[Archived] City Takes Steps to Increase Business Patronage

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

CITY OF ALEXANDRIA TAKES STEPS
TO INCREASE BUSINESS PATRONAGE

The City of Alexandria has taken several steps to encourage residents and visitors to shop and dine in Alexandria in response to the reduced level of patronage in local businesses since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the closing of Ronald Reagan National Airport.

1. New Shuttle from Dulles Airport to Old Town, Alexandria. Beginning Monday, Oct. 8, a motor coach bus shuttle service from Dulles International Airport will increase its route to include a stop at the King Street Metrorail Station. Arlington County began a motor coach shuttle service from Dulles to three Arlington Metrorail Stations following the closing of National Airport on Sept. 11. The shuttle extension to the King Street Metrorail Station in Alexandria will continue at least until the end of Phase I of the reopening of National Airport, which is expected to last about three weeks.
Through the efforts of the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association and the Alexandria Hotel Association, many hotels in Old Town Alexandria will operate free shuttle service to and from the King Street Metrorail Station to connect with the Dulles shuttle. Two shuttle routes will operate. One will serve north Old Town and the second route will service South Old Town. The Mark Center Hilton will use the Pentagon City shuttle stop in Arlington to pick up and drop off hotel guests.
The fare for the shuttle to and from Dulles will be $5 each way, service will be seven days a week, and the shuttle will operate every half hour.

2. Parking Meters, City Garages and Parking Lots. Beginning Saturday, Oct. 13, and continuing through the end of October, parking at City parking meters, garages and parking lots will be free after 5 p.m. on weekdays and free on Saturdays and Sundays. The cost for parking before 5 p.m. stays the same. These changes do not apply to private parking facilities and parking restrictions on un-metered streets remain the same.

3. DASH Buses, operated by the Alexandria Transit Authority, can be ridden for free on Oct. 13 and 14. Fares will also be suspended for the paratransit service on Oct. 13 and 14. The already free DASH ABOUT (free weekend shuttle on King Street) will continue.

“We are sending a message to our business community and the public that the City of Alexandria remains open for business,” said Philip Sunderland, City Manager.