Introduction to Arlington’s Transportation System
It’s a question that often comes up when big events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup are headed to Arlington’s entertainment district, and one a Curious Texas reader resurfaced recently: Why doesn’t Arlington have traditional mass transit?
Here’s what we discovered.
Arlington leaders thought long and hard about whether to join a transit agency like Dallas Area Rapid Transit, according to the city’s transportation director, Alicia Winkelblech. A transportation advisory committee began exploring transportation options in September 2016.
“We had 31 members … and they spent about a year learning about the city and transportation and hearing from a lot of different people coming in,” Winkelblech said.
Breaking News
Exploring Transportation Options
Arlington tested a single bus route, the Metro ArlingtonXpress operated by DART, for four years. The route shuttled about 300 riders per day between downtown Arlington and Dallas by way of the CentrePort/DFW Airport Station, but service ended in December 2017.
Passengers exit a Max Bus at the CentrePort/DFW Airport station in Arlington on Dec. 27, 2017. The MAX Bus Route 221 ceased operations on Dec. 29, 2017. (Nathan Hunsinger / Staff Photographer)
City leaders opted into Via rideshare in the city around the same time. A demand analysis conducted by a DART consultant as part of the MAX pilot showed Arlington did not have the density that would make traditional fixed-route transit a good fit, Winkelblech said.
On-Demand Rideshare Services
Up to 99 vehicles, including 65 vans for on-demand pickups and up to 34 for paratransit, service the city. On-demand service initially served central Arlington but was expanded citywide in January 2021. It grew ridership threefold of its first year of citywide service, providing over 400,000 rides, according to a March 2022 report.
Robotaxi Rides
A robotaxi also services the University of Texas at Arlington campus and nearby locations. That service reached more than 100,000 rides given in March 2025. About 67% of riders are UTA students.
On-demand rideshare means residents can hail a ride anywhere within the city’s 99-square-mile pickup zone as well as the CentrePort TRE Station and the Eastchase Parkway area of far east Fort Worth, which includes connections with two Trinity Metro bus routes.
“We feel like we actually have a more accessible and equitable transit system than anyone in the region — anyone can get to transit within a one-to-two block walk,” Winkelblech said. “If we were in a situation where we had joined the transit authority, we might have one or two bus lines in the city, and if you don’t live by that bus line it doesn’t help you a lot.”
A Few Million More Reasons Why
Arlington City Council approved a two-year contract with Via in December 2024 for on-demand services for $20.7 million. Membership in a traditional transit agency would likely to run the city closer to $40 million, according to Winkelblech.
The region’s transit agencies do mobilize for significant regional events like the World Cup next summer. Nearly 60,000 fans are expected to attend each of nine matches held at Arlington Entertainment District during the games, with The Trinity Railway Express and DART buses set to transport thousands.
On-demand transit isn’t likely to be enough as the city continues growing. There might be areas where a fixed-route service will make sense, but that’s likely not a bus, Winkelblech said. The city has been exploring novel solutions, including elevated, autonomous people movers.
Related:‘Uber-like’ elevated cable cars could be D-FW’s next attempt at tackling traffic
Whatever’s next for the city’s transportation system, the focus is on innovation and convenience for residents, according to Winkelblech.
“We just are very careful to make sure we put the right technology in rather than a generic one-size-fits-all traditional transit,” Winkelblech said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Arlington’s transportation system is unique and focused on innovation and convenience for residents. The city has opted for on-demand rideshare services, including Via and robotaxi, which have proven to be successful in providing accessible and equitable transportation options. While traditional mass transit may not be the best fit for Arlington, the city is exploring novel solutions to meet the growing demands of its residents and visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Arlington’s transportation system:
Q: Why doesn’t Arlington have traditional mass transit?
A: Arlington leaders thought long and hard about whether to join a transit agency like Dallas Area Rapid Transit, but a demand analysis showed that the city did not have the density to make traditional fixed-route transit a good fit.
Q: What transportation options are available in Arlington?
A: Arlington has on-demand rideshare services, including Via and robotaxi, which provide accessible and equitable transportation options for residents and visitors.
Q: How much does it cost to use Arlington’s transportation system?
A: The cost of using Arlington’s transportation system varies depending on the service and route. However, the city has approved a two-year contract with Via for on-demand services for $20.7 million.
Q: Is Arlington’s transportation system convenient for residents and visitors?
A: Yes, Arlington’s transportation system is designed to be convenient and accessible for residents and visitors. The city’s on-demand rideshare services allow users to hail a ride anywhere within the city’s 99-square-mile pickup zone.
