COVID-19 Service Changes and Information

For your safety and the safety of others, all passengers are encouraged to wear face masks or face coverings while using ART. 

Arlington Transit is closely monitoring COVID-19-related developments. Arlington Transit requires passengers to wear face masks or coverings while using ART and encourages social distancing on all buses and at bus stops. A federal mask mandate went into effect on February 2, 2021, requiring all travelers on airplanes and public transportation to wear face masks to curb the spread of COVID-19.

ART and STAR services will be monitored daily and may be subject to change in response to the latest conditions.

Visit Arlington County's web site for information from the Arlington County Public Health Division.

Current Schedule

All ART routes are operating regular service.

All passengers are required to wear a face mask while riding ART buses.

Real time information is available for all operating routes. Schedule information can also be obtained by calling 703-228-RIDE (7433).

STAR Service

STAR service will continue to provide normal service.

The STAR Call Center will operate on a reduced schedule. The Call Center will be open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm and closed on Saturday.

Passengers are requested not to schedule medical trips if showing signs of illness. Please speak with your medical provider first and make other transportation arrangements avoiding public transportation. 

STAR vehicle operators are wiping down seats and passenger areas after each trip and daily deep cleaning is occurring each night.

Cleaning Protocols for ART and STAR

At Arlington Transit, safety is the highest priority. See the steps ART is taking to keep passengers and operators safe, and to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

ART and STAR are following these steps to keep passengers safe:

• Deep cleaning and sanitizing all buses thoroughly at the end of each night by using approved disinfectant to wipe down all stanchions, hand rails, passenger seats, windows and all components in the driver’s area. 
• The HVAC system is sanitized with a cleaning agent designed to kill germs and prevent them from being recirculated in the bus.
• Plexiglass barriers have been installed in the driver’s area to provide a shield between bus operators and passengers as they board the bus.
• Hand sanitizer dispensers are on board buses for passengers to use.
• STAR vehicle operators are wiping down seats and passenger areas after each trip and daily deep cleaning is occurring each night.

Visit Arlington County's web site for information from the Arlington County Public Health Division.

ART Updates

Arlington Transit Returns to Full Bus Service on September 7
08/16/2021

Arlington Transit will return to full bus service on Tuesday, September 7. ART 53, 61, 62 and 74 will resume operating after being out of service since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rider Capacity Restrictions Lifted on ART Buses Starting August
07/27/2021

Starting Sunday, August 1, rider capacity restrictions will be lifted on all ART buses.

Taking ART to Get Your Vaccine
03/31/2021

As more people become eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll get to the vaccination site when it’s your turn to get a vaccine shot. Taking transit to get your vaccine appointment eliminates the hassle of having to drive and find parking. Use the Moovit Transit Trip Planner found on the homepage of the Arlington Transit website to plan your car-free trip to get your vaccine. 

Federal Face Mask Mandate for Transit Users Effective February 1 at 11:59 pm
02/01/2021

A federal face mask mandate for transit users will go into effect at 11:59 pm on Monday, February 1, 2021. Travelers on airplanes and public transportation will be required to wear face masks to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Fare Collection and Front Door Boarding to Resume on ART Buses Starting January 3

12/21/2020

All Arlington Transit - ART buses will resume front door boarding and fare collection starting on Sunday, January 3, 2021. Riders will begin boarding buses through the front door and will pay their fare at the fare box using a SmarTrip card or exact change. 

ART Bus Service to Increase Starting on August 23
08/07/2020

Starting on Sunday, August 23, Arlington Transit will increase bus service. The majority of service will be restored to pre-Covid levels while Arlington Transit continues to take precautions to keep passengers and operators safe.

STAR Allowing Non-Essential Trips Starting July 13
07/10/2020

Beginning on Monday, July 13, STAR, Arlington County’s paratransit service, will allow users to book non-essential trips.

ART 72 and 75 Bus Service Being Added June 29
Posted on 06/22/2020

Starting on Monday, June 29, service on routes 72 and 75 will be added to ART bus service. ART 72 will operate a modified weekday schedule. ART 75 will operate a regular weekday schedule.

East Falls Church, VA Square and Clarendon Metro Stations Closing on March 26
Posted on 03/24/2020

Starting on Thursday, March 26, Metro will be closing 17 Metro stations in an effort to conserve critical resources and protect the health and safety of Metro employees and the public. Stations in Arlington that will be closed include East Falls Church, Virginia Square and Clarendon.

Rear Boarding and Free Fare on ART Buses Starting March 24
Posted on 03/23/2020

Starting Tuesday, March 24, Arlington Transit – ART bus riders will enter and exit all ART buses using the rear doors only. Customers who require the use of a wheelchair ramp can still enter the bus through the front door. ART will also be suspending fare collection on all ART buses since the farebox is located at the front door.

Arlington Transit Bus Service Reduced Starting March 16
Posted on 03/14/2020

Beginning Monday, March 16, ART will provide service on a Saturday schedule. This is in response to COVID-19-related developments.

ART Takes Precautions, Prepares for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Posted on 03/06/2020

See the steps ART’s service provider is taking to keep passengers safe.