Alexandria’s DASH transit agency will eliminate its $2 fare starting September 5th and at the same time, the routes will be overhauled.

The Alexandria City Council gave DASH a $1.5 million subsidy increase for the next year to allow for fare-free riding, which DASH says could grow ridership by 23%, aid low-income residents, help bring riders back after the pandemic, and meet environmental goals.

The $1.5 million cost to cover fares is dramatically less than it might have been because of low ridership during the pandemic and predicted lower ridership in the coming year.

“Public transit is a vital part of any community, and DASH’s new network with more frequent service in more parts of the City will improve upon the safe and reliable service that so many residents depend on,” Mayor Justin Wilson said in a statement.

DASH has discontinued selling passes ahead of the change. Officials say passengers should use up passes, as they will not be refunded. They also recommend that people who use SmartBenefits through their employer should adjust their deductions.

The transit agency didn’t charge fares for much of the pandemic but resumed front-door boarding and fares in March.

Meanwhile, the bus route network is changing dramatically since it was first launched 37 years ago.

DASH officials say it will bring more frequent service to more people.

Buses will run every 15 minutes or less, all-day, seven days a week on major transit corridors across Alexandria including Old Town, Arlandria, Potomac Yard, Parkfairfax, the West End and the King Street.

DASH estimates that nearly 60,000 more Alexandria residents will gain access to high-frequency service, and the number of low-income residents with access to frequent transit will improve from 29% to over 72%.

“These changes enable us to provide service that not only meets the current needs of our community with more frequent service, improved access to transit, and an overall improved customer experience, but will also continue to serve the City of Alexandria as mobility needs evolve in the future,” DASH CEO and General Manager Josh Baker said.

It’s part of the first phase of the larger Alexandria Transit Vision Plan, which seeks to create an “even more inclusive, accessible, and useful transit system” by 2030.