On-demand Transit Comes to Arlington

Soon you'll have a new way to get around Arlington, and it will be available right at your fingertips.

The City of Arlington is partnering with Via, a technology-driven transit system, to develop and operate a first-ever, on-demand rideshare program for the city.

Technology-driven mobility

The city's rideshare program, which will begin on December 11 as a one-year pilot project, will initially serve the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) CentrePort/DFW Airport commuter rail station, Downtown Arlington, and east-central Arlington. By early 2018, the Via service area is expected to expand to include more destinations such as the University of Texas at Arlington, the Parks Mall, the Arlington Highlands, and surrounding areas.

“This is an opportunity for us to try Via’s innovative transportation system that will offer our residents and visitors a cost-effective way to get around the City,” Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams said. “Via’s unique rideshare concept received tremendous support from our citizen-led Transportation Advisory Committee. It is one of the first projects the committee recommended Arlington try as a near-term transportation solution.”

Affordable, convenient and efficient

On its website, Via likens itself to “a bus that’s smart enough to come when you want it and where you want it.” Through the Via app or phone number, riders book a seat in a premium shared vehicle, then Via’s dynamic technology matches them with others going their way. 

As the program launches in Arlington, the rideshare service is expected to be available roughly between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with Saturday hours starting later in the morning and extending further into the evening. Current hours will always be available through the app and on Via’s website.

Via riders pay a flat per trip fee, estimated to be $3 when the service launches. Up to ten vans, including accessible vehicles, will be available during the pilot program. Additional vehicles will be added based on demand. Via drivers will undergo an extensive background check.

The program will replace the Metro Arlington Xpress (MAX) commuter bus, which ends Dec. 31.

For more information

Click here to learn more about the City of Arlington's partnership with Via and City Council’s Put Technology to Work and Enhance Regional Mobility priorities.