Arlington Expands MICRO Transit Service, Cuts Fares To $3

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington Transit has expanded its on-demand MICRO service into South Arlington, connecting more neighborhoods to Metro stations and community centers while lowering the standard fare from $4.50 to $3.

Riders can get their first six trips free through the MICRO app, with no promotional code required, according to the service’s booking website.

The expanded service covers neighborhoods near Shirlington and Columbia Pike, including Douglas Park, Aurora Hills and Arlington View, ART said. Destinations in the new South Arlington service area, called Zone 2, include the Crystal City and Pentagon City Metro stations, Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center and Carver Community Center.

The changes took effect Thursday. The county also expanded the original northwest Arlington service area, now called Zone 1, to improve access to Lubber Run Community Center, Langston-Brown Community Center and Marymount University, according to the county’s pilot-program page.

MICRO provides shared rides requested through an app or by phone rather than following a fixed bus route. Riders enter their pickup and destination addresses, then meet their driver at a designated location that may require a short walk.

Trips must start or end within a designated service zone. Travel between Zone 1 and Zone 2 is not available, according to ART’s service information.

After the free introductory rides, the fare is $3 per individual trip. Seniors, people with disabilities and K-12 students pay $2. Additional passengers cost $2 each, and children younger than 5 ride free. Payment requires a credit or debit card.

Service operates from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available. Riders without smartphones can book by calling 571-517-4181.

The pilot launched in northwest Arlington in April, supported by county and Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation funding through fiscal 2027. The county is using ridership patterns and passenger feedback to evaluate the service’s long-term role in Arlington’s transportation network.