Commuters in Arlington will need to dig a little deeper into their pockets when riding Arlington Transit (ART) buses starting July 1, as the service announces a fare increase along with changes to its route offerings. According to a recent update by Arlington County's newsroom, ART regular fares are set to rise from $2 to $2.25. Concurrently, the discounted fare for certain passengers, including seniors, students, and those with disabilities, is going up from $1 to $1.10, while students equipped with a registered iRide SmarTrip card will maintain their privilege of riding free.
The fare alterations mirror the increment trend of Metrobus fares, in a move to stay consistent across the public transportation network. The STAR paratransit service, tailored for Arlington residents, will see fares increase across its zoned pricing system. With Zone 1 fares shifting from $4 to $4.50, and Zone 3 fares jumping from $9.50 to $10.70, the heftiest increase will be witnessed by Zone 2 users, who will face fares rising from $5.50 to $6.20 after the changes commence.
Route modifications will also come into effect, streamlining service within the county. Starting Monday, July 1, the curtain will fall on three weekday routes—ART 53, ART 61, and ART 62— with their last day of service on June 28. As one door closes, another opens with the inauguration of a new route, ART 56, serving Military Road-Rosslyn Metro route which will be strictly for peak hour, weekday service and is designed to connect key destinations like Madison Community Center and Washington-Liberty High School.
These changes are part of the Arlington County FY 2025 Operating Budget, adopted by the County Board in April 2024, a move anticipating the intersecting needs of developing infrastructure and budgetary sustainability. The demise of the three discontinued routes marked a shift in focus for ART, aiming to refine and cater to the efficiency of the whole transport system. Passengers who once relied on the now-defunct services will have to adapt to alternative routes or the new ART 56 as it rolls out, featuring stops through several neighborhoods and aiming to provide a lifeline to significant community hubs like the Dorothy Hamm Middle School and the Arlington Central Library, amongst others.
