Supporting Affordable Transportation in our Community
The cost of getting place to place is something that is often at the top of one’s mind. Whether going to work, the grocery store, or a social outing, it’s important to take into consideration how affordable your mode of transportation is. Driving alone often comes with not only gas expenses, but the cost of ongoing vehicle maintenance down the line. By using affordable transportation options such as rail, bus, or Capital Bikeshare, that cost becomes a routine, manageable expense instead of a large bill down the line.
ATP and Communities
ATP partners with multifamily residential communities across Arlington to help residents access transportation options. We work with property managers and resident service coordinators to share resources, host events, and make it easier for residents to get around sustainably. Our partner, BikeArlington, works to expand access to active and sustainable transportation options across the region.
Through their Capital Bikeshare Community Partners Program, BikeArlington collaborates with organizations like True Grounds, AHC, and Wesley Housing to register people for Capital Bikeshare for All memberships . This membership provides a $5 annual membership that includes a $40 monthly credit to help cover e-bike riding and out-of-station locking fees.
Henry Dunbar, Capital Bikeshare Equity Communications & Outreach Coordinator, explained how his team connects with residents:
“Our most common way of reaching residents is to visit during regular Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) food distributions, which we do at 10 different locations every month. At the events, we explain the program, help people with the online registration process, and distribute free helmets to those who sign up. Anyone qualifying to live in the housing we visit can get a membership, as can anyone who gets food through AFAC.”
As of June 2025, 289 people were signed up for the Capital Bikeshare for All membership through these partner organizations, taking more than 51,000 trips between July 2024 and June 2025. These numbers show just how valuable accessible, affordable transportation options can be for residents across Arlington!
More Affordable Transportation Opportunities
Capital Bikeshare is not the only transportation option that offers equitable, affordable options. Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) MetroLift program provides 50% off Metrobus and Metrorail trips for customers enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. WMATA has additional fare reduction programs for those over the age of 65 or with disabilities. These discounted fares also apply to other regional bus services, including Arlington Transit (ART).
Even without equity programs, regional public transportation is a fantastic affordable option. Capital Bikeshare is one of the most affordable bikeshare systems in the country with a single ride starting at just $0.15 per minute for a classic bike. The highest fare one can expect to pay on Metrorail is $6.75; and standard fare for Metrobus and ART is $2.25. On longer haul options, such as the Virginia Railway Express, the highest one-way fare costs $12.80. Your employer may even offer a transit benefit program that can help manage these costs for your commute.
Partner With ATP
Transportation access is a key part of what makes Arlington such a great place to live, work, and play. When people can easily get to work, school, or essential services without relying on a car, they gain more freedom and opportunity in their daily lives. At ATP, we’re proud to work alongside employers and residential buildings who share our goal of supporting affordable transportation options.
Are you a residential community manager and want to learn more about how we can help your property bring more sustainable, cost-saving transportation options and resources to residents? Contact us below to get connected with a representative.
