For Immediate Release: June 26, 2023

The City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) have been awarded $38 million in grants to expand their zero-emission bus fleet and continue high-frequency bus service.

The City was awarded a $24 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) through its Low/No Emission Buses and Bus & Bus Facilities Program. The grant will be used to purchase 13 battery-electric buses and to install charging infrastructure at the City’s bus maintenance and storage facility. The grant will also provide funding to upgrade the DASH facility with additional electrical capacity and to cover the cost of additional training and workforce development programs related to fleet electrification.

DASH and the City of Alexandria were also awarded grant funding of $14 million through the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission’s I-395 Commuter Choice Program for Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025. The funds will be used to maintain high frequency service levels on DASH Lines 35 and 36A/B through Fiscal Year 2025. DASH was also awarded funding to purchase two 60-foot articulated electric buses to increase capacity on Line 35, the busiest route in the entire DASH system.

“The City is committed to reducing its environmental impact and improving air quality. The purchase of zero-emission buses is a major step forward in achieving these goals,” said Josh Baker, General Manager for DASH. “The new buses will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality for all residents of Alexandria.”

The City and DASH are grateful for the support of the FTA, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC), the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and the Alexandria community. The new zero-emission buses and improved bus facilities will help make Alexandria a cleaner and more sustainable City.

These projects support the City’s adopted policy goal of converting the entire DASH fixed-route bus fleet to 100% zero emissions technology by the year 2037, and that all new bus purchases starting in 2027 or later will have zero tailpipe emissions.

For inquiries from the news media only, contact the Office of Communications & Public Information at newsroom@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3969.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please call 703.746.3961 or email genevieve.babecki@alexandriava.gov.

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This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/4722.

About the City of Alexandria 

Founded in 1749, the City of Alexandria is a full-service, independent, city in Virginia with a AAA/aaa credit rating and a national reputation for progressive and responsible government. With a fast-paced business environment and walkable neighborhoods, Alexandria is a world-class destination where businesses and nonprofits choose to call home. Alexandria’s ample office space and urban amenities offer room to grow – a value unmatched in the region. Located minutes from the nation’s capital, Alexandria’s old-world charm and cutting-edge innovation are the perfect mix for attracting a diverse community, talented workforce, and enthusiastic visitors.