We are lucky to have so many transportation options in Arlington that make commuting easy and less stressful, but it can be difficult to stay in-the-know, especially with all the changes that often come with the new year. Here are some new initiatives to help you make more informed decisions for your 2026 transportation plans.
Tap. Ride. Go.
In case you were unaware, Metro’s Tap. Ride. Go. program launched in mid-2025 and allows commuters the ability to pay for their Metrorail fares with contactless cards, whether via a physical card or mobile wallet. In November of 2025, this exciting new feature became available to use on Metrobus as well.
Tap. Ride. Go. makes it possible for commuters to take advantage of Metro services without the need for a SmarTrip card and is perfect for visitors, occasional riders, or those who simply forget to bring their SmarTrip card. Share this information with your employees and tenants to promote smarter commuting in 2026.
Updates to Metrobus Routes
As Metro continues to refine their bus routes following the Better Bus Network Redesign in June of 2025, they are modifying a few routes in response to ridership trends, in addition to an entirely new route connecting Shirlington and DC. Review the adjustments below:
A1X: Pentagon City – Braddock Road
The detour previously affecting this route will be ending. Buses will no longer take a detour via Richmond Highway and travel south along South Bell St and South Clark St as intended.
A11: Pentagon – Huntington / A12: Ballston – Hunting Point
On weekends, these routes will offer coordinated service connecting Old Town Alexandria with the Arlington stop located at Mt Vernon Ave + S Glebe Rd.
A25: Pentagon – S Fairlington – Landmark
The frequency of buses will improve to every 15 minutes from every 30 minutes.
A29: Metro Center – Alexandria W
This new route will connect Shirlington to DC, operating every 24 minutes during weekday rush hours.
A40: Columbia Pike
From 11pm to 2am, this route offers a route extension to and from L’Enfant Plaza.
A66: Pentagon – Shirlington – Culmore
During weekday rush hours, this route will improve connections between Pentagon City and Shirlington by travelling in the non-rush direction. Buses will travel westbound to Culmore in the morning and eastbound towards the Pentagon in the afternoon.
F20: Leesburg Pike
Eastbound buses travelling from West Falls Church will serve Bay F whereas westbound buses will serve Bay E to accommodate construction.
F28: Kings Park W Express
This route is adding an eastbound trip towards the Pentagon in response to ridership demand.
Improved Bicycle Storage at Metro Stations
Good news for those who ride their personal bikes to Metro stations: in 2026, Metro will begin to roll out improved bicycle parking across their stations. While the old bike parking program featured a keyed, annual rental system, Metro’s future of bike parking will be digital, keyless, and by the hour. This will allow for a more flexible and affordable system that will allow an increase in riders who are able to take advantage of Metro’s bike parking.
Metro will invest in 450 standard lockers, 50 oversized lockers, 100 self-locking racks, 75 repair stations, and 600 u-racks across their stations. Metro has not yet released their full schedule for the roll-out of the new parking facilities, but examples of the new lockers can be found at Foggy Bottom and Eastern Market Metro stations, with additional installations to begin in March of 2026.
Updated Limits for Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits
In 2026, the IRS will once again raise the monthly limit for tax-advantaged commuter benefits. The cap will increase from $325 in 2025 to $340 in 2026, giving employers an even greater opportunity to support sustainable commute options while strengthening their benefits package. Offering commuter benefits can help attract and retain talent, reduce parking demand, and encourage employees to choose more cost-effective, eco-friendly travel options. If you’re considering launching a new program, or updating your current one, you can start by reviewing ATP’s Commuter Benefits Guide.
Stay Ahead of the Competition
ATP is your one-stop-shop for staying informed with the latest transportation news in the region. As transit systems continue to change and evolve, ensure that you’re offering accurate information and work with ATP to ensure that the transportation needs of your employees and tenants are met in real time.
We’re looking forward to continuing our work with you in the new year!
Photo Credit: Sam Kittner/kittner.com for Arlington Transportation Partners