Alexandria Budget Changes to Affect Schools, Recycling and Transportation Fees

Alexandria VA
Market Square at City Hall
The City of Alexandria has made some changes to its budget for the 202 fiscal year. The budget changes will affect schools, transportation, recycling and taxes. Public Schools in Alexandria will get an increase in operating funds from $7.8 million to $231.7 million which is an increase of 3.5%. The fees for trash and recycling will increase from $373 to $411 which is an increase of 10.2%. This increase in fees is as a result of higher contractor costs and a new recycling standards by China. DASH bus fares will possibly see an increase to $2 from a quarter with the monthly pass increasing from $45 to $50. Continue reading

Richmond Highway Express

Richmond Highway Express, nicknamed "REX" is a bus route operated by the WMATA (the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) in partnership with Fairfax County, the City of Alexandria, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Federal Government. The REX is a limited stop express bus that serves the Richmond Highway corridor. Before the REX, riders from Fort Belvoir had many stops to make along Richmond Highway enroute to Huntington Metrorail Station and to the King Street Metrorail Station. REX buses operate every 15 minutes in both directions on Richmond Highway during weekday rush hours. During non-rush hours and on Satuday the REX comes through every 30 minutes. Then on Sunday the bus only operates every 60 minutes. Buses operate between 5:30 AM and 10:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM on Sunday. The REX uses special technology which allows REX buses to sustain green lights in order to move more quickly up and down Rt. 1. The REX bus has low-floor buses for quicker boarding and SmartCard for quicker paying. In addition the REX has only a limited number of stops:
  • King Street Metro (Alexandria)
  • Dulaney Street/PTO (Alexandria)
  • Eisenhower Avenue (Alexandria)
  • Kings Highway
  • Beacon Center
  • Lockheed Boulevard
  • Arlington Drive
  • Belford Drive South
  • Ladson Lane
  • South County Center
  • Frye Road
  • Lukens Lane
  • Sacramento Drive/Cooper Road
  • Old Mill Road/Mt. Vernon Memorial Highway
  • Dewitt Hospital (Fort Belvoir)
  • Langfitt Loop (Fort Belvoir)
  • 16th Street & Belvoir Road (Fort Belvoir)
  • Jackson Loop (North) & Gunston Road (Fort Belvoir)
REX passengers may transfer at any Richmond Highway stop to Fairfax Connector routes, and may transfer at Huntington and King Street Metro stations to rail service as well as other local bus service such as Alexandria’s DASH.REX bus at King St. Metro To stand-out from other Metrobuses and other area bus lines, REX buses are purple-blue with a golden yellow logo featuring the image of a running lion. The lion references the three lions emblazoned on the Fairfax County seal, which references the family crest of Lord Fairfax. Bus stop signs use the same color scheme, and stand out among the other bus stops along Route 1.    

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For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.

Alexandria’s DASH — riding tips and information about the public bus system

DASH (Driving Alexandrians Safely Home) buses are seen around, across and near the city of Alexandria, Virginia. The City of Alexandria wholly owns the DASH bus system and operates the system as a non-profit public service cooperation. But day to day management of the system is provided by Alexandria Transit Company. DASH bus in the Winter If you're new to the area, you'll soon find out what others already know.  The DASH buses are a clean, safe and effective way to get about the city.  Boarding the bus is simple and easy. When the bus arrives, just step into the bus and then deposit the exact fare or use your WMATA SmarTrip card.If you have any questions about routes or transfers ask the driver and then take a seat. On some of the most popular routes or during rush hours, there might not be any available seats. In that case just move as far to the rear of the bus as possible. This makes it easier for others to board easily. Be aware that the bus driver doesn't always stop at all bus stops! To signal to the driver that your stop is approaching, press the yellow signal strip or pull the bell cord. It's best to do this about a block from your destination so the driver has timely notice to stop at the next bus stop. When exiting the bus the rear door is easiest because others may be waiting to board through the front door. DASH has great service because it has great employees but also because area passengers observe a few simple rules of safety and courtesy:
  • There is no smoking, eating, or drinking allowed on the bus.
  • Radios, I-pods and other devices may only be used if they cannot be heard by others
  • There are a limited number of priority seats that are reserved for senior citizens and disable persons. You may sit in these seats, but riders are expected to volunteer that seat if the seat is needed by a senior citizen or disabled person. If the bus is full, riders are expected to volunteer seats as needed.
  • All passengers keep feet off passengers' seats.
To maintain the high level of quality offered by DASH, drivers may refuse service to anyone who does not observe these rules or to anyone whose behavior is disruptive or hazardous to vehicle or passenger safety. For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.

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