DASH To Celebrate Record Ridership Milestone Under Fare-Fare Policy

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria's bus system will celebrate a record ridership milestone during a rider celebration event next week.

DASH Bus said it had over 4.5 million boardings in the 2023 fiscal year. That's the highest number the bus system has recorded in its 39-year-history, spurred by ridership growth when bus fares became free. The next highest ridership level was 4.3 million in fiscal year 2025.

“Each of these 4.5 million boardings represents a neighbor, coworker or a family empowered to use public transportation to get to work, school, medical appointments, shopping or social outings," said Martin Barna, the director of planning and marketing for DASH. "Our New DASH Network with more frequent, all-day service and the free fares program are making transit a relevant travel option for more travelers, removing traffic from our roads, and improving overall quality of life for the entire city."

DASH introduced free fares in September 2021. Since then, ridership has grown and returned to pre-pandemic levels. More than 451,000 boardings in April 2023 reflected the highest monthly ridership number in DASH's history. On average, DASH has 15,000 daily riders on typically weekdays and between 7,000 and 10,000 on weekends.

The DASH rider celebration event will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, August 18 at the King Street-Old Town Metrorail Station. There will be remarks from DASH and City officials, music, refreshments, and DASH giveaways.

"We want to take this opportunity to celebrate with the Alexandria community, and to thank our riders for their loyalty in helping DASH to navigate the many unprecedented challenges and changes of the last few years," said said Josh Baker, CEO and general manager of DASH.

Before the celebration, riders have the chance to win a $50 gift card by sharing why they use DASH or how it makes a difference for them using hashtag #DASHStory. Selected entries may also be featured at the rider celebration event or featured in future DASH promotions.