Arlington Continues Via Rideshare for 3rd Year, Expands Service Area to Southern City Limits

By Susan Schrock, Office of Communication

Posted on January 08, 2020, January 08, 2020

Editor's Note: This article, originally published Dec. 5, 2019, was updated Jan. 8, 2020, to reflect the start date of the rideshare service area expansion and to include a new map of the service area.

The City’s Via Rideshare service area expanded once again on Wednesday, Jan. 8, making affordable, on-demand public transportation accessible to even more residents, employees and visitors in The American Dream City.

In support of City Council’s priority to Enhance Regional Mobility, Arlington first partnered with Via Transportation, Inc., in 2017. In December 2019, the City Council approved a one-year contract to continue the app-based rideshare service for a third year. In addition to increasing Via’s fleet of six-passenger Mercedes Metris vans from 15 to up to 28, the service area now extends to the southeast city limits to reach destinations that include the Tarrant County College Southeast campus and the Interstate 20 at Park Springs Park and Ride lot. 

How Does Via Work in Arlington?

The app-based rideshare service currently uses a fleet of six-passenger vehicles, a smart phone application and dynamic routing to provide efficient on-demand trips and access to a wide range of destinations. Pick-ups and drop-offs take place within a one to two block walk. The services has no fixed routes and no fixed schedules, allowing riders to experience a personalized transportation solution that fits their needs.

Booking options are available for riders that do not have a smartphone or need a cash option. For $3 per person per trip, riders can access any destination within the service area from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. Riders can also purchase a ViaPass for a current cost of $15 per week and ride up to four times per day all week long. 

Where Does Via Go? 

The Via rideshare service area includes a significant portion of Arlington between Lamar Boulevard to the north, State Highway 360 and beyond to the east, the City limits to the south and Silo Road, Matlock Road or Fielder Road to the west. Major destinations in this service area include Downtown, the University of Texas at Arlington, major hospitals, the Entertainment District, the Parks Mall, Arlington Highlands, Tarrant County College Southeast campus, the Interstate 20 at Park Springs Park and Ride lot, and the CentrePort TRE Station. Click here to see the service area map. 

The expanded service area now encompasses approximately 41 percent of the city’s land area. This area includes approximately 191,000 people, which is 49 percent of Arlington’s total population, as well as 89,400 jobs, which is 65 percent of the total jobs in the city. 

Click here to learn more about Via or to download the Via app.