DASH and WMATA secure $14.9 million for Alexandria transit projects – ALXnow

Investment in Alexandria’s Public Transit to Advance Sustainable Development Goals

Overview of Funding Approval

On June 24, Virginia’s Commonwealth Transportation Board approved a $39.5 million investment aimed at enhancing public transit in Alexandria, Virginia. This funding is part of the I-395/95 Commuter Choice Program, which seeks to reduce traffic congestion in Northern Virginia by improving public transportation options.

Allocation of Funds and Transit Improvements

1. DASH Bus Service Enhancement

   • $11.8 million allocated to maintain two critical DASH routes.
   • Line 35 will continue frequent service connecting Alexandria’s West End to the Pentagon, with buses every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends.
   • Line 36A/B, serving Mark Center, Shirlington, and Potomac Yard, will maintain a 15-minute daily schedule.

2. WMATA Service Expansion

   • $3.1 million dedicated to establishing a new bus route and enhancing an existing one.
   • New Route A29 will provide rush-hour service from Van Dorn Street Station to downtown Washington, D.C., offering direct connections for west Alexandria and south Arlington commuters.
   • Route A25, running from Landmark Transit Center to the Pentagon, will receive increased frequency during peak hours.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The transit improvements align with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – By investing in reliable and efficient public transit infrastructure, the program supports sustainable industrialization and fosters innovation in urban mobility.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Enhancing transit services contributes to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by reducing traffic congestion and improving accessibility.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – The program aims to lower emissions by reducing vehicle miles traveled by nearly 22 million annually, supporting efforts to combat climate change.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Reduced traffic congestion and emissions contribute to improved air quality and public health.

Program Outcomes and Community Engagement

• The improvements are expected to support approximately 3,800 additional daily transit trips within the I-395/95 corridor.
• Projected savings include over 53,000 hours of travel time annually.
• A public comment period received over 450 responses, with the majority expressing support for the proposed projects.

About the Commuter Choice Program

Launched in 2017, the Commuter Choice program utilizes toll revenues from Northern Virginia expressway corridors to fund transit and multimodal projects. Its primary goals include enhancing mobility, reducing traffic congestion, and lowering emissions in the region, thereby advancing sustainable urban development.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Enhancement of public transit infrastructure and services in Alexandria and Northern Virginia.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Improving public transportation to reduce traffic congestion and enhance urban mobility.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Reducing vehicle miles traveled and emissions through improved transit options.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Reducing traffic congestion and emissions contributes to better air quality and public health.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 9 – Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
   • Investment in Alexandria’s public transit routes (Line 35, Line 36A/B, WMATA routes) to maintain and expand service.
2. SDG 11 – Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport.
   • Maintaining frequent bus services and establishing new routes to improve accessibility and reduce congestion.
3. SDG 13 – Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
   • Reducing vehicle miles traveled by nearly 22 million annually to lower emissions.
4. SDG 3 – Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Reducing traffic congestion and emissions to improve air quality and health outcomes.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Number of additional daily transit trips:
   • Approximately 3,800 additional daily transit trips expected in the I-395/95 corridor.
2. Travel time saved:
   • Over 53,000 hours of travel time saved annually.
3. Reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT):
   • Nearly 22 million vehicle miles reduced annually.
4. Public support and engagement:
   • Over 450 public comments received, majority supporting the proposals, indicating community acceptance and participation.
5. Frequency and coverage of bus services:
   • Maintaining service intervals of 10-15 minutes on key routes and adding new routes for better connectivity.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: alxnow.com