Alexandria DASH bus budget issues could lead to service cuts

DASH buses in Alexandria recently found out it’s facing even greater financial challenges than anticipated and may have to cut some bus service.

It comes after a recent, high-profile over-spending error by DASH.

“I don’t think that’s right because the people in the neighborhood need to get around,” said Keith, a DASH bus rider.

At a recent board meeting, the agency said that mainly because of higher diesel fuel and labor costs, they are looking at a budget shortfall of about $2.5 million for the next fiscal year.

That’s on top of over $3 million that was overspent last year because of a budget error that wasn’t caught on an excel spreadsheet.

And now, DASH riders may have to wait longer for buses or have bus routes trimmed.

“I hope they don’t do it,” Keith said. “I know the city probably needs to save some money, but I mean, you gotta think about the people.”

Rider Eddie also heard the news and said he’s thinking about people who need the buses to commute to their job.

“So if you cut service off, they are going to have to scamper somewhere, and they are going to be late for work or get up really early,” he said.

None of this is going to be easy – cutting service never is. But one DASH employee News4 talked to and who asked to remain anonymous said none of these cuts are going to happen without a fight.

“What I hope everyone has heard tonight is that no one desires service cuts, right,” said Jesse O’Connell, the DASH Board vice chair, at the most recent board meeting last week. “This is a tough situation we find ourselves in.”

The DASH board is advancing a plan for service cuts but they wouldn’t go as far as putting the elimination of bus routes on the table. They agreed that would be too harsh.

This all comes as DASH service, which is free, saw record ridership – almost 7 million riders – during the 2026 fiscal year.

The earliest any service changes could take effect is January.

The public can weigh in on these proposed cuts and a final decision is expected at the November board meeting.