Alexandria’s DASH bus system announced last night that all buses will eliminate fares starting today amid coronavirus concerns.

DASH said the new changes allow people to continue riding the buses will minimizing their exposure.

“Beginning Friday, March 20, DASH will eliminate fares on all buses until further notice, and switch to rear-door boarding as we continue to work to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” DASH said on its website. “Eliminating fares and moving to rear-door boarding will reduce passenger touchpoints, prevent potential crowding at fareboxes and promote social distancing between passengers and bus operators.”

The move comes after DASH took a significant hit to ridership at the start and went to a reduced schedule.

Beginning Friday, March 20, DASH will eliminate fares on all buses until further notice, and switch to rear-door boarding as we continue to work to reduce the spread of COVID-19. https://t.co/S1cFrnDgRT pic.twitter.com/XOFUGrV2hB

— DASH Bus (@DASHBus) March 20, 2020

Staff photo by Jay Westcott