With Free Service, DASH Ridership Increased by 26% in September
The transit company recently eliminated fares and introduced expanded bus availability
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Following the launch of the fare-free New DASH Network on Sept. 5, DASH has seen significant increases in ridership. The transit company’s buses recorded 215,963 passengers boarding in the network’s first month, representing a 25.9% increase from 171,589 in August. The Sept. total is an increase of 122,418 boardings, or 6.4%, during Sept. of last year.
These numbers indicate that ridership has risen to about 65% of pre-pendemic levels, when data from two and three years ago is considered.
“The New DASH Network introduces more frequent, all-day bus service in many areas across the City of Alexandria, and these ridership increases are an early positive indication that the community is benefiting from the improvements,” said Martin Barna, DASH Director of Planning and Marketing.
DASH’s Line 35, which replaced the DASH AT1 PLUS, averaged nearly 2,900 passengers per weekday last month, as well as 1,400 on Saturdays. This marks the highest daily average since 2018.
Line 35 offers frequent all-day service seven days a week in the West End, between the Pentagon and Van Dorn Metro stations. It runs every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 on weekends.
