iRide Student Fare Free Program

Arlington Transit (ART) and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) have entered an agreement to provide free Metrobus routes in Arlington for Arlington Public School (APS) students. Starting January 16, 2024, any APS student with a registered Student iRide SmarTrip card can ride approved WMATA Metrobus routes for free, and only if the trip begins or ends in Arlington. The Metrobus routes that students can ride for free in Arlington include:

Students who use their iRide SmarTrip card on Metrobus routes not listed above and routes outside of Arlington need to pay the Metrobus fare. If they do not, their iRide SmarTrip card may be disabled.

The program makes travel around Arlington easier for students. Students now have more options for travel to and from school, commuting for after school activities or perhaps socializing on the weekend.

All travel on ART buses is still free, for APS students with a registered Student iRide SmarTrip card. Students with existing Student iRide SmarTrip cards can automatically participate in the fare free program and do not need to perform any additional requirements. If a student does not have a Student iRide SmarTrip card and would like one, they will need to either contact the Transportation Coordinator (TC) located onsite at their school or visit a Commuter Store.

Students must have an iRide SmarTrip card to ride ART or Metrobus for free. When boarding a bus, students must tap their card on the red bullseye on the fare box.

Students use public transportation at their own risk and APS is not responsible for students who elect to use public transportation.