Did you know that there are transit opportunities available to students and low-income riders? With the Student Bus Pass and Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP), residents have enjoyed more than 4 million free and low-cost trips across the region.
The Fairfax Connector, operated by the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT), is Northern Virginia’s largest local bus system, transporting more than 26,000 passengers on 93 routes per day. In alignment with the principles of One Fairfax, FCDOT has implemented these programs to help meet the needs of riders and residents in Fairfax County.
“For 40 years, the Fairfax Connector has played an integral role in the lives of millions of riders of all ages and abilities, linking them to friends and family, jobs, medical care, shopping, recreation and the county’s major activity centers,” said FCDOT Director Gregg Steverson. “The success of the Student Bus Pass and TRIP programs illustrates the value of reliable, affordable public transportation and its role in promoting independence and opening access to a wide range of opportunities available to us in this area.”
Students Ride Free
Since 2015, Fairfax County middle and high school students have been able to ride Fairfax Connector and Fairfax City CUE buses for free using the Student Bus Pass. Each week, student riders depend on local bus service to get to school, work, extracurricular activities and more.
Under the benefit, students may ride buses at no cost from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. The program requires parent/guardian permission. Applications for free Student Bus Passes are available online and should be returned to the school’s administrative office in order to receive your bus pass.
In 2022, the Student Bus Pass program provided an expanded service program to include Metrobus access in designated areas served by Metrobus legacy routes. The Student Bus Pass+Metrobus program is currently available to students at the Davis Center and Justice, Annandale, Falls Church and George C. Marshall High Schools.
Reduced Fare TRIPS for Low-Income Riders
In 2022, FCDOT initiated the Transit Ridership Incentive Program designed to reduce barriers to transit for low-income individuals. Supported by a three-year $5.5 million grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, the program provides a 50% fare reduction for all Fairfax Connector routes and free transfers to and from Metrobus and Metrorail. The program currently provides between 1,000 and 1,500 trips per month with a goal of doubling service over the coming year.
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