Getting Around Safe and Sound: A Transportation Guide for Students, Visitors, and Hometown Pros in Downtown Arlington

Downtown Arlington is the hub for entertainment, food, and good vibes, from Cidercade and Lonestar Axe Throwing to Grease Monkey and Hooligan’s Pub. With so much to do across the district, it’s easy to want to spend your entire night Downtown. And now you can! Did you know the City of Arlington has its own personal variety of rideshare programs and services to help you get around Downtown Arlington? Here’s your transportation guide to guarantee safe travels to and from your neighborhood downtown!

RAPID Autonomous Vehicle Service

Started in 2021 as a partnership between the City, UTA, Via Transportation, and May Mobility, the City’s RAPID (Rideshare, Automation, and Payment Integration Demonstration) program utilizes four hybrid-electric, autonomous vans to shuttle people to and from UTA and around the downtown area as well. Though these vehicles are equipped with the latest self-driving technology, a trained operator will always be onboard to provide hospitality and ensure safety and comfort for all passengers. Learn more and book your ride today!

UTA students receive free access, and regular fares for the public range from $3 to $3.50 depending on the length of travel. RAPID currently operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can request a ride using the “Arlington On-Demand” app or by calling 817-784-7382.

For all the night owls whose night’s just beginning at 8 p.m., be sure to check out UTA’s new late night security escort service, Mav Mover!

UTA Safe Ride Home Program

With UTA’s Mav Mover program you can now schedule pick-up times in advance, helping you plan your night out more efficiently while maximizing safety and ensuring a more convenient and organized commuting experience. The late-night escort service currently operates from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., making three stops in Downtown Arlington: Abram Alley, Vandergriff Town Center, and Urban Union. Download the app and learn more at their website!

The UTA Mav Mover vehicles are constantly moving and shuttling students to and from their favorite businesses, enhancing their college experience by connecting them to all the fun, food, and friendship located just 5 minutes away from campus. In 2023, the Mav Mover program kept Mavs moving all year long with over 7,900 students being picked up and dropped off around Downtown Arlington!

Download the UTA Mav Mover app to take advantage of this amazing safety service today. The Safe Ride Home program is funded in part by Downtown Arlington to benefit both our businesses and our partners at UTA.

VIA Arlington On-Demand

VIA Arlington On-Demand is an inexpensive, public transit rideshare program that serves the entire city of Arlington as well as the CentrePort Tre Station and the Eastchase Parkway area in Fort Worth. VIA operates just like your typical rideshare service, such as Uber or Lyft, using anapp on your smartphone to provide rides with no fixed routes and an infinite number of on-demand stops. 

VIA is offered between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. through 9 p.m. on Saturday. Vans used for the program are clearly marked with both the City of Arlington and VIA Arlington On-Demand logos for easy identification. All on-demand drivers undergo robust background checks to be eligible to participate in the City of Arlington’s public transportation program.

These rideshare services have helped bridge the gap between non-commuter students and downtown residents with the community around them, proving you don’t need to own a vehicle to have a good time. For more information on getting around Downtown safe and sound, visit Downtownarlington.org/visit/getting-around.