Metro Accessible
The community shuttle takes residents to the Metro. Cameron Station has relatively easy access to I-395, I-495 and Old Town Alexandria.
DASH (Driving Alexandrians Safely Home) buses are seen around, across and near the
City of Alexandria
, Virginia. The City of Alexandria wholly owns the DASH bus system and operates the system as a non-profit public service cooperation. But day to day management of the system is provided by Alexandria Transit Company.
If you're new to the area, you'll soon find out what others already know. The DASH buses are a clean, safe and effective way to get about the city. Boarding the bus is simple and easy. When the bus arrives, just step into the bus and then deposit the exact fare or use your WMATA SmarTrip card.If you have any questions about routes or transfers ask the driver and then take a seat. On some of the most popular routes or during rush hours, there might not be any available seats. In that case just move as far to the rear of the bus as possible. This makes it easier for others to board easily.
Be aware that the bus driver doesn't always stop at all bus stops! To signal to the driver that your stop is approaching, press the yellow signal strip or pull the bell cord. It's best to do this about a block from your destination so the driver has timely notice to stop at the next bus stop. When exiting the bus the rear door is easiest because others may be waiting to board through the front door.
DASH has great service because it has great employees but also because area passengers observe a few simple rules of safety and courtesy:
- There is no smoking, eating, or drinking allowed on the bus.
- Radios, I-pods and other devices may only be used if they cannot be heard by others
- There are a limited number of priority seats that are reserved for senior citizens and disable persons. You may sit in these seats, but riders are expected to volunteer that seat if the seat is needed by a senior citizen or disabled person. If the bus is full, riders are expected to volunteer seats as needed.
- All passengers keep feet off passengers' seats.
To maintain the high level of quality offered by DASH, drivers may refuse service to anyone who does not observe these rules or to anyone whose behavior is disruptive or hazardous to vehicle or passenger safety.
The manager of the DASH system, the Alexandria Transit Company (ATC), has been chosen by Metro Magazine as one of the top ten transit systems to work for in the United States. Metro Magazine identified the the top transit agency employers in the U.S. and Canada by survey employees from around the country. Alexandria Transit Company exhibit traits that are great for any employer:
- An open-door policy among managers;
- Relaxed, family atmosphere;
- Work-schedule flexibility;
- Strong employee recognition practices;
- Approachable senior executives;
- Opportunities for advancement;
- Lack of micro-management;
- Encouraging, supportive environment.
Metro Magazine is quoted saying, "the ability of transit systems to attract, hire, and retain top candidates to their organization hinges on their willingness and desire to become employers of choice in their communities." In the Washington area, where there is a significant amount of competition in transportation jobs, Alexandria Transit has worked hard to be that employer of choice.
General Manager Sandy Modell graciously commented on the achievement, "DASH prides itself on providing the highest level of customer service possible to its riders and its employees. If we treat our employees with respect and appreciation, they are more likely to treat our external customers with that same respect and appreciation."
DASH (Driving
Alexandrians Safely Home) buses operate around, across and near the city of Alexandria,
Virginia. DASH buses are clean, safe and an effective way to get around Alexandria.
Boarding the bus is simple and easy. When the bus arrives, just step into the bus
and then deposit the exact fare or use your WMATA SmarTrip card. If you have any questions
about routes or transfers ask the driver and then take a seat. On some of the most
popular routes or during rush hours, there might not be any available seats. In that
case just move as far to the rear of the bus as possible. (This makes it easier for
others to board easily.)
If you're new to city buses, you need to be aware that the bus driver doesn't always
stop at all bus stops! To signal to the driver that your stop is approaching, press
the yellow signal strip or pull the bell cord. It's best to do this about a block
from your destination so the driver has timely notice to stop at the next bus stop.
When exiting the bus, the rear door is easiest because others may be waiting to board
through the front door.
DASH riders are expect to follow a few simple rules of safety and courtesy:
-
Smoking, eating, or drinking is not permitted on the bus.
-
Radios, I-pods and other devices may only be used if they cannot be heard by others
-
There are a limited number of priority seats that are reserved for senior citizens
and disabled persons. You may sit in these seats, but riders are expected to volunteer
that seat if the seat is needed by a senior citizen or disabled person. If the bus
is full, riders are expected to volunteer seats as needed.
-
All passengers must keep their feet off the seats.
DASH drivers may refuse service to anyone who does not observe these rules or to anyone
whose behavior is disruptive or hazardous to vehicle or passenger safety.
Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will
Nesbitt Realty LLC
Serving real estate needs of Northern
VA · in Alexandria · in
Arlington · in
Fairfax County ·
|
Around Old Town Alexandria,
parking can sometimes be a hassle, (unless you want to pay to park in a garage). But,
a great way to explore Alexandria is to take the Metro to
King St. and then hop a ride on the King St. Trolley. There is no charge to ride the
trolley and it makes stops about every two blocks between the King St. Metro and the
Potomac. The Trolley was designed to compliment service by the National Harbor's new
Water Taxi. The National Harbor is located across the Potomac in Maryland and is the
site of a brand new convention center. The convention center and many restaurants
are already open in this brand new area landmark. Additionally boat service is available
up and down river from the Strand in Old Town. The length of this circuit can be walked
in about 20 minutes, so many choose to take the trolley to the Potomac and then walk
back to the Metro through Old Town.
The Trolley makes it final stop before returning to the Metro near the Torpedo
Factory. Just as the name implies, the Torpedo Factory was torpedo factory in
the early part of the last century. Today the Torpedo Factory Art Center is a world-renowned
art center with three floors of open studios and galleries. Here, one can observe
artists and purchase original artwork. The Torpedo Factory Art Center is on the Potomac
waterfront. Street musicians and entertainers play nearly every night weather permitting,
and tourists and locals alike enjoy walks down by the waterfront.
.The trolley runs its route from 10 am to 10 pm every day. A printable map is available
for those who know nothing about the area.
Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will
Nesbitt Realty LLC
Serving real estate needs of Northern
VA · in Alexandria · in
Arlington · in
Fairfax County ·
|
Union Station in Alexandria
VA is a historic train station located between King and Duke Streets at the foot
of the George Washington
National Masonic Memorial. The station is within site of the USPTO and nearby Carlyle
District. The station backs up against the King
St. Metro, making it an excellent transfer point for riders of the VRE (Virginia
Railway Express). Both Amtrak and VRE stop at the station and DASH
and Metrobus lines stop at the King St. Station.
Alexandria's Union Station shares a name with Union Station in nearby Washington DC.
Locals usually refer to the station in Washington as Union Station and the station
in Alexandria as Alexandria Station. Both stations were so-named because at one time
they united several lines/companies. The Amtrak code is for this station is ALX.
The terminal itself was built in 1905 in the Federal Revival style. Although it has
been renovated and improved the original 1905 terminal is still in use. The memorial
before the terminal is dedicate to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Alexandria Union Station
110 Callahan Dr.
Alexandria VA 22314
Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will
Nesbitt Realty LLC
Serving real estate needs of Northern
VA · in Alexandria · in
Arlington · in
Fairfax County ·
|
Drivers on Rt. 7 near Tysons Corner will notice permanent changes to traffic patterns
that will allow for construction of a Tysons Central Metrorail station. The Tysons
Central station is part of the new line that will serve the Dulles Metrorail Project.
Tysons Central station construction is scheduled to end in 2013.
According to the Washington Post:
"The changes are at the intersection of Route 7, Marshalls Drive (the road leading
to the Marshalls store) and the frontage road. Traffic from Marshalls Drive and the
frontage road onto Route 7 is now only allowed to turn right. Drivers may not turn
from Marshalls Drive to westbound Route 7, nor from the frontage road to eastbound
Route 7. Additionally, drivers on Marshalls Drive or the frontage road may not cross
Route 7."
Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will
Nesbitt Realty LLC
Serving real estate needs of Northern
VA · in Alexandria · in
Arlington · in
Fairfax County ·
|
Franconia-Springfield Metro station is located in Springfield, Virginia at the end
of the Blue Line. The address of this station is 6880 Frontier Drive, Springfield
VA 22150, which places it just off the Fairfax
County Parkway in close proximity to the Springfield Mall.
While the metro stations in Alexandria and Arlington are
designed for urban living for the use of those within walking distance, the Franconia
Springfield station is designed for commuters with cars. This station has Metro's
largest parking garage, with over five thousand parking spaces. Commuters from Franconia, Springfield and Kingstowne all
make use of this metro.
This station is also well-served by Virginia Railway Express, Metrobus, local and
regional bus lines.
 |
About the Author --- Will
Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo
1 Alexandria and Will Nesbitt
Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in
Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides
in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County. |
Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will
Nesbitt Realty LLC
Serving real estate needs of Northern
VA · in Alexandria · in
Arlington · in
Fairfax County ·
|
Train station at Old Town Alexandria
VA on summer evening. Alexandria's AMTRAK station and the King St. Metro both
stop at the foot of the George
Washington Masonic Memorial. The VRE (Virginia Railway Express) also uses this
Alexandria train station. Many locals call this landmark building the Masonic Temple
or the Lighthouse. The Memorial is atop Shooter's Hill which commands an excellent
view of Old Town.
I like dropping by the Lighthouse at sunset for the views to Old Town Alexandria.
The Carlyle District is easily seen from
Shooter's Hill also. The windows you can see at Carlyle
Towers from the George Washington National Masonic Memorial all have great views
toward the memorial.
|
|
About the Author --- Will
Nesbitt is the principal broker of Will
Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo 1
Alexandria. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences
in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides
in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County. |
Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will
Nesbitt Realty LLC
Serving real estate needs of Northern
VA · in Alexandria · in
Arlington · in
Fairfax County ·
|
Leave your car behind? I can help you live in Arlington, Alexandria or Falls
Church--without owning a car. Outside the City of Washington DC, Arlington County
has the highest number of Metro Subway stops in the Capital Region.
Many large employment centers--Roslyn, Courthouse, Clarendon, Crystal City, The Pentagon,
Pentagon City and all of Falls Church City are on either the Yellow or Blue Line of
the Metro system
These areas are also loaded with all kinds of residential properties--single family
homes, townhouses and condos. Properties of all different sizes and prices
ranges are available for purchase of lease.
Want to get around? Try the healthy alternative--bikes! Arlington, Alexandria
and Fairfax counties are home to one of the nations most extensive system of bike
trails. Want to know a local secret--bikes are permitted on both the subway
trains and Metro buses! Bike lockers are available at most Metro stations
Still need are car from time to time? Use Zip
Car. Hundreds of cars are available at dozens of sites all around the area-Metro
stops, shopping centers, the business district, restaurant areas, museums--even the
airport. Here is another local secret--Zip Car parking spots are just about as convenient
as handicapped parking.
Contact Brian Brooks at
Condo 1 Alexandria to find just the right property for you and your family--but
not your car!
Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will
Nesbitt Realty LLC
Serving real estate needs of Northern
VA · in Alexandria · in
Arlington · in
Fairfax County ·
|
One of the great things about life in Alexandria VA is the proximity to two public
marinas: one at Belle Haven and the other at Potowmack Landing north of Old Town.
I have always wanted to sail, and yesterday Julie surprised me by signing us up for
a social sail with the Sailing Club of Washington.
The Sailing Club of Washington is a group of over 400 people that includes a mixture
of folks who have never sailed but want to learn and old salts who've been
sailing for years along with those who simply enjoy socializing with other sailing
enthusiasts. The Sailing Club of Washington (SCOW) is a 501(c)(7) organization
(a social club) that was originally chartered on July 12, 1966 "to provide
the membership thereof with the opportunity and instrumentalities to become expert
in the art of sailing for their individual and mutual education, benefit and enjoyment."
This boat used to be a club boat, but it's owned by a member who still shares it with
the club. The Sailing Club has six boats:
-
four 19' Flying Scots;
-
two 25' Catalinas
The boats are kept at the Washington Sailing Marina just south of National Airport. SCOW offers
classes, individual use of our boats, club sponsored activities and a place for sailors
in the D.C. area to come together and enjoy the sport and recreation of sailing.
We were excited as we prepared to board the vessel. It was a short walk along the
dock and then we boarded.
National Airport is visible behind us. The winds were light and steady, perfect for
beginners.
There were several other vessels nearby, most were sailors but there were a few flat-bottom
fishermen out as well.
After we were underway, the skipper let me man the tiller! What fun! I had to make
sure that we caught the right wind, without hitting posts or other boats.
Julie snapped a couple of pictures of me having a blast.
Eventually the sun started to set and it was time to head back to port.
What a great club! I can't endorse this activity enough. The fees are reasonable,
the company was pleasant. And I really like sailing.
We'll be back another day.
If you're looking for a home near the marina, you might consider some of the following
communities:
 |
About the Author --- Will
Nesbitt is the principal broker of Will
Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo 1
Alexandria. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences
in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides
in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County. |
Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will
Nesbitt Realty LLC
Serving real estate needs of Northern
VA · in Alexandria · in
Arlington · in
Fairfax County ·
|
Wouldn't it be nice to ride the Metro to someplace near your destination and then
pick up a car just steps from the train or bus. You
could use the care to run errands, shop or reach any other business or social event
not easily accessible via transit. Then simply return the car to the Metro station
and you're on your way back home.
Well, Metro offers car sharing at selected Metro stations and around the region at
locations convenient to Metrobus. This is done in partnership with Zipcar. Car sharing
is available in Metro Kiss & Ride lots at 39 of the 86 Metrorail stations (see station
pages for locations) and many other neighborhood locations both near Metrorail
stations without Kiss & Ride lots and elsewhere in the region.
How does it work?
Zipcar users pay an annual membership fee, then reserve and pick up a car when you
need it. A range of vehicles are available. As a member you can pick the car that
suits your needs at the time. You can pick a
-
compact car,
-
van,
-
pickup truck,
-
convertible,
-
or gas/electric hybrid.
See the Zipcar site for further
details.
Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will
Nesbitt Realty LLC
Serving real estate needs of Northern
VA · in Alexandria · in
Arlington · in
Fairfax County ·
|
Condo 1 Alexandria is now posting updates from the Arlington County governmental website. For the latest releases check out http://www.condo-alexandria.com/arlington-news.asp
You'll find news about the ART (Arlington Regional Transportation) Buses, library
news, free film presentations, and authors who are visiting the area. Here are a few
headlines
Contrary to earlier reports by some media, Metrobus services in Arlington will not
be cut. Metro has proposed dropping some routes in Arlington and Arlington Transit
(ART) plans to pick them up. ART plans to add two new bus routes and expand service
on a third. -- March 27, 2009, ArlingtonTransit.com |
If you are a person with a disability or a senior citizen using a regular SmarTrip(R)
card, you could save 50% on your bus and rail fares. Exchange your regular SmarTrip
card for a Senior SmarTrip card or a Reduced Fare SmarTrip card for FREE at Metro
Headquarters, April 8, April 15, or April 22. -- March 27, 2009, CommuterPageBlog |
A smaller share of Washington-area residents are car pooling to work even as local
roads have grown more congested, according to a household survey of travel habits.
-- By Kytja Weir, March 18, 2009, Examiner |
Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will
Nesbitt Realty LLC
Serving real estate needs of Northern
VA · in Alexandria · in
Arlington · in
Fairfax County ·
|
|
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