Starting January 2, 2025, residents in Loudoun County can ride local and paratransit buses for free.
This fare-free initiative, approved by the Board of Supervisors during the May 2024 Transit Summit, aims to improve community access to public transportation while supporting the county’s goals of increasing ridership and simplifying transit options.
Local Bus Service: Expanding Accessibility
Loudoun County’s local bus service connects residents across 30 routes, operating Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday schedules. These routes provide transportation from Hamilton through Leesburg into Sterling, offering connections to the Silver Line Metrorail stations in both Loudoun and Fairfax Counties.
Residents previously paid a $1 fare per trip, but the new policy eliminates this barrier, making public transit more accessible, especially for low-income families and daily commuters.
Service Highlights:
- Comprehensive weekday routes with select Saturday service.
- Seamless connections to Silver Line Metrorail stations.
Paratransit Services: A Lifeline for Eligible Riders
Loudoun County’s paratransit service is designed for individuals with disabilities who cannot access traditional public transit. These pre-scheduled, origin-to-destination services operate within three-fourths of a mile of the local bus routes and are now also fare-free starting January 2.
This initiative reflects Loudoun County’s commitment to ensuring that all residents, regardless of physical ability, can navigate their community with ease. Eligible residents can apply for this service through loudoun.gov/paratransit.
Commuter Bus Services: No Changes to Fares
The fare-free program does not apply to Loudoun County’s commuter bus services, which primarily cater to those traveling to Washington, D.C. In fact, fares for commuter buses will see a gradual increase, rising from $10 to $11 in 2025 and to $12 in 2026.
Financial Impact and Community Benefits
Transitioning to fare-free local and paratransit services will cost Loudoun County approximately $162,000 annually in lost revenue but will save around $388,500 by avoiding costly fare collection system upgrades.
This change aligns with broader national trends to make public transportation more accessible and sustainable.
Service Type |
Current Fare |
New Fare |
Projected Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Bus Service | $1 per ride | Free | Increased ridership, simplified access. |
| Paratransit Service | $2 per ride | Free | Improved access for disabled residents. |
| Commuter Bus Service | $10 per ride | Rising to $11 | Revenue generation for future expansions. |
A Community on the Move
This fare-free initiative marks an important step in making public transportation a viable and accessible option for all Loudoun County residents.
Whether traveling to work, running errands, or attending appointments, the new policy encourages everyone to embrace transit as a convenient and cost-effective choice.
For detailed schedules and additional information, visit loudoun.gov/BusSchedules.
Sources: THX News & Loudoun County.
