Arlington’s microtransit pilot posts early gains: 784 accounts, 212 rides and 8‑minute average wait

Arlington Transit project manager Paul Munier updated the committee on an on‑demand microtransit pilot that began April 13 and is funded in part by a demonstration grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT).

Munier said the pilot zone uses behind‑the‑scenes designated pickup nodes but allows drivers to pick up on demand when safe. The service initially uses three vehicles — a wheelchair‑accessible Toyota Sienna hybrid and two Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric vehicles — and is designed to be flexible and scalable.

Early performance through mid‑April included 784 user accounts created and 212 completed rides, Munier said; average wait time was about eight minutes and the app held a 91.9% five‑star rating. “So far very successful as we get more data and more information and start reaching out to the public,” Munier said. Lauren Bridal, a transit service analyst who rode the system the first day, described the experience as comfortable and praised short wait times and friendly drivers.

The pilot is funded through DRPT (80% grant, 20% county match). The regular fare is $4.50 (discounted to $2.25 for eligible reduced‑fare riders); the first six rides were offered free. Marketing includes targeted paid social ads, printed materials in Spanish and in‑vehicle advertising.

Committee members asked about wheelchair accessibility and pickup logistics; Munier said accessible vehicles are prioritized and customers can pre‑register a day in advance to ensure an accessible vehicle is available. Paratransit representatives noted that traditional paratransit still requires day‑before reservations and that Zone 1 pricing differs for non‑Arlington residents.

Staff said they will continue monitoring uptake, equity of access and the potential for future expansion after community outreach and data collection.