DASH Bus Proposal For Alexandria Students Not Supported By School Board

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Replacing school buses with DASH buses for some Alexandria high school students isn't receiving support to advance.

NBC Washington reported on a joint session of the Alexandria City School Board and Alexandria City Council Monday with discussion of the DASH proposal. While the news outlet said it's not a done deal, the news outlet reported there isn't current support from the school board for DASH buses replacing some school bus service.

"After several months of thoughtful discussion and deliberation, the school board has determined we cannot support moving forward with this proposal," said School Board Chair Michelle Rief at Monday's meeting.

Currently, taking DASH bus routes that serve the high school campuses is optional for high school students. The proposal calls for students within a quarter mile of DASH Bus Routes 31 or 36 A/B to take DASH buses instead of school buses. There would no changes to school bus services for elementary, middle and special education students.

The proposal has been considered as a way to save city funds, according to NBC Washington. DASH Bus has been fare-free since September 2021 through city funding and a Transit Ridership Incentive Program state grant.

Working on the DASH Bus issue was one example of longtime tensions between the school board and city council, ALX Now reported.