With the support of City of Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson, Rep. Don Beyer, Sen. Mark Warner as well as other State and City officials, The City of Alexandria was awarded a $24 million federal grant to support DASH’s fleet electrification program. The FY 2024 grant was awarded through the FTA Low- and No-Emission and Bus and Bus Facilities Program and represents the largest discretionary award in DASH history. It will fund the purchase of thirteen (13) 100% electric buses, charging equipment, facility upgrades to support increased electrical capacity, and workforce development programs.
“This is a great accomplishment for DASH, for the City Alexandria, and for our environment.” said City of Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson. “With this funding, we are making major progress to make our City more sustainable through the purchase of electric buses and other environmentally friendly resources. We are revitalizing our commitment and dedication to zero emissions by 2037.”
“I’m thrilled to know that 13 electric buses will be coming to Alexandria as a direct result of the bipartisan infrastructure law,” said U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner. “Projects like this – that increase accessibility around the community while strengthening our workforce and supporting our climate goals – are exactly what we envisioned when we authored this law. I look forward to seeing this project come to fruition.”
“The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is making our air cleaner, our region more connected, and our economy stronger,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “These smart investments will help reduce emissions and create new jobs in Northern Virginia, throughout the region, and across the country. When we put our constituents and communities first, we can grow the middle class and rebuild America’s crumbling infrastructure. This is the way.”
“Improving access to zero-emission public transit options is a key component of Alexandria’s Environmental Action Plan 2040. This award is a recognition of the strong commitment the City of Alexandria and DASH have to taking bold climate action, already with the largest electric bus fleet in the Commonwealth. Together, DASH and the City of Alexandria are working to make electric transportation and charging options available to all Alexandrians,” said City of Alexandria Climate Action Officer Ryan Freed.
In addition to the bipartisan Federal investment in Low and No Emissions projects, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) has also committed $5 million in its FY 2024 budget as local match funds to further support projects that receive federal discretionary funds.
“This federal grant will accelerate the Alexandria Transit Company’s plans to transition to a 100% zero-emissions fleet, which will help create more energy efficient transportation choices,” DRPT Director Jennifer DeBruhl said. “The Department of Rail and Public Transportation is appreciative of the federal grant so the Commonwealth can leverage federal resources to modernize transit systems, improve efficiency and effectiveness, and grow the economy.”
“The future of transit in Alexandria and the Northern Virginia region looks cleaner, greener and more sustainable than ever before,” added Josh Baker, DASH CEO & General Manager. “DASH looks forward to putting this considerable investment to effective use for the benefit of its riders as well as the wider community, as every trip on an electric bus protects both the health of the community and the environment by reducing harmful emissions. The agency is grateful for the support and passionate advocacy of local and state officials in charging ahead toward the future of transit.”
DASH and City staff would also like acknowledge the support and partnership of the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) as part of the awarded Low No project.