Team up with ATP to explore commuter benefit options for everyone. Learn how commuter benefits can help reduce costs, enhance employee satisfaction, and create a more sustainable commute. Arlington Transportation Partners offers comprehensive resources and hands-on support to guide you through planning and implementation. Download our Commuter Benefits Guide to learn about key program options, potential tax savings, and easy steps to get started.
I’ve lived in Arlington for the past few years, and last year I moved into a building right across from the Ballston Metro. I specifically chose this location so Metrorail could be my primary way to get to work, and now my daily commute on the Orange or Silver Line to Rosslyn is quick, easy, and car free.As a household, we’ve even been able to downsize from two cars to one!
As fall settles in and temperatures begin to drop, it’s an ideal time to take advantage of Arlington County’s beautiful parks and outdoor spaces. Spending time outside is especially important during the shorter, cooler days of the season, and is a great way to boost your mood, reduce stress, and clear your mind. Whether you’re searching for a peaceful lunch spot or looking to incorporate some fresh air into your daily commute, Arlington offers plenty of hidden gems to explore. In fact, Arlington Parks and Recreation recently won a 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation Management. Below, ATP’s Business Development Managers highlight some of their favorite local parks and share how these spaces can enhance your commute and brighten your day.
As a commuter, you’veprobably had a couple of days where things just didn’t go as planned. Severe weather or power and internet outages can have extremeimpacts on your commute and can potentially be dangerous. Arlington Transportation Partners (ATP) has a few ideas on how to prepare to avoid mishaps and, when possible, keep business running as normal.
The concept of car free events and celebrations existed long before there was a globally recognized event exploring alternatives to driving alone. Depending on who you ask, car free days may have started as early as the 1950s! However, it was not until 2000 that Car Free Day as we know it today came to be recognized by the World Carfree Network occurring annually on September 22.
Arlington, and the greater DMV in general, offers a wide range of commuting options for those traveling without a car. However, for individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges, utilizing public transportation can still present significant barriers. These may include difficulties reaching bus stops, boarding vehicles without ramps or lifts, or accessing necessary assistance during their commute. Such obstacles can make it harder to get to work, attend appointments, or stay connected with the broader community.
To address these challenges, transit agencies such as the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and Arlington Transit (ART) provide convenient ways to get to work or navigate the county. These programs are commonly known as paratransit programs, which refer to transportation services tailored to individuals who cannot use fixed-route transit due to a disability. Paratransit programs utilize vehicles that come equipped with mobility assistance devices such as ramps and wheelchair lifts, and can provide service tailored to the commuter’s needs.
These programs ensure that all residents, regardless of physical ability, can commute safely and independently. In the sections below, I’ll highlight a few of Arlington’s key accessibility and paratransit programs and explain how you can access them if needed.
