Commuter Stores

The Commuter Store has everything that is needed to make a commute an easy one, including reduced fare cards, taxi information, STAR fare coupons, Red Top reduced fare coupon books, regional bus passes and tokens, one-day Metro passes, maps, timetables, carpool ride-matching services, bike routes, and paratransit information. Call (703) 228-RIDE (7433) for information, or visit the Commuter Store online, or visit one of the 4 Commuter Stores at:

• Crystal City: located in the Crystal City Underground Mall, across from Hamburger Hamlet
• Rosslyn: located in Rosslyn Center, Mall level 2, upstairs from the Rosslyn Metrorail station
• Ballston: located in Ballston Common Mall, one block from the Ballston Metrorail station
• Shirlington: located in the Shirlington Station Commuter Store, 2975 S. Quincy Street, 703-312-7052
• You can also visit the STAR Office at 2928 Columbia Pike, 22204

MetroAccess

A regional paratransit service sponsored by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), MetroAccess is a "curb to curb" public transportation that serves people who are unable to use the bus or rail system as a direct result of a physical or mental disability. The participating jurisdictions in the MetroAccess program are Maryland (Montgomery and Prince George's Counties), the District of Columbia, and Virginia (of the Cites of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, and Arlington and Fairfax Counties). Eligible passengers may travel anywhere in the WMATA service area, and there are no restrictions on the purpose of the trip. To become eligible, individuals must complete an application and be certified prior to booking trips. This service is available to people of all ages; however, there are no discounts available for seniors. The passenger fare for this service depends on the distance traveled.  In Arlington, MetroAccess eligible persons can also use STAR (Specialized Transportation for Arlington Residents). For assistance with the application process and filling out the required forms, call the Arlington County Aging and Disability Services Division at (703) 228-1700.

STAR (Specialized Transit for Arlington Residents)  

STAR serves Arlington residents who have difficulty using public fixed route transit due to the effects of age or disability.  Just as with public fixed route transit, there is no restriction on trip purpose.  STAR users must first be determined eligible for MetroAccess.  STAR is a shared ride paratransit service intended to provide a comparable level of transportation as provided by ART, Metrobus and Metrorail.  STAR riders share trips if they are generally traveling in the same direction at the same time.  All rides are arranged in advance through the STAR Call Center, or through STAR on the Web or STAR IVR.  Same day service is generally not available.   STAR Business and scheduling office (Call Center): 703-892-TRIP (703-892-8747)

STAR Assisted Transportation Services

The Assisted Transportation Service will provide a driver/escort from the door of a home to the office of a health care provider. Eligibility for the program is limited to individuals who are (1) aged 60 or over, (2) Arlington residents, (3) STAR program participants, and (4) in need of a personal care attendant. This service is limited to health care appointments and visits to family members in a nursing home or assisted living residence. A short application and a home visit are required for this service. The fee for this service is based on income and is in addition to the STAR fee. The full cost for this service is $10 for a one-way trip. Call the Arlington Aging and Disability Services Division (703/228-1700) for more information.

Temporary STAR

The temporary STAR services is available to Arlington residents who have a temporary inability to use drive or use public transit because of health care issues.  STAR will be available for health care appointments such as chemotherapy and visits to doctors’ offices following surgery.  The expectation is that after 3 months a temporary STAR user will have recovered and return to customary travel arrangements or be in a position to apply for permanent MetroAccess eligibility.  Arlington residents age 60 and over apply for temporary STAR with the Arlington Department of Human Services Aging and Disability Service at 703-228-1700 and adults younger than 60 apply to the Arlington Department of Human Services Community Assistance Bureau at 703-228-1300.  A physician’s note indicating the reason for, and expected duration of, the debility is required.  Normal STAR fares apply.

Interim STAR

Arlington residents age 60 and over who have already submitted an application for MetroAccess but need to go health care appointments while waiting for approval of MetroAccess eligibility may use STAR on an interim basis.  Application is made to the Arlington County Aging and Disability Services Division by submitting a copy of the MetroAccess application.  Interim eligibility is approved if County staff is certain that permanent MetroAccess eligibility will be granted.  Interim STAR may only be used for health care appointments.  Normal STAR fares apply.

Wheelchair-Accessible Taxicabs

Taxicab companies serving Arlington have wheelchair-accessible vehicles for use by patrons who require them. Patrons should call the cab company to request a wheelchair-accessible cab. Passengers are encouraged to call ahead whenever possible. The companies provide specialized training to the drivers who provide this service. The fare is set at the meter rate, and the service is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. Cabs may be requested up to 2 weeks in advance. Call the individual cab company for information or to arrange for service.

• RED TOP: (703) 522-3333, (703) 522-3331 (TTY); (20 accessible cabs)
• FRIENDLY CAB: 703-892-4144; (3 accessible cabs)
• BLUE TOP: (703) 243-8294;  (3 accessible cabs)

Taxicab Discounts

Taxicab companies serving Arlington offer a 10% discount to older passengers and to persons with disabilities. Blue Top Cab Company offers a discount to passengers 55 and above who request the discount of the driver at the time of the trip. Call Blue Top at (703) 243-8294.  Red Top and Yellow Cab companies sell coupon books that are used as fare and turned in at the time of the ride at a 10% discount to passengers 65 and above. For information or to purchase discount books, call (703) 525-0900.

Metro Discount Passes

Discount passes and farecards are available to patrons with Metro Identification cards. Metro identification cards are available at all public libraries, County Senior Adult clubs and centers, at Arlington Commuter Stores, and at Giant and Safeway stores.

Senior Loops – Senior Apartments

Culpepper Garden, The Carlin, Claridge House, and Woodland Hill residents are served by Senior Loops that take people to grocery stores weekly.  Residents of Hunter’s Park go to a Target store once a month.  Residents of the served buildings should request a registration form from the management of their residence. The form will be forwarded to the STAR office and STAR staff schedules the service.  Diamond Transportation provides the service using a wheelchair-accessible vans, at no charge to riders. 

Senior Loops – Neighborhoods

Three areas of the County are served by grocery loops.  The three areas are: (1) within a mile of Columbia Pike; (2) within a two-mile radius of the Lee-Harrison Shopping Center; and (3) the Crystal City – Pentagon City area.  Contact the STAR Call Center at 703-892-8747 to register for the existing service.  Arlington Residents who live in other parts of the County should contact the Arlington Agency on Aging at 703-228-1700.  Staff is assessing the feasibility of establishing this service in other parts of the County.  Diamond Transportation provides the service using wheelchair-accessible vans, at no charge. 

Senior Centers and Adult Day Care

Transportation service is available to participants of the Arlington Senior Center programs and the Walter Reed Adult Day Center.  Call the specific center for information about the transportation service.  For general information about senior centers, call (703) 228-4744 and for information about the adult day center, call 703-228-5340.

Door-Thru-Door Assisted Transportation

This grant-funded program is for adults who live in Arlington County and the City of Alexandria and need help in getting to and from health care appointments.  Home care aides help individuals prepare for the trip, help to and from the vehicle, accompany persons during the health care appointment, provide assistance in returning home, and when appropriate share information with family caregivers and community service providers.

Super Senior Taxi

For $10, Arlington residents aged 70 and over may purchase a coupon book that can be used to pay for taxi rides valued at $20. A maximum of 15 books per year may be purchased. For details, call the Arlington County Aging and Disability Services Division at (703) 228-1700.

Medicaid Transportation

Virginia Medicaid recipients who are not enrolled in an HMO can arrange for non-emergency medical transportation needs through LogistiCare. This service is only for appointments paid for by Medicaid. Reservations should be made during regular business hours, at least 48 hours in advance of the appointment. Toll free reservation line: 1-866-707-3761. Health care facilities may call 1-866-666-6330, or fax 1-866-679-6329.

Department of Motor Vehicles

Offers parking placards and plates for customers with temporary or permanent disabilities that limit or impair their mobility.

http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/disability/plates_assist.asp