American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Outstanding Public Transportation System
Award: Implementation of the DASH bus system for the
City of Alexandria

The system started with 30 employees and in the first year annual ridership was less than 1 million passengers covering 582,000 miles. The fledgling service not only saved the City money, but it provided for better service into the neighborhoods. The first 17 buses were smaller than the Metro Buses – only 30 feet long with 31 seats. As the system began to grow, more routes were added, more employees were hired, and the staff moved out of their trailer into their location on South Quaker Lane in Alexandria.

Virginia Transit Association (VTA) Innovative Program
Award: Marketing Campaign for Community Outreach

The VTA Outstanding Innovative Program Award gives recognition to a significant, exceptional or innovative program that improves public transportation or the services or processes of the transit system. DASH won the Innovative Program Award for its stellar involvement in the community through sponsorship of community-related events and transit fares.

Virginia Transit Association (VTA) Innovative Program
Award: Tourist Information Marketing 

The VTA Innovative Program Award gives recognition to a significant, exceptional or innovative program that improves public transportation or the services or processes of the transit system. In 1993, DASH took over two Metrobus routes on Duke Street, and the City realized a savings of more than $500,000 per year. After absorbing the Metro route to the Alexandria Campus of the Northern Virginia Community College and the Stonegate community on Braddock Road, DASH saved the City an additional $200,000.

Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s (VDRPT) Outstanding Urban Public Transportation System
Award: Exceptional Growth in Ridership

Virginia is fortunate to have an extensive and diverse public transportation system ranging from public transportation to commuter rail to commuter assistance programs, providing transit service in urban and rural areas. DASH received this award due to the steadfast growing of the DASH bus system.

American Public Transportation Association (APTA) AdWheel Innovative Creative Marketing
Award: Tourist Information Marketing

he award recognize public transportation systems and APTA business members for excellence in advertising, communications, marketing, and promotion. In 1993, DASH took over two Metrobus routes on Duke Street, and the City realized a savings of more than $500,000 per year. After absorbing the Metro route to the Alexandria Campus of the Northern Virginia Community College and the Stonegate community on Braddock Road, DASH saved the City an additional $200,000.

Virginia Association of Public Transit Officials (VAPTO) Innovative Program
Award: Development and Implementation of its Transportation Management Plan Outreach Program

The VAPTO Award recognizes significant, innovative activities that improve the organization, management, or services of VAPTO member agencies. ATC established a solid working relationship with the development and business community of Alexandria through a unique program which assists office and residential complexes in promoting transit alternatives to employees and residents and reducing single occupant travel to and from the site. The TMP program came about in response to a city ordinance requiring large developments to implement TMP programs aimed at mitigating peak period traffic congestion in the city.

Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s (VDRPT) Outstanding Urban Public Transportation System
Award: Exceptional Growth in Ridership

Virginia is fortunate to have an extensive and diverse public transportation system ranging from public transportation to commuter rail to commuter assistance programs, providing transit service in urban and rural areas. DASH received this award due to the steadfast growing of the DASH bus system.

Virginia Governor’s Transportation Safety
Award: Outstanding Public Safety

DASH successfully demonstrated a high level of resource allocation and management participation in the development and implementation of safety initiatives for bus operators and customers.

DASH n’ Dine Campaign

The DASH n’Dine program was created to increase the number of first-time DASH riders and encourage more frequent use from current riders by offering up to a 15% discount at local restaurants. In addition, the program was established to help mitigate traffic congestion and parking concerns in areas of Old Town Alexandria.

* Virginia Transit Association (VTA) Innovative Program Award

The VTA Innovative Program Award gives recognition to a significant, exceptional or innovative program that improves public transportation or the services or processes of the transit system.

* American Public Transportation Association (APTA) AdWheel Innovative Creative Marketing Award

The award recognize public transportation systems and APTA business members for excellence in advertising, communications, marketing, and promotion.

*  Chesapeake Chapter of Association for Commuter Transportation, Excellence in Marketing

ACT recognizes transit agencies that have implemented an educational campaign for their community that involves: commuting options, current transportation projects, impacts of transportation on the environment, etc. The campaign must demonstrate a high level of creativity, generate a significant response and/or result in the rejuvenation of a previous/existing Transportation Demand Management DM program.

Chesapeake Chapter of Association for Commuter Transportation, Excellence in Marketing
Award: Custom Bus Schedules (Ride Guides)

ACT recognizes transit agencies that have implemented an educational campaign for their community that involves: commuting options, current transportation projects, impacts of transportation on the environment, etc. The campaign must demonstrate a high level of creativity, generate a significant response and/or result in the rejuvenation of a previous/existing Transportation Demand Management DM program. The DASH Ride Guides consolidated all of the DASH routes and important landmarks into a convenient-to-carry brochure for customers to navigate in and around the DASH bus system.

Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) Community Outreach
Award: Be SAFE: S.A.F.E. = Safety Awareness For Everyone

A fire prevention education program, called ‘Be SAFE’ was created alongside Alexandria Fire Department and Embassy Suites Hotel to raise fire safety awareness. Safety posters were created and displayed on the DASH fleet, and depict what to do during an emergency fire situation. The posters were viewed by more than 8,000 daily riders. DASH also compiled a matchbook of information and distributed it to homes where firefighters completed a safety inspection.

Chesapeake Chapter of Association for Commuter Transportation, Excellence in Marketing
Award: DASHing Around Alexandria Coloring Book

ACT recognizes transit agencies that have implemented an educational campaign for their community that involves: commuting options, current transportation projects, impacts of transportation on the environment, etc. The campaign must demonstrate a high level of creativity, generate a significant response and/or result in the rejuvenation of a previous/existing Transportation Demand Management DM program. The DASHing Around Alexandria Coloring Book was created to provide a fun and interactive way for children to learn about the DASH bus system, how to ride the bus safely, as well as other educational tools for children, such as math, spelling, reading, etc.

American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Safety Award
Award: Silver Safety Award

The APTA Safety Awards are based on the service characteristics and operating environment of the transit systems. The classifying variables include weather, population, number of buses in service, bus vehicle miles operated, and the general traffic conditions of the service area. The Silver Safety Award is for systems with annual ridership between 1 and 5 million.

Virginia Municipal Group, Safety Performance Program Award
Award: Excellence in Safety

The VML Awards celebrate hometown successes and all that is done to make your city, town or county a great place to live. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in safety for local governments across Virginia.

Virginia Municipal Group, Safety Performance Program
Award: Excellence in Safety

The VML Awards celebrate hometown successes and all that is done to make your city, town or county a great place to live. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in safety for local governments across Virginia.

American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Safety Award
Award: Neil E. Goldschmidt Safety Award

The APTA Safety Awards are based on the service characteristics and operating environment of the transit systems. The classifying variables include weather, population, number of buses in service, bus vehicle miles operated, and the general traffic conditions of the service area. Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) was recognized for its superior safety record and excellence of its safety program internally and externally through bus operators and customer safety.

American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Safety Award:
Award: Gold Safety Award

The APTA Safety Awards are based on the service characteristics and operating environment of the transit systems. The classifying variables include weather, population, number of buses in service, bus vehicle miles operated, and the general traffic conditions of the service area. Safety is reinforced on a daily basis through monthly slogans that are read by dispatchers in the morning, afternoon, and evening. All bus operators attend the Smith System professional driving program.

American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Safety
Award: Gold Safety Award

The APTA Safety Awards are based on the service characteristics and operating environment of the transit systems. The classifying variables include weather, population, number of buses in service, bus vehicle miles operated, and the general traffic conditions of the service area. DASH was judged to have an outstanding safety record and notable achievement in the safety of operations during the year.

American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Safety
Award: Silver Safety Award

The APTA Safety Awards are based on the service characteristics and operating environment of the transit systems. The classifying variables include weather, population, number of buses in service, bus vehicle miles operated, and the general traffic conditions of the service area. The Silver Safety Award is for systems with annual ridership between 1 and 5 million.

Virginia Transit Association (VTA) Outstanding Public Transportation Marketing
Award: DASH About Shuttle

DASH was the recipient of the VTA Outstanding Public Transportation Marketing Award for the creation, implementation and marketing of the DASH About that offers free weekend service, in partnership with the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association (Visit Alexandria). The buses were distinctively wrapped to capture the ambiance, character, and history of Old Town Alexandria. The service was created in hopes to increase ridership.

City of Alexandria Community Survey Top Five City Services for Quality Award

Virginia Transit Association (VTA) Innovative Program
Award: Display Map of Old Town Alexandria

The VTA Innovative Program Award gives recognition to a significant, exceptional or innovative program that improves public transportation or the services or processes of the transit system. DASH received the VTA Innovative Program Award for the creation, implementation and marketing of a display map of Old Town Alexandria. The map included bus bay information, a map of Old Town and a short description of historic places to visit on DASH in Alexandria to help improve tourist information for commuters.

Enhanced Supervisor Vehicle Technology

DASH received the VTA Innovative Program Award and APTA Adhweel Innovative Creative Marketing Award for the implementation of laptop technology in all DASH supervisor vehicles that allows supervisors to access information replacing the rolling library books. Supervisors are able to access real-time locations on buses equipped with Nextbus AVL or view traffic cameras. The technology was initiated with funding awarded by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation as part of a demonstration grant of $30,000.

* Virginia Transit Association (VTA) Innovative Program Award

The VTA Innovative Program Award gives recognition to a significant, exceptional or innovative program that improves public transportation or the services or processes of the transit system.

*  ​​​​​​​American Public Transportation Association (APTA) AdWheel Innovative Creative Marketing Award

The award recognize public transportation systems and APTA business members for excellence in advertising, communications, marketing, and promotion.

City of Alexandria Community Survey Top Five City Services for Quality Award

City of Alexandria Community Survey Top Five City Services for Quality Award

City of Alexandria Community Survey Top Five City Services for Quality Award

Virginia Transit Association (VTA) Innovative Program
Award: Operator Weekend Scheduling Program

The VTA Innovative Program Award gives recognition to a significant, exceptional or innovative program that improves public transportation or the services or processes of the transit system. Implementation of a new rotating weekend driver scheduling program that resulted in a 25 percent reduction in operators reporting off for weekend work, which also reduced operating costs.

Virginia Transit Association (VTA) Outstanding Public Transportation Marketing
Award: 'Sweetest Ride' & 'DASHing Through Alexandria'

DASH was the recipient of VTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation Marketing Award for its “Sweetest Ride” and “DASHing through Alexandria” campaigns. The creation, implementation and marketing of the “The Sweetest Ride” campaign involved a promotional partnership between DASH and the retro-style parlor, The Dairy Godmother, to market and promote a new DASH bus route and a retail business served by the route in a creative and unique way.

The “DASHing Through Alexandria” marketing campaign offered shoppers discounts and/or gifts at nearly 40 area stores from late November through early January. “DASHing Through Alexandria” was a smashing success as the campaign helped alleviate holiday traffic and parking problems, and strong relations were formed between DASH and the retail business community.

City of Alexandria Community Survey Top Five City Services for Quality Award

DASH Ride Guide

An informational marketing piece that provides all of the necessary information about DASH, routes and schedules in an easy-to-read and carry marketing piece.

* American Public Transportation Association (APTA) AdWheel
Award Print Media in Promotional Materials - Print media and promotional materials of the DASH Ride Guide

The APTA AdWheel Awards recognize excellence in public transportation marketing and communication.
 

*​​​​​​​  ​​​​​​​American Public Transportation Association (APTA) AdWheel
Award Outstanding Public Transportation Marketing and Communications Award

The APTA AdWheel Awards recognize excellence in public transportation marketing and communication.

Metro Magazine Ten Great Transit Systems to Work For
Award: Top Ten Transit System to Work For

ATC was chosen as one of the top ten transit systems to work for in the United States. DASH, along with the nine other top ten systems were showcased in the September-October 2008 issue of Metro Magazine, in an article titled, “Ten Great Transit Systems to Work For.” Over the summer, Metro Magazine launched an effort to identify ten of the top transit agency employers in the U.S. and Canada. A scoring system was created that weighed the results of a confidential employee survey and a 750-word statement prepared by the transit agency. DASH prides itself on providing the highest level of customer service possible to its riders and its employees.

Metro Magazine Ten Great Transit Systems to Work For
Award: Top Ten Transit System to Work For

ATC was chosen as one of the top ten transit systems to work for in the United States. DASH, along with the nine other top ten systems were showcased in the September-October 2008 issue of Metro Magazine, in an article titled, “Ten Great Transit Systems to Work For.” Over the summer, Metro Magazine launched an effort to identify ten of the top transit agency employers in the U.S. and Canada. A scoring system was created that weighed the results of a confidential employee survey and a 750-word statement prepared by the transit agency. DASH prides itself on providing the highest level of customer service possible to its riders and its employees.

Alexandria Commission for Women Leadership in Business Career Development
Award: Honored Sandy Modell, General Manager

Sandy Modell, ATC General Manager, was honored for leading the Alexandria Transit Company DASH bus system for more than 20 years. When she was appointed General Manager in 1989, she became one of only three female transit managers in the entire country. When Modell attended industry meetings, she was often the only woman in the room. There were relatively few women working at DASH when Sandy first arrived - only three women drivers and no supervisors. Modell decided that in order to bring more women into the workplace, the position requirements would need to be changed. She put forth a proposal to make hiring more inclusive by expanding the bus operator job requirements.

City of Alexandria’s Department of Transportation & Environmental Service, Office of Environmental Quality
Award: Top 10 Environmental Achievements

DASH purchased and received seven 35-foot hybrid buses, three 40-foot hybrid buses and the City purchased five 30-foot hybrid trolleys. The hybrid buses were purchased primarily with Commonwealth of Virginia State Urban Funds. Alexandria Transit also partnered with the City and secured an EPA Stimulus Grant that funds the difference in the cost between the hybrid technology and a conventional diesel powered engine. The five trolley buses were purchased with American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) Stimulus funds and will be used for service on King Street.

Virginia State Bus Roadeo
Award: DASH Wins Top Honors

DASH Bus Operator Clarence “Action” Jackson won first place with the highest score over all competitors in the annual Virginia State Bus Roadeo competition on Sunday, April 1. Jackson also won first place on the 35 foot bus competition, and the Virginia Transit Liability Pool Safety Award. Approximately 200 competitors, transit system staff, volunteers, and judges converged in Norfolk, Virginia to participate in the weekend activities. Drivers and mechanics from local transit systems across Virginia competed in the event. DASH Bus Operators Michelle Willis, Elmer Rodriquez and Roscoe Shell placed fourth, fifth and eighth in the 35’ bus competition. DASH placed first place overall for the Driving Team. The roadeo tests the driving and knowledge skills of bus operators in an obstacle course that mirrors the specific driving maneuvers and encounters frequently experienced in the course of their daily work behind the wheel of their bus. The drivers must demonstrate safety habits and smoothness of operation and are rated on both while driving through each situation on the course. They are also tested on their abilities in a pre-trip inspection and written test.

City of Alexandria’s Department of Transportation & Environmental Service, Office of Environmental Quality
Award: Top 10 Environmental Achievements

DASH purchased and received seven 35-foot hybrid buses, three 40-foot hybrid buses and the City purchased five 30-foot hybrid trolleys. The hybrid buses were purchased primarily with Commonwealth of Virginia State Urban Funds. Alexandria Transit also partnered with the City and secured an EPA Stimulus Grant that funds the difference in the cost between the hybrid technology and a conventional diesel powered engine. The five trolley buses were purchased with American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) Stimulus funds and will be used for service on King Street.

City of Alexandria Beautification
Award: William B. Hurd Transit Facility

ATC’s William B. Hurd Transit Facility is a 160,000 square foot building that was opened in October 2009 for DASH Maintenance, Operations and Administration staff along with housing the DASH fleet and now, the King Street Trolleys. The ATC building was the first transit facility in Virginia to be constructed using the design-build method of delivery. The facility construction was designed to achieve the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating. The facility was judged on visibility from the public right of way; plant colors, textures and forms; maintenance; proportion; landscaping accepts and elements; relationship and enhancement to the neighborhood; and noticeable improvement.

Virginia Transit Association (VTA) Outstanding Transit Program
Award: Development and implementation of the BRAC-133 Mark Center Express Service

In August 2012, DASH launched the AT2X Mark Center Express service to coincide with the beginning of the Department of Defense move to the new Mark Center Station, BRAC-133 site at Seminary Road and Beauregard Street. The new, high frequency, express bus service married with the existing DASH AT2 route and operates every 10 minutes between the Mark Center Station and King Street Metro during the weekday peak periods with no intermediate stops.

Virginia Transit Association (VTA) Outstanding Public Transportation Marketing
Award: King Street Trolley Marketing Campaign

The King Street Trolley is a free trolley in Alexandria, VA that operates from the King Street Metrorail Station to the Potomac River waterfront daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10:15 p.m. The trolley was initiated four years ago as a way to disperse tourist dollars throughout Old Town. The idea for a trolley service along King Street was in response to the new National Harbor development and its goal was to provide a means to attract tourists and visitors to Alexandria from there. A water taxi was established and the city wanted to have a way to move tourists from the dock to the shops, landmarks, and historic attractions. Since DASH began operating the King Street Trolley, ridership has increased to more than 65%.

Virginia Transit Association (VTA) Outstanding Public Transportation Marketing
Award: DASHing For 30 Years: Past, Present, and Future

A selection committee made up of transit professionals from around the Commonwealth chose “DASHing for 30 Years: Past, Present and Future” based on its exceptional programs that were considered innovative and effective, and that advance and expand public transportation in the Commonwealth. DASH was selected by the Association for its “DASHing for 30 years: Past, Present and Future” marketing and outreach efforts in association with DASH’s 30th anniversary milestone. The campaign included monthly activities that engaged the customers through social media and on-board promotions and the creation of the DASH 30th Anniversary video and the Celebration DASH Bus!

Mass Transit’s Top 40 Under 40
Award: Raymond Mui, Director of Planning and Scheduling, Recipient

Mass Transit, the only magazine exclusively dedicated to public transportation, honors those professionals who have made significant contributions to the public transit industry. Honorees were nominated by their peers and judged on criteria that included job commitment, industry involvement and contribution, achievement in his or her position and innovation in his or her field. This exclusive 0 list is made up of professionals who are not only extremely deserving of this honor, but expect that they will continue to play a significant role in public transportation for decades to come. In 2011, Raymond was hired as the DASH Transit Planning and Scheduling Manager, and in 2014 he was promoted to Director of Planning and Scheduling. “I’ve always been surrounded by mass transit, so growing up, it was always something I wanted to work in,” said Raymond. “I enjoy working in the industry because it’s something I am very passionate about; it’s something I believe in.” To read more about Raymond, and the other recipients, visit www.MassTransitmag.com.

King Street Trolley Reaches 5 Millionth Rider

In September 2015, the King Street Trolley reached its five millionth rider! In addition to this monumental milestone, the King Street Trolley introduced a new, double-door trolley on to the streets August 9 and went from operating every 15 minutes to operating every 10 minutes during the peak season. DASH began operating Alexandria’s first clean diesel hybrid electric King Street Trolley in April 2012. The King Street Trolley transports approximately 2,500 riders a day and has traveled 240,000 miles, which is the distance between Earth to the moon!

Virginia Transit Association (VTA)
Award: "Plan Ahead…Pay it Forward" Campaign

A selection committee made up of transit professionals from around the Commonwealth chose “Plan Ahead…Pay it Forward” based on the program that was considered exceptional and innovative, and improved public transportation, the services and processes of the transit system. The Plan Ahead…Pay it Forward campaign made DASH the first system in the region to take the process of adding value to a SmartTrip® card off of the bus. ATC made a bold initiative to eliminate the add value option aboard all DASH buses on April 1, 2015. By eliminating the add value function on the bus, riders are now enjoying a more convenient ride on DASH with less hassle, ease of boarding, and reliable departures and arrivals.