[Archived] Alexandria Transit Company Sets Public Hearing on Proposed DASH Service Reductions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 1, 2009                                           

The Alexandria Transit Company (ATC) will hold a public hearing to receive public input on proposed service reductions and restructuring that will take effect in July. The reductions are in response to DASH transit subsidy reductions proposed in the City Manager’s Fiscal Year 2010 Operating Budget.  The proposed subsidy reduction of $537,211 is 6.5% less than what is required to maintain DASH service at its current levels.  Although $275,000 of the proposed reductions may be made up through other cost saving measures, the remaining $262,211 of the proposed subsidy reduction will require service reductions. 

ATC evaluated service on its least production routes or route segments and based its criteria for developing its service reduction proposal on:  1) the least impact to its riders; and, 2) alternate bus routes available.

“DASH ridership is at an all-time high and the last thing we want to do is reduce service,” stated Sandy Modell, ATC General Manager.  “But, we understand that the City is in a serious fiscal crisis and that all City services are being asked to make sacrifices.”

The public hearing is scheduled for April 23 at 5:30 p.m., in the Sister Cities Conference Room 1101 in City Hall.  The following proposed service changes include:

• Elimination of weekday midday, Saturday and Sunday service on King Street on the AT2 route between King Street Metro Station and the Braddock Road Metro Station.
  • Service between Bashford Lane and the Braddock Road Metro Station will be provided by an alternate route extension during off-peak periods.
• Elimination of weekday midday and Saturday service on the AT4 route.
  • Service to the Lee Center would be eliminated during these periods with no service on South Royal, Gibbon and Franklin Streets, South Payne, Jefferson and South Fayette Streets. Service between Slaters Lane and the Braddock Road Metro Station will be provided by an alternate route extension during off-peak periods.
• Elimination of weekday midday, Saturday and Sunday service on the AT3-4 Loop between the Braddock Road Metro Station and City Hall and Hunting Towers.

If you would like to sign up in advance to speak at the public hearing, please contact Marlene Jones, ATC Secretary at 703-370-3274, ext 610 or by e-mail at marlene.jones@alexandriava.gov.