News

DASH Tries Out New, Articulated Electric Bus

By James Cullum

Alexandria’s DASH bus system is inviting the public to provide input on a new zero-emissions electric bus.

The 60-foot-long Xcelsior CHARGE XE60 bus can carry more than 120 people, and will be available for the public to take a test ride late this week. The event is happening on Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. at Market Square (301 King St.).

DASH has been experimenting with the bus since last week in an effort to replace its older articulated (connected by a joint) buses. The bus is also being tried out on various routes this week, including one used by Mayor Justin Wilson on Monday morning.

The bus is made by New Flyer of America, and was provided to the city free of charge during the demonstration.

Bus Features:

  • Highest battery storage capacity and range of any zero-emissions bus available in the United States.
  • Ability to serve all current or future routes within the City (navigates tighter turns than many current DASH buses due to special turning technology)
  • Nearly doubles passenger capacity for routes with overcrowding issues (carries 120-130 passengers vs. 80 on current DASH buses)
  • 3 articulated buses can replace 4 standard buses, reducing long term operating and capital costs
  • Remedies bunching issues on routes where too many buses create service reliability issues

Photo via Justin Wilson/Facebook

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.