Costs for the Arlington 55+ Travel program aren’t going up as much as first proposed, but they’re still rising and future increases are likely.
As part of the fiscal 2027 budget process, County Board members approved a 25% increase in fees charged by the 55+ Travel program, operated by the Department of Parks and Recreation.
“We will see how [the 25% increase] affects the travel program,” Jennifer Collins, 55+ program manager for the county government, told members of the Commission on Aging during a briefing after budget season had concluded.
The increase compares to an initial proposal by County Manager Mark Schwartz to more than double travel fees.
Currently, trip costs range from $10 to $120, depending on destination and amenities. County staff do not anticipate the increases to significantly cut into participation rates.
“We don’t expect too much,” Collins said.
At the May 18 Commission on Aging meeting, chair William Way asked staff about the potential of additional increases.
“Is it pretty much done?” he asked.
Probably not, Collins replied.
“I don’t think they’re done,” she said. “The County Board continues to bring up [the subject]. There’s going to be a lot of discussion about this in the coming year.”
It was something commission members needed to keep an eye on, Way said.
“Everyone, please have that on your radar,” he said.
The fee increases largely are in response to higher transportation costs, county officials say.
The travel program typically does half-day and day trips by bus. Plans to expand to longer journeys, potentially even international travel, were considered in pre-Covid times but never panned out.
Among upcoming trips, with resident/nonresident costs:
- June 12: Choptank CrabFeast Cruise ($116/$133)
- June 24: Performance of “Guys & Dolls” at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts ($112/$129)
- July 29: “India’s Great Mughals” exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts ($31/$35)
- Aug. 28: Maryland State Fair ($28/$32)
In order to participate in 55+ Travel programs, individuals must have a county 55+ pass. Annual fees recently increased slightly to $31 for individuals and $42 for households in Arlington, $57/$83 for those living outside the county.
For an extra charge, seniors can add access to most county fitness facilities at community centers.
Photo via Centre for Ageing Better/Unsplash
