Question: What is the fiscal impact of the City doing something similar to what Arlington just implemented to provide free Metrobus rides to high school students? (Mayor Justin Wilson)
Response:
The Arlington County Board approved up to $360,000 for FY 2024 to expand the free student fare program for Metrobus, benefiting a total of 14,100 middle school and high school students. Alexandria has around 4,400 high school students, representing 31% of Arlington's total. By employing this ratio, the estimated cost of providing free Metrobus fares to Alexandria high school students amounts to approximately $112,000. However, these estimates will likely be lower because Metrobus does not run service near Alexandria City High School and the area is currently served by DASH lines 31 and 36 which are fare-free.