The Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) is happy to announce that it is set to break ground on the DASH Facility Expansion project, designed to support a growing bus fleet and accelerate the City of Alexandria’s transition to 100% zero-emission buses.
The proposed facility upgrades will be reviewed by the Alexandria Planning Commission on Thursday, September 4, followed by the City Council during its legislative session on Tuesday, September 9. Pending approvals, construction is expected to begin soon after, with completion anticipated by early 2027.
“This expansion project is about looking ahead, and as we see more people choose transit, this will help ensure DASH is ready to support cleaner, more efficient service. The new facility will give us the space to grow, the infrastructure to charge electric buses, and the flexibility to improve how we operate,” said DASH CEO & General Manager Josh Baker. “It’s a practical step toward a more reliable and sustainable system, and we’re grateful to DRPT and NVTA for helping make it possible.”
Key Features of the Expansion:
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Increased Capacity: The expansion will accommodate up to 32 additional buses, including covered storage for 24 vehicles. DASH’s current facility, built to hold 96 buses, reached its capacity in the late 2010s.
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Electrification Infrastructure: The new site will serve as the framework for DASH’s first dedicated battery electric bus charging yard, which will eventually be equipped with overhead pantograph chargers for 24 electric buses. This advanced charging method is faster and more flexible than DASH’s current plug-in systems.
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Support for Citywide Transit Improvements: The expanded facility enables DASH to grow its fleet and improve transit service across Alexandria, while providing the infrastructure needed for a sustainable, zero-emission future.
Funding and Partnerships:
This expansion is made possible through a combination of state and regional funding, including:
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Grants from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s (DRPT) SmartScale program.
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Support from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA), including over $2 million specifically for electrification infrastructure.
By combining funding streams into a single, cost-effective project, DASH is maximizing the value of public investment while delivering a long-term, forward-looking solution to meet Alexandria’s evolving transit needs.
Next Steps:
The expansion plan will undergo public review as part of Alexandria’s planning process:
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Planning Commission Review: Thursday, September 4, 2025
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City Council Legislative Session: Tuesday, September 9, 2025