Catching Up with Josh Baker: 10 Questions with DASH’s General Manager & CEO

The man behind Alexandria’s award-winning transit system talks local favorites, unexpected facts, and what’s ahead for DASH buses and trolleys.

1. Let’s start at the beginning—how did Virginia (and Alexandria) become home?

I was born in D.C., my parents actually met in a bar there in the '70s and got married at the Lyceum in Alexandria. After my father passed, my mom and I moved to Baltimore County. But I kept finding my way back to D.C. for high school festivals and games at RFK Stadium. I attended Virginia Tech and have called Virginia home ever since.

I started driving a campus bus there, and when my advisor asked what I enjoyed, I told her—driving a bus! That changed everything. After school, I launched Radford University’s transit system, then led a major expansion in Lynchburg. In 2017, I came to DASH. I’ve loved seeing Alexandria grow, especially the Carlyle and Eisenhower corridor. It's a dense city that still feels like a community of neighborhoods.

2. When you're off the clock, how do you unwind?

I’m a big fan of getting outdoors—especially at Lost River State Park in West Virginia. It’s peaceful, and I meet my mom there often. I also love a good brunch with friends (and mimosas!).

3. Favorite Alexandria spots?

Los Toltecos on Duke Street is my go-to for lunch, they have great Mexican food, good service and it’s super comfy. I also love Don Taco on King Street; I actually got the call offering me the DASH job while sitting at their bar. The staff overheard and brought me a celebratory dessert. I also enjoy walking the waterfront, exploring Del Ray, and grabbing authentic eats in the West End.

4. Tell us something most people don’t know about DASH.

Besides being completely free, DASH runs 24/7, we’re like the Waffle House of Alexandria. Even between 2–4 a.m. when buses pause, our operations and maintenance teams are still working. Everything from fueling and servicing to cleaning is done in-house. Riders can also track buses in real-time using our online tracker or the Transit App.

5. How have return-to-office trends impacted ridership?

We’ve seen record ridership every year since the pandemic eased. Routes like the 103 and 104, which cater to commuters, are booming. People are coming back and riding more than ever.

6. DASH has gone electric—what’s the story there?

We launched our first electric buses in 2020 and now have 16 in our fleet. We’ve been a regional leader in sustainability, with a goal to go fully electric by 2037. Even as policy landscapes shift, we remain committed. Public transit, electric or not, already reduces traffic and emissions by moving people out of single-occupancy cars.

7. What routes challenge your team most?

Duke Street is definitely high on the list. Between the West End Transitway and trips to the Pentagon on Line 35, we see heavy congestion. The city’s “Duke Street In Motion” project will introduce semi-dedicated lanes to help improve flow, it’s an exciting step forward.

8. Ever pulled a bus?

Yes, sort of. There’s a national “Bus Roadeo” competition (not rodeo, but close). It’s a timed obstacle course for drivers. I competed at 19 and even won a title. It’s a great way to celebrate the skills of our frontline team.

9. What’s something unexpected about your day-to-day?

People are surprised by how much goes into it. DASH has 5.3 million annual riders and may break that record this year. We’re also the only transit provider in Northern Virginia operating articulated “bendy” buses, great to reduce crowding and improve cost-efficiency. It’s a big job, but an exciting one.

10. What’s next for DASH?

Tech upgrades! We’ve just introduced real-time passenger info screens on 10 buses—live maps, connection info, stop updates. It’s an important leap in rider experience. We’re also ordering fully electric trolleys for King Street, these will be quieter, sleeker, and perfectly suited for Alexandria. They’re custom-built, so they’ll take a bit to arrive, but we can’t wait.

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