Arlington residents currently have access to three uniquely helpful apps — MetroPulse, GoMyWayVA, and GetGreen — that make it easier and more affordable to get around, while supporting a more sustainable community. If you're commuting, carpooling, or trying to reduce your environmental footprint, these tools give individualized solutions to help you move smarter. Here's how each one works:
MetroPulse
This app is The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) more accessible version of the MetroPulse website, with several enhancements that make it more user friendly. It uses your phone’s GPS to show nearby stations, stops, and live transit updates, helping you plan your trip more efficiently. You can also download the most up-to-date Metrorail and Metrobus maps and set up live service alerts tailored to your routes. One of the most helpful additions is the live chat support — which really improves the app’s overall accessibility. While the website is still useful for trip planning, the app is more personalized, and responsive for people moving through Arlington and the rest of our region every day.
GoMyWayVA
GoMyWayVA is specifically designed for Northern Virginia's residents and was created by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. It gives residents the option for flexible and eco-conscious trip planning. The app encourages smarter travel choices by providing live data on routes, toll prices, and travel times across all types of transportation—including public transit, biking, walking, carpooling, and driving. It also compares real time toll prices, so you can avoid frustrating surprise charges on express lanes. If there’s a cheaper or faster way of getting somewhere –especially during peak hours — the app will give you that option. By avoiding single occupancy trips, commuting during off peak hours, or choosing greener transit options, users can earn “coins” redeemable for gift cards to places like Amazon and Starbucks. As you use the app, it personalizes its recommendations based on your travel habits, incentivizing better travel habits overall.
GetGreen Arlington
This app primarily focuses on lifestyle improvements such as taking public transit, biking to work, conserving energy, recycling, and other green lifestyle changes. The app offers daily eco-friendly challenges tailored directly for you and collaborates with EcoAction Arlington — a local nonprofit focused on creating a more sustainable community. Users are also connected with nearby transportation events like BikeArlington’s Learn to Ride classes. Participating in these events can boost your rewards while deepening your environmental impact here in Arlington.
Keep In touch with Us!
As always, our newsletters are here to help you stay connected with the best tools for smarter commuting. In addition to exploring these apps, be sure to check out our monthly newsletter to receive updates and ideas for more easy and sustainable commute options!
Photo Credit: Sam Kittner/kittner.com for Arlington Transportation Partners