DOT Paratransit Program

DOT is the City of Alexandria's paratransit program, which is a specialized transportation service for residents and visitors who cannot use fixed route public transit due to disability.
Page updated on July 31, 2023 at 6:05 PM

What's New

Logo for the Alexandria DOT program (text: Alexandria DOT; icon of person using a wheelchair in the "O")

In Summer 2022, the City partnered with Via to improve the City's software for paratransit service.  This change brings several new exciting features to the program, including the ability to make, track, and cancel trips through an app or an online web booking portal, the option to pay for trips with a credit card, and expanded service into Washington, DC.  See the attachment for additional details .  

Program Information

Photo of two DOT Paratransit users (woman in wheelchair, man with white cane) and their driver (man in white shirt) in front of a white DOT van.

DOT is the City of Alexandria's paratransit program, which is a specialized transportation service for residents and visitors who cannot use fixed routed public transit due to their disability. In order to use the service, residents must submit an application to the Paratransit Coordinator.  Upon approval, reservations may be made for specific trips.  Trips are provided by the City’s contractor National Express Transit/Diamond Transportation and their sub-contractor UZURV. 

In the event that conditions change due to COVID 19 or inclement weather, paratransit trips may be limited to high priority trips.

Service Area

In addition to providing service throughout the City of Alexandria, DOT also provides service to the following jurisdictions:

  • Arlington County
  • Fairfax County
  • Fairfax City
  • Falls Church
  • Washington, DC 

Service Hours

DOT trips are provided:

  • Monday-Friday: 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.
  • Saturday: 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.
  • Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Fares

  • Within the City of Alexandria - Free
  • Up to 5 miles outside of the City - $4 each way 
  • More than 5 miles outside of the City and all trips to & from DC - $6 each way

If you are certified to have a Personal Care Attendant (someone to assist you while traveling), the Personal Care Attendant rides with you at no charge.

Fares may be paid with cash at the time of the trip to the driver or in advance with a credit card. 

Making A Reservation

DOT trips MUST be scheduled in advance. Trips should be scheduled no later than one day in advance and can be scheduled up to 14 days prior to the day of the trip.  Recurring trips may also be made. 

Reservations can be made by:

  1. Calling the Paratransit Call Center (staffed by Senior Services of Alexandria) at 703.836.5222, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. 
  2. Using the Alexandria DOT app.  In order to use this app, you must already be approved for the program.  Instructions on how to download and set up the app
  3. Using the Alexandria DOT Web Portal.  In order to use this online reservation system, you must already be approved for the program.  

Application Process

In order to be eligible for Alexandria DOT, please review and submit an application for eligibility  (download an application in Adobe Acrobat format by clicking on the link).  Please keep in mind the following:

1. Fill out Part A of the application if you believe you qualify (see “Who Qualifies” on page 2).

2. Take or mail the application (Parts A and B) to your healthcare professional to have Part B completed. Both Part A and Part B MUST be completed before your application is considered. 

3. Submit the completed application via one of the following:

  • Mail the completed application form (Parts A and B) to: 
    City of Alexandria
    Division of Mobility Services
    421 King Street, Suite 235
    Alexandria, VA 22314
  • Scan and email the completed application to katye.north@alexandriava.gov 
  • Fax the completed application to 703.746.6433.

The Paratransit Program Coordinator will notify you of your eligibility status. A certification will be mailed to approved applicants with instruction on how to reserve DOT service.  If you have not been notified within 21 days of submitting your application, call 703.836.5222, or Virginia Relay 711. If determination of your eligibility has not been made, you will be temporarily eligible for paratransit service. 

If you are denied eligibility, you have a right to appeal. Information on the appeals process will be sent to you. 

Visitors to the City:

Accommodations can be made for visitors with disabilities for a cumulative 21 day period, during a 365 day period beginning with the visitor's first use of service during the 365 day period. Visitors must present documentation that they are eligible to receive ADA paratransit services in the jurisdiction in which they reside. Please contact the Paratransit Coordinator at 703.836.5222 to arrange complementary paratransit service.

Other Information

The City recently partnered with The National League of Cities and CivStart to conduct a case study on the DOT Paratransit Program. The study helped staff better understand how they could help make the paratransit program work better and more efficiently for some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.  View the CASE STUDY HERE.