Transportation

Reston has its own internal bus system and Fairfax Connector buses take you to Metro. There are also services that give older adults a free ride when needed.

Reston has its own internal bus system and Fairfax Connector buses that can take you to Metro. There are also a variety of services that give older adults a free ride when needed.

Most older Reston residents depend on a car to get around and they value the independence it provides. But there are many public and private transportation options for older drivers who no longer can drive. This inability may be due to health issues, limited income or because someone may just no longer want to drive. So, it’s a good idea to plan for a time when driving is no longer an option.

Some warning signs that you or someone you care about should stop or limit driving:

  • They may have delayed response time in unexpected situations and they are easily distracted.

  • They are no longer confident driving in certain places.

  • They hit curbs, get frequent scrapes or dents or have close calls.

  • They drive too fast or too slow.

For many older Reston residents who may need a free ride to a doctor’s appointment or to shop for groceries, there are a number of options. If you don’t have family members nearby or friends that can help, check out our Rides section below for community organizations that will do that. Some religious organizations have volunteers who will pick you up so that you can attend a service in person.

Cars

  • Car-Fit is an educational program that offers older adults the opportunity to check how well their vehicles fit them personally to keep them safe on the road.

  • Older Drivers. The National Institute on Aging provides information for older drivers or those who care for them about when it may be a good idea to stop driving.

  • DMV Mature Driver Program. Drivers over age 75 must appear in person at a DMV customer service center to renew their driver’s license and complete a vision screening for a license that will be valid for five years.

  • Department of Motor Vehicles Handicap Placard. The state’s DMV issues permanent and temporary placards and license plates for those with permanent and military related disabilities.

Driving Alternatives

  •  Endependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV). This resource and advocacy center run by and for people with disabilities will help those who are no longer able to drive or get around on their own. ECNV offers travel training as well as transitioning and independent living skills training. (703) 525-3268 TTY (703) 525-3553

Buses

Rides

Medical Rides.

  • Reston Community Center Rides (RCC RIDES) is a free door-to-door transportation service for those aged 55 and older who are no longer comfortable driving or are unable to do so. It provides volunteer drivers for essential needs such as medical or dental appointments, shopping, personal care, banking and more. There is an application process. Drivers go through a background check. (703) 390-6198

  • NV Rides supports a network of volunteer driver programs that make transportation for seniors possible in Northern Virginia. It coordinates a network of local partner organizations that help older neighbors with transportation needs. Drivers are available to help older adults with rides, conversation and kindness. (703) 537-3071

  • Transportation Options, Programs and Services (TOPS) provides subsidized transportation on a debit card for eligible older adults, persons with disabilities and others with limited income who live in Fairfax County who qualify. Seniors on the Go, Taxi Access and Dial-A-Ride were integrated into this program in 2022. You can apply online or call (703) 222-9764 TTY 711

  • Reston Useful Services Exchange. For a small membership fee, you can sign up for rides from a neighbor in exchange for helping them out with a ride or some other task at another time. No money changes hands, repayment is in kind. You can become a member by signing up online for a $15 fee for individuals; $25 for a household.

  • Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia has vetted volunteers who will help with free rides to medical appointments and companion trips such as grocery shopping. You must be over age 50, live in the service area and apply for this service. (703) 281-0538

  • Herndon Village Network also has vetted and insured drivers who are willing to take those over age 55 to a doctor’s appointment, grocery shopping or a social visit in areas nearest Reston (zip codes 20170 and part of 20171). There is a one-time $20 registration fee and you can apply online or by calling (703) 375-9439. For more information, you may email: hvnrides@gmail.com

Taxis/Ride-Hailing Services

There are authorized taxi companies that serve the Reston area. You can find a listing and more about taxi subsidies at the Fairfax County website.

  • Uber/Lyft —These services have largely replaced taxis but you need to have access to an app on a smart phone or internet access to book a ride. There is a commercial service online called GoGoGrandparent that helps older people access these services for a fee.

  • Fairfax County Transportation Services --Designed for older adults and those with disabilities, resources include a taxi voucher program, Fastran and mobility management.

  • Fastran. A sliding scale fee service that is only for Reston residents who participate in human services agency programs such as those who need critical medical care, adult day health care, community-based services, senior centers or residences, and therapeutic recreation services. You must apply. (703) 222-9764 TTY (703) 324-7079

  • Taxi Access. This program has been integrated into what’s called the TOPS program .

Trains

  • Metro –Reston has two train stations at Wiehle Avenue and another off of Sunset Hills Avenue. These stations allow riders to access a fully developed train and bus system throughout the metro DC area, including to both airports. Using a senior SmarTrip card provides riders with discounts. Cards are available for a minimal fee at the Reston Town Center Station or the Connector Store at the Reston Wiehle-East.

  • Metro Access – This is the Washington area complimentary paratransit service for people who are unable to use Metrobus or Metrorail systems due to disability. It is a shared ride, door-to-door service for those who qualify based on disability and application acceptance. (202) 962-2700