City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: NOVEMBER 6, 2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: EMILY BAKER, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER AND INTERIM DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
DOCKET TITLE:
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Consideration of a Resolution to Update the Fares for DOT Paratransit Service.
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ISSUE: Whether to adjust the DOT Paratransit fare structure by increasing fares, adding a new fare zone, and adding a peak-hour surcharge.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt the resolution (Attachment 1) to approve the recommended changes to the DOT Paratransit fares.
BACKGROUND: DOT Paratransit fares are regulated by federal law, which limits fares to no more than twice the fare charged by the fixed-route public transit system. Since DASH service is currently free, the fare for ADA-mandated paratransit service, 3/4 mile from fixed route transit, must also be zero. For many decades, DOT has gone beyond the minimum service requirements set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), offering broader geographic coverage and greater service flexibility. In 2020, this commitment was expanded further with the inclusion of Washington, D.C. as part of the paratransit service area (Zone 3).
DOT Paratransit currently operates under a three-zone fare structure (see Attachment 2):
* Zone 1 - ADA Mandatory Service Area: Free
* Zone 2 - Up to 5 miles from the City boundary in Virginia: $4
* Zone 3 - Over 5 miles from the City boundary in Virginia and into Washington, D.C.: $6
The most recent fare increase occurred in 2020, when fares were raised by $1 across Zones 2 and 3.
DISCUSSION: In response to City Council direction to explore cost-saving measures and operational efficiencies for the DOT Paratransit program, staff have reviewed the existing fare structure and developed a set of proposed chang...
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