Alexandria City Council to Vote on Paratransit Fare Hikes and Food Truck Parking Rules Tonight
Tonight, at 6 p.m., the City Council of Alexandria will convene at the Council Chambers, 301 King Street. The meeting will discuss fare changes for the paratransit system and modifications to food truck parking enforcement. The proposed fare adjustments aim to offset rising operational costs and inflation, while addressing frequent complaints about food truck parking.
The council will consider a resolution to increase paratransit fares. Zone 2 and 3 fares will rise by $1, and a new Zone 4 will be introduced with $10 fares and a $2 peak-hour surcharge in Zones 2 and 4. This is the first fare increase for the paratransit program since 2020, and it is projected to increase annual fare revenues by approximately $17,000. Currently, paratransit costs Alexandria roughly $56 per trip, significantly less than Metro Access.
Additionally, the council will discuss an ordinance to address food truck parking. This ordinance would grant the Department of Transportation & Environmental Services the power to manage designated food truck locations. It would also enable parking enforcement officers to cite trucks parking or vending outside these designated areas. The ordinance could be scheduled for a public hearing and final passage this Saturday, Nov. 15.
The City Council will also consider a lease agreement to use Alexandria's own vehicles for paratransit, potentially saving between $2,700 and $3,000 per month. The meeting tonight will address these changes, aiming to improve the paratransit system and enhance food truck parking enforcement in the city.
