Metro riders embrace “Tap and Go” technology –Parking Garages are Next

ALEXANDRIA, VA – At last night’s City Council meeting, officials announced that combined ridership on DASH buses and Metro trains has now surpassed 2019 pre-pandemic levels—and continues to rise. The city credits much of this success to recent modernization efforts, such as the “Tap and Go” system for metrobuses, which enables riders to pay quickly with a simple tap of their phone or credit card.

Since September 5, 2021, DASH has operated entirely fare-free, making Alexandria one of the first jurisdictions in the region to eliminate bus fares altogether. Early results show dramatic ridership growth: by August 2022 average weekday boardings nearly doubled compared with August 2021 (+117 %). DASH recorded roughly 4.54 million annual boardings, and projections for FY 2024 reached about 5.0 million. The fare-free policy has been credited with reducing cost barriers, especially for low-income riders, supporting equity goals, and helping feed the broader upward trend in transit usage that the city is now celebrating.

“We are ecstatic to see the significant benefits fare-free transit is providing our community. … It is our hope that our success may be a framework for other transit systems considering similar programs,” said Josh Baker, CEO and General Manager of DASH.

After several years of recovery following the pandemic, the record-breaking ridership marks a significant step forward in Alexandria’s commitment to making public transit more accessible, efficient, and sustainable for everyone.

The announcement underscores the City Council’s commitment to making public transit a first choice for more Alexandrians. In addition to celebrating rising ridership, council members also turned their attention to the city’s parking infrastructure, unveiling plans to modernize local parking garages with the same “Tap and Go” payment technology.

With this upgrade, drivers will soon be able to enter and exit garages with a simple tap, eliminating the need for tickets, cash, or apps.

As ridership climbs and infrastructure improvements move forward, Alexandria is entering a new era of smart, sustainable mobility—one that offers residents and visitors alike a faster, more convenient, and more connected city experience.