DASH Hosts Community Meetings for Proposed Fare & Service Changes

Alexandria Transit Company announced that as part of its annual budget development process, DASH is gathering community input on several proposed fare and service changes. The proposed changes include a fare increase from $1.60 to $1.75, an increase in the cost of the monthly DASH Pass from $40 to $45, a new discounted Senior SmarTrip fare during off-peak periods, and a minor reduction in weekday morning King Street Trolley service.  

The proposed changes are part of a larger DASH budget proposal that seeks to improve the agency’s financial stability amidst declining ridership trends at both the regional and national levels.

“DASH takes great pride in its low fares and exceptional customer service,” said DASH Marketing & Communications Manager, Allyson Teevan. “Our proposed FY 2019 budget is designed to increase revenues, avoid major service cuts, and maintain fares that are still well below all other bus agencies in the D.C region.” 

One of the highlights of the proposed fare changes is a new $1.00 senior fare for all Senior 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. The new discount is aimed at making public transit more affordable for Alexandria’s senior community members and encouraging increased ridership during off-peak periods when buses are less crowded. 

The proposed fare increase would raise the cost of a single, one-way trip from $1.60 to $1.75 to help offset the cost of the new senior program.  The change represents the first fare DASH fare increase in nearly five years, and only the third fare increase since 1999.