For those who are stressed about their commute during the upcoming Metro rail shutdown between May 25 and Sept. 8, there's a new option.
The on-demand ride share service Via is expanding its D.C. metro area service to include Alexandria. Via will provide affordable, reliable, and convenient transportation to commuters, at rates as low as $3.25.
Alex Lavoie, the U.S. General manager of Via said, “Via aims to provide the entire greater D.C. area with an affordable, congestion-reducing method of transportation that complements existing transit infrastructure.”
The Via app works by having commuters select a pick-up and drop-off location. The system then uses an algorithm to expertly group riders together to share a single vehicle, directing them to a nearby corner for pick-up and drop-off that ensures a commute that is timely and efficient for all passengers.
In addition to this ride share program, the City of Alexandria has implemented traffic engineering solutions for commuters, such as HOV lane changes and smarter traffic signals.
Moreover, Alexandria is providing travel planning assistance through Go Alex, a resource that offers a plethora of convenient and eco-friendly transportation alternatives such as free shuttles, buses, carpool/vanpool, biking, scooters and the water taxi.
Commuters are encouraged to research these various travel options prior to the station closures and choose one that works best with their schedule.
Metro’s online trip planner, which includes station specific information about travel between May 25 and Sept. 8, is available at wmata.com/platforms.
A full list of expanded travel options is available at alexandriava.gov/GOAlex.
