Transportation
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Public Transportation
A regional paratransit service sponsored by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), MetroAccess is a “curb to curb” public transportation that serves people who are unable to use the bus or rail system as a direct result of a physical or mental disability. Eligible passengers may travel anywhere in the WMATA service area, and there are no restrictions on the purpose of the trip. To use MetroAccess, individuals must complete an application and be certified prior to booking trips. The fare depends on the distance traveled. In Arlington, MetroAccess-eligible persons can also use STAR (Specialized Transportation for Arlington Residents). For assistance with the application process and filling out the required forms, call the Arlington County Aging and Disability Services Customer Service Center at 703-228-1700.
Metro Discount Passes
Discount passes and farecards are available to older adults or persons with disabilities. The WMATA Reduce Fare website has more information on the options. Senior SmarTrip cards are available for older adults over 65 at Metro Sales Offices and Commuter Stores. Metro Disability ID cards are available for eligible individuals after an application process is complete.
Arlington Transit (ART) Discount
ART discounts are available for older adults 65+ (with ID showing date of birth) or people with disabilities (with WMATA ID or Medicare card).
Specialized Transit for Arlington Residents (STAR)
STAR
STAR serves Arlington residents who have difficulty using public fixed route transit due to the effects of age or disability. Just as with public fixed route transit, there is no restriction on trip purpose. STAR users must first be determined eligible for MetroAccess. STAR is a shared-ride paratransit service intended to provide a comparable level of transportation as provided by ART, Metrobus, and Metrorail. All rides are arranged in advance through the STAR Call Center at 703-228-1900 or through the STAR website. Same day service is generally not available.
STAR Assisted Transportation
This option provides a driver/escort from the door of a home to the office of a health care provider. Eligibility for the program is limited to Arlington residents who are (1) 60 years and older (2) STAR program participants, (3) in need of a personal care attendant. This service is limited to health care appointments and visits to family members in a nursing home or assisted living residence. An application and home visit are required for this service. The fee is based on income and is in addition to the regular STAR fee. Call the Arlington County Aging and Disability Services Aging and Disability Resource Center at 703-228-1700 for more information.
Temporary STAR
The temporary STAR service is available to Arlington residents who have a temporary condition that prevents driving or using public transportation. Trips are limited to healthcare appointments. The expectation is that after 3 months a temporary STAR user will have recovered and return to customary travel arrangements or be in a position to apply for permanent MetroAccess eligibility. Arlington residents age 60 and over apply for temporary STAR with the Arlington County Aging and Disability Services Aging and Disability Resource Center at 703-228-1700 and adults younger than 60 apply to the Arlington Department of Human Services Clinical Coordination Unit at 703-228-1300. A physician’s note indicating the reason for, and expected duration of, the debility is required. Normal STAR fares apply.
Interim Star
Interim STAR is available for Arlington residents age 60 and over who have submitted an application for MetroAccess and meet all criteria but have not yet been approved. Interim STAR may only be used for health care appointments. Application is made to Arlington County Aging and Disability by submitting a copy of the MetroAccess application. Normal STAR fares apply. For more information, contact the Arlington County Aging and Disability Services Aging and Disability Resource Center at 703-228-1700.
STAR Coupons
STAR coupons can be used to pay the fare for STAR services. Coupons are used as fare and turned in at the time of the ride using STAR. Coupons must be purchased ahead of time at Commuter Stores in-person or online. For more information call 703-228-RIDE (7433).
Taxis
Super Senior Taxi
Arlington residents 70 years and older may purchase a $10 coupon book for taxi rides valued at $20. A maximum of 20 books per year may be purchased. Apply online, or complete the Super Senior Taxi Application and mail it to the Arlington Agency on Aging. For details, call the Arlington County Aging and Disability Services Aging and Disability Resource Center at 703-228-1700.
Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis
Taxicab companies serving Arlington have wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Passengers are encouraged to call ahead whenever possible; cabs may be requested in advance. The fare is set at the meter rate. Call the individual cab company for information or to arrange for service. Companies other than the ones listed below may also have accessible cabs.
Other County Transportation Services
Senior Loops – Grocery Shopping
Senior Loops offer weekly/monthly grocery shopping for residents of five apartment communities (Culpepper Garden, The Carlin, Claridge House, Hunters Park, and Woodland Hill) and select neighborhoods. All Arlington residents age 55+ who can get to these locations may use the Loop. Registration forms are available from the management of each senior residence and from STAR at 703-228-1900. Diamond Transportation provides the service using a wheelchair-accessible vans at no charge to riders. There is also a Summer Loop that offers transportation to participating Senior Farmer’s Markets.
Door-Thru-Door Assisted Transportation
This program is for adults who live in Arlington County and need help in getting to and from health care appointments. Home care aides help individuals prepare for the trip, get to and from the vehicle, accompany persons during the health care appointment, provide assistance in returning home, and when appropriate share information with family caregivers and community service providers. For more information, contact the Arlington County Aging and Disability Services Customer Service Center at 703-228-1700.
Medicaid Transportation
Virginia Medicaid recipients can arrange for non-emergency medical transportation needs through LogistiCare. This service is only for appointments paid for by Medicaid. Reservations should be made during regular business hours, at least 48 hours in advance of the appointment. Toll free reservation line: 1-866-386-8331. Health care facilities may call 1-866-666-6330.
Commuter Stores
The Commuter Stores have reduced fare cards, taxi information, STAR fare coupons, Red Top reduced fare coupon books, regional bus passes and tokens, one-day Metro passes, maps, timetables, carpool ride-matching services, bike routes, and paratransit information. Call 703-228-RIDE (7433) for information, or visit the Commuter Store online or at one of its 4 locations in Crystal City, Rosslyn, Ballston, or Shirlington.
Department of Motor Vehicles
The Department of Motor Vehicles offers parking placards and plates for customers with temporary or permanent disabilities that limit or impair their mobility.