ALEXANDRIA, VA — The next ad you see on a DASH bus could stretch across its windows. Alexandria’s transit agency wants to sell larger exterior ads that extend onto passenger windows, a change staff estimates could bring in up to $100,000 a year in additional net revenue.
The Alexandria Transit Company board will consider the proposal Thursday, November 12. If endorsed, the new formats could go on sale November 13. That is the proposed start for sales, not a date when riders should expect to see ads on buses.
Could passengers still see out?
Yes, under the proposal. The board packet (item 6.f) says window ads would have to use perforated material that lets passengers see out. DASH would inspect materials before installation and reject placements that limit the driver’s view. Staff also notes that riders have historically asked DASH to keep bus windows uncovered.
The proposal would add two larger versions of existing side-panel ads and allow full bus wraps. Staff expects the larger side ads to generate more revenue than full wraps. DASH’s existing advertising content rules would still apply.
How much would it help the budget?
The $100,000 figure is an annual estimate that depends on advertiser demand. In a separate item in the same packet, DASH’s preliminary forecast shows a roughly $1.18 million shortfall this fiscal year even after expected savings from schedule changes and proposed service reductions. That forecast excludes the city manager’s separate $1 million repayment request. The board will also consider the proposed route changes Zebra reported last week.
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, November 12, at DASH headquarters, 3000 Business Center Drive. The DASH website has Zoom registration and instructions for requesting public comment.
