The Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) is thrilled to announce the addition of two new fully electric, articulated buses to our growing fleet, reaffirming our continued commitment to sustainable, efficient, and community-first public transportation. The purchase of these 60-foot, state-of-the-art vehicles were made possible through funding from the Commuter Choice program to be used along one of DASH’s most popular corridors, Line 35.
Serving up to 6,000 riders daily, Line 35 connects West Alexandria from the Van Dorn Metrorail Station to the Pentagon. The introduction of these high-capacity, fully electric articulated buses will allow DASH to significantly increase seating and standing room on this heavily traveled corrido, while also ensuring the system is well-equipped to meet rising demand as the area continues to grow and develop.
To commemorate the milestone, DASH hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at our facility on Thursday, May 23, welcoming a delegation of City officials, state leaders, as well as regional partners. The ceremony highlighted the region’s collaborative commitment to cleaner transportation and celebrated this leap forward in local transit innovation. Speakers included Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) Executive Director Kate Mattice, DASH Board Chair David Kaplan, and DASH CEO & General Manager Josh Baker.
“We are beyond excited to introduce these fully electric articulated buses into service,” said DASH CEO & General Manager Josh Baker. “Thanks to the support from the Commuter Choice program, we’re able to make a meaningful investment in both the environment and the quality of life for our riders. This is a major step forward in achieving our long-term vision of a clean, modern, and accessible transit network.”
The Commuter Choice program, administered by NVTC and the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), funds innovative transportation projects that reduce congestion and improve mobility along the I-66 and I-395/95 corridors. The addition of these electric buses directly supports regional goals for sustainability and traffic mitigation.
“Transit is the backbone of Northern Virginia,” said NVTC Executive Director Kate Mattice. “Investments such as DASH’s electric bus expansion project are a critical step toward building a more connected region while supporting sustainability and reducing maintenance costs. This funding will allow DASH to increase capacity, enhance service frequency, and better serve the growing number of riders who depend on public transit in Alexandria.”
City and state leaders echoed the importance of the investment, praising the initiative’s long-term impact on the region.
“Alexandria is proud to lead the way in building a more sustainable and inclusive future,” said Mayor Alyia Gaskins. “The introduction of these new electric buses is more than just modernizing our transit system; it’s a clear demonstration of our commitment, as a city and region, to equity, resilience, and environmental stewardship. This initiative helps ensure our neighborhoods are healthier, stronger, and better connected for generations to come.”
“Infrastructure initiatives, such as funding fully electric buses and charging stations, are crucial to ensuring Virginia remains competitive now and into the future,” said State Senator Adam Ebbin. “These efforts offer a smarter, more sustainable approach to transportation, improving efficiency while safeguarding our air and quality of life. I’m proud to champion innovative programs like Commuter Choice, which provide real, tangible benefits and help expand access to opportunities, foster regional growth, and make daily commutes cleaner and more convenient for thousands of Virginians.”
With this addition, DASH continues to advance its fleet electrification, with the ultimate goal of transitioning to a 100% zero-emissions. The new articulated buses join DASH’s growing line of electric vehicles, reaffirming our role as a regional leader in sustainable transit innovation.
About DASH:
DASH is a fare-free public transit system providing safe, reliable, and convenient bus services throughout the City of Alexandria, Virginia. It offers eco-friendly, accessible transportation that helps reduce traffic congestion and enhances the quality of life for residents, commuters, and visitors.
In addition to its local routes, DASH plays a critical role in the broader transportation network by partnering with regional transportation agencies, including Metrobus, Metrorail, Virginia Railway Express (VRE), and other bus systems to connect Alexandria to the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
About the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC):
NVTC works to ensure that businesses and residents are served by a high-capacity, high-quality network of transit systems that allows the region to thrive. It funds and promotes transit in the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church. NVTC supports five local bus systems (ART, CUE, DASH, Fairfax Connector, Loudoun County Transit), the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE). Visit www.NoVaTransit.org to learn more.
About the Commuter Choice Program:
Commuter Choice, a partnership between NVTC, the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), and the Commonwealth of Virginia, funds innovative transportation projects that reduce congestion and improve mobility along the I-66 and I-395/95 corridors. The addition of these electric buses directly supports regional goals for sustainability and providers area residents with additional travel options. Visit www.novatransit.org/programs/commuterchoice/ to learn more.