City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 25, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: LEAH RILEY, DIRECTOR, TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
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Consideration of a Resolution to Support Proposed Same-Day On-Demand Paratransit Pilot Application Through the Uber Transit Fund and Approve Fares for Rides Taken Under the Pilot Program. (Not a Public Hearing Item)
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ISSUE: Whether the City should seek grant funding from the Uber Transit Fund to pilot a same-day, on-demand paratransit service and charge a $2.00 fare for trips conducted under the pilot.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Adopt the resolution (Attachment 1) to approve an application to the Uber Transit Fund for a $50,000 grant to pilot a same-day, on-demand paratransit program;
2. Authorize a $5,000 local match if the grant is awarded;
3. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to submit the proposal and enter into any necessary agreements with Uber Transit to accept and administer the funds; and
4. Authorize a $2.00 supplemental fare for same-day trips conducted under the pilot.
BACKGROUND: The City of Alexandria's paratransit program serves approximately 750 registered ADA-eligible riders. The program operates on an advance-reservation model, consistent with ADA paratransit requirements, which do not obligate agencies to provide same-day service. Currently, same-day capacity is limited to "rescue trips" situations where a rider missed a scheduled return trip or wishes to return home earlier than planned. This leaves a meaningful gap in flexible, spontaneous mobility for riders who experience unplanned needs during the day.
To address these exact types of service constraints nationwide, Uber Transit recently launched its $1 Million Innovation Fund. This initiative provides grants of up to $50,000 ...
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