DASH History

In 1981 in anticipation of the opening of the Metrorail stations and the subsequent reordering of Metrobus service, the City Council authorized a feasibility study for a city-sponsored bus system. In 1982, the study recommended a five-route system, using 18 buses.

In 1983, the City Council developed an RFP for management companies to develop a detailed plan for the operation of transit service in the City of Alexandria. The city chose to establish a non-profit public service cooperation that would be wholly owned by the City. This arrangement provided means by which:

• The transit system could be run as a business-type enterprise, and
• City Council could retain overall policy control yet be free from the day-to-day operation of a transit system.

On October 23, 1983 the City Council set up a Transitional Task Force and, on January 24, 1984, instructed the City Attorney to proceed with the incorporation of a non-profit company. The certificate of incorporation was issued by the State Corporation Commission on January 31, and the organizational meeting of the company was held February 6.

In January 1984, the General Manager employed by the Management Company that was awarded the management contract reported for duty and final preparations began for the opening of revenue service on March 11, 1984.

ATC was selected for the 1987 American Public Transit Association Outstanding Achievement Award, Category A (under 50 buses). ATC has also received the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation's Outstanding Urban Public Transportation System Award for both 1993 and 1994 and the 1994 Governor's Transportation safety Award.