No active alerts at this time.

2021 – The Year of DASH!

2021 – The Year of DASH!

January 5, 2021
This page was published on January 5, 2021 and may be out of date.

New Year, New DASH Network

The Alexandria Transit Vision Plan isn’t just a vision anymore! Changes in 2021 will pave the way for the New DASH Network. The changes will take effect in summer of 2021 and include new bus lines (formerly known as routes), new bus stops, and new schedules that will affect all DASH customers. The project is a collaboration between DASH and the City of Alexandria to create a more useful and equitable transit network with more frequent all-day service and that provides better overall mobility for city residents, workers and visitors. Visit dashbus.com/transitvision to learn more about the project.

DASH Goes Green

In late 2020, DASH unveiled its first three new 100% battery electric buses, making it the first transit agency in Northern Virginia to operate a fleet of zero-emission buses. DASH plans to add 11 more battery-electric buses in 2021 thanks to grant funding from the Department of Rail and Public Transit and the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. The implementation of these 100% electric buses is a critical step in DASH’s overall goal to operate a 100% zero-emissions fleet. These changes also support the City of Alexandria’s Eco-City initiative. Visit dashbus.com/electric to learn more.

King Street Metro Access Improvements

The long-awaited improvements to the King Street/Old Town Metrorail station bus loop area are scheduled for completion in the first half of 2021. The new expanded bus loop with upgraded passenger and pedestrian amenities is expected to open in early 2021, while a new drop-off area for private shuttles, taxis, and rideshare vehicles on Diagonal Road will be completed later this year.

More Access to Accurate, Real-Time Bus Arrival Information

Despite introducing its new and improved “DASH Tracker” in 2020, DASH has even bigger plans for real-time information in 2021. Along with new real-time information displays at King Street Metro and other key bus stops across the City, DASH customers will soon be able to get real-time bus arrival information via SMS text messages and telephone for all DASH bus stops. These new real-time systems will provide access to real-time information for persons with disabilities and those without smartphones. Lastly, DASH will be receiving state grant funding in 2021 to improve the accuracy of its real-time bus arrival predictions by using live traffic sensor data.

DASH Advisory Committee

DASH has established an  advisory committee made up of nearly a dozen local residents and transit users to solicit feedback on DASH service from a customer’s perspective.  The DASH Advisory Committee (DAC) will establish a critical communication link between DASH leadership, DASH riders, and the Alexandria community. While the DAC will not set policy, it will provide input on a wide variety of service-related matters, support customer outreach efforts and help DASH ensure that it is providing an excellent customer experience for all DASH riders. For more information about the DASH Advisory Committee, please visit dashbus.com/DAC.