DASH Board Approves Fare Hike, Service Changes

The Alexandria Transit Co. board of directors on Thursday approved a 10-cent increase in the base fare, a $5 increase for the monthly DASH pass and proposed service reductions slated to go into effect in July.

The move meets the city’s proposed DASH subsidy reduction as part of the fiscal year 2014 budget. The transit company evaluated service on routes with the lowest ridership and developed criteria based on reductions that would have the least impact to riders and the availability to alternate transit connections should cuts be necessary, according to a news release.

The base fare will increase from $1.50 to $1.60, and the monthly DASH Pass will increase from $35 to $40. The board also approved the elimination of the peak period AT1 extension along Eisenhower Avenue and the Saturday extension between Eisenhower and King Street Metro, via Carlyle.

The city is proposing reductions in Transportation Improvement Program funds that could impact the frequency of the King Street Trolley, moving it from 15-minute to 20-minute service. The transit company will be receiving TIP funds for service expansion and improvements, including:

• A new AT9 crosstown route that will operate between the Mark Center and Potomac Yard. The transit company has asked Arlington County if the new DASH route could serve the Shirlington Transit Center. An official answer is expected soon, although the concept was well received.
• The AT8 weekday peak period service will increase frequency to every 10 minutes between Landmark Mall and the King Street Metrorail Station;
• The AT8 weekday midday service will increase frequencies to every 30 minutes along the entire route;
• The AT10 weekday service will increase service hours and end approximately an hour later, and Saturday service will start approximately an hour earlier and end an hour later.