the first fare DASH fare increase in nearly five years, and only the fourth increase to the base fare since 1999. The cost of the monthly DASH Pass will also go up from $40.00 to $45.00. The changes will increase revenues, while avoiding major service cuts, and maintaining fares that are still well below all other bus agencies in the area. 

One of the highlights of the proposed fare changes is a new reduced $1.00 fare for all Senior/Disabled SmarTrip users traveling during off-peak weekday hours (before 6:00 AM, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and after 6:00 PM) and on weekends and holidays.  The new discount is aimed at making public transit more affordable for Alexandria’s senior and disabled community members, and encouraging increased ridership during off-peak periods when buses are less crowded.