Article by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services
(Posted 2026 October)
If you no longer drive, it can be difficult to run errands and get to your medical appointments. Asking friends, neighbors or family members for a ride may be an option for some, but not all. Rideshare services are widely available, but the cost and tech savvy required to use them may put them out of reach of some older adults. The good news is there are organizations offering free or reduced-cost rides to the places you need to go.
Volunteer Organizations
NV Rides
NV Rides coordinates a network of local partner organizations serving older adults. Volunteer drivers provide rides for medical appointments, grocery shopping, and essential errands. The NV Rides network includes Shepherd’s Centers, Village Programs, and others. To learn more, visit nvrides.org, call 703-537-3071 or email info@nvrides.org.
Shepherd’s Centers
The non-profit Shepherd’s Centers are sponsored by local area congregations, corporate partners, community groups, and individuals. Volunteer drivers offer free transportation for medical appointments and non-medical needs (e.g. grocery shopping) for adults 50+ who live in their center’s service area and can get in and out of a car independently. Shepherd’s Centers serving Fairfax County residents include:
- Shepherd’s Center of Annandale/Springfield – For more information, visit shepherdscenter-annandale.org. To request a ride, call 703-941-1419 or email shepherdscas@vacoxmail.com.
- Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke & South County – To confirm their service areas and for more information, visit scfbva.org. To request a ride, call 703-323-4788.
- Shepherd’s Center of McLean, Arlington and Falls Church - For more information, visit scmafc.org. To request a ride, call 703-506-2199 or email contact@scmafc.org.
- Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia – Serving Oakton, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Great Falls, Dunn Loring and Merrifield. For more information, visit scnova.org, To request a ride, call 703-281-0538.
- Shepherd’s Center of Western Fairfax County – To request a ride, call 703-246-5920 or email scwfc.office@gmail.com.
Fairfax County Programs
Fastran
Offers specialized transportation services for residents of Fairfax County and the Cities of Fairfax and Falls Church who participate in human services agency programs. Services may have associated fees based on a sliding scale. They provide transportation assistance only to riders who are already certified for the following programs and services:
- Critical Medical Care
- Adult Day Health Care
- Community Services Board
- Senior Centers
- Senior Residences
- Therapeutic Recreation Services
For more information, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/transportation/fastran.
Fairfax Connector Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP)
Fairfax Connector has announced the launch of TRIP100, a new Transit Ridership Incentive Program that provides qualified Fairfax County residents with a 100 percent fare discount on Fairfax Connector bus service. The new program, supported by a grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), replaces the previous TRIP program, which provided a 50% fare discount on Fairfax Connector.
Participants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Be 50 years of age or older, with an annual income of $50,000 or less per individual.
- Have an annual income of $32,805, or 225% of Federal Poverty Limit for an individual, 50 years of age or younger.
- Be a registered user of MetroAccess.
- Receive Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance.
- Receive assistance services and have a caseworker through another Fairfax County agency or organization.
Visit the TRIP100 webpage to review eligibility requirements as well as full terms and conditions.
WMATA Reduced Fare Programs
Senior Smart Trip Cards
If you are 65 or older you can get a Senior Smart Trip card that gives you a 50% discount on Metro. When you tap your card, you’re automatically charged the discounted fare, not the regular fare. The $2 new card fee does not apply to the Senior Smart Trip card.
To get a card, bring a government-issued photo ID that shows your birthday to the Transit Accessibility Center in Washington, D.C., a Montgomery County Public Library, or Commuter Store. Learn more.
Reduced Fare Disability Card
If you have a qualifying disability and are under 65, you can get a Reduced Fare Disability Card. It is a photo ID that works as a Smart Trip card, so you pay a discounted rate to ride Metro.
You will need a valid government-issued photo ID, plus one of the following:
- An original, Reduced Fare Application for People with Disabilities signed by a licensed medical professional within the past 60 days.
- Medicare (not Medicaid) card for individuals under age 65.
- Veteran Disability Certification letter with 60% or greater disability rating per the original letter issued by the Department of Veteran Affairs or a DD2765 Uniformed Services card.
- Audiogram performed within the past five years with a pure tone average of 70dB or greater in both ears regardless of hearing aids.
Photo ID cards are issued in-person on the day you apply with no appointment necessary at the Transit Accessibility Center or TRIPS Commuter Store. For additional information, visit wmata.com/pay/fare-programs/riders-with-disabilities, email eligibility@wmata.com or call 202-962-2700 and select Option 1, TTY 202-962-2033.
Metro Lift
Metro Lift offers 50% off all Metro Bus and Metro Rail trips for Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia customers enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Eligible customers must currently be enrolled in SNAP in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia. To qualify you need:
- Smart Trip card for you and each person in your SNAP household.
- Active SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
- SNAP benefits summary (if signing up other members of your household).
- Current government-issued photo ID card.
- Phone number.
You can enroll online or in-person. Learn more.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).