As we enter the new year, Arlington Transportation Partners (ATP) wants to ensure that you’re prepared to embrace new transportation choices in 2025. Arlington County has a wide breadth of options that make commuting easy, efficient, and stress-free. But because change is part of life, ATP is here to share the transportation trends you should be ready for this year so that you can continue offering the best benefits and amenities to your employees, residents, and tenants.
New Year, New Commute
There are a few changes coming to the region’s transportation options in the new year that you should be prepared to encounter on your commute.
Goodbye to the DC Circulator
Several months in the making, the DC Circulator concluded service on December 31. The Circulator has slowly been reducing services since October, but the end of 2024 will also mark the end of the bus service’s 19 years of operations. The end of the Circulator was announced in July as part of the fiscal year’s budget plan. Riders are encouraged to seek service aboard the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).
Get Ready for the Better Bus Redesign
First announced by WMATA last spring, the Better Bus initiative will provide a comprehensive redesign of the Metrobus network. The redesign will feature new names and designs for each route, but don’t fear, the coverage will remain largely the same. WMATA has also released thorough resources to help you find what route you’ll be taking when the changes are rolled out. The redesign also includes the removal of about 500 stops that are currently underused, close to another stop, or unsafe for pedestrians. Commuters will be able to ease into these changes, as WMATA is planning a summer 2025 implementation timeline.
Pillar Docks for Capital Bikeshare
Capital Bikeshare began installing pillar docks in Arlington in 2024, and this is a trend that will only continue. The new docks take up less space, have new locking systems, and don’t require the traditional kiosks found at docks in the past. Currently, Arlington has pillar docks at Thomas Jefferson Community Center, the Courthouse Metro station, Washington Boulevard and Walter Reed Drive, and 21st Street North and North Pierce Street, with more on the way. Despite the new sleek look, the process for taking and returning a bike is the same, meaning users do not need to make any changes.
Employer Updates
Commuter Benefit Cap Increases
In 2025, the dollar amount allowed for IRS sanctioned commuter benefits will once again increase its limit. In 2024, benefits were allowed a limit of $315, and in 2025, this amount will increase to $325. These benefits are a great way to incentivize transit use for employees or to offer a competitive benefits package. If you want to start offering a benefit or adjust the one you currently offer, start by checking out ATP’s Commuter Benefits Guide, then reach out to your rep.
Stay on Top with ATP
The changes brought on by the new year can bring stress along with excitement; that’s why ATP is here to take transportation off your to-do list. ATP can assist with everything from introducing a new benefit to planning your commute, so you’re never left with questions. Get in touch today and start planning your 2025 commute resolutions.
Photo Credit: Sam Kittner/kittner.com for Arlington Transportation Partners