Access on Demand Fares Rising to $10 in 2026
TL;DR: Chesterfield County is raising Access on Demand fares from $6 to $10 for in-county trips and to $15 for out-of-county trips, effective January 1, 2026, citing rising operational costs.
Quick facts
- Who: Chesterfield County Mobility Services
- What: Raising Access on Demand ride fares from $6 to $10 in-county and $15 out-of-county
- When: Effective January 1, 2026
- Where: Chesterfield County, Virginia
The story
Chesterfield County is implementing its first significant fare increase for Access on Demand in several years, raising in-county trip fares from $6 to $10 beginning January 1, 2026. Out-of-county fares will rise to $15. The county cited rising costs associated with operating the program as the reason for the adjustment, stating the increase is necessary to maintain continued service availability for qualifying residents.
Access on Demand serves seniors age 65 and older, residents with disabilities, and low-income households (those earning up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level). The service provides door-to-door, wheelchair-accessible transportation for essential trips including medical appointments, grocery shopping, and visits to family and friends. Current providers include WAV rides, Roundtrip, and Logiss, with service available seven days a week across Chesterfield County.
The program's vehicles are equipped with lifts or ramps to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers, with drivers providing assistance boarding and exiting. Residents must register with Mobility Services to use the program and book rides at least two hours in advance. Registration is available by calling 804-706-2796 or visiting chesterfield.gov/MobilityServices.
The fare increase represents a 67 percent rise for in-county trips, a significant jump for residents who rely on the subsidized service for transportation to critical appointments and errands. The county characterized the adjustment as necessary to offset operational expenses while sustaining service for this vulnerable population.
Key players
- Chesterfield County Mobility Services: County agency administering Access on Demand service
Key dates
- 2026-01-01: Access on Demand fare increase takes effect
The case for
Rising operational costs for maintaining wheelchair-accessible vehicles, trained drivers, fuel, and door-to-door service justify fare adjustments to keep the program sustainable. Without cost recovery improvements, county budgets would face increasing pressure to subsidize the full gap, potentially threatening service reductions or eliminating the program entirely for qualified residents.
The case against
A 67 percent fare increase places significant financial burden on seniors and low-income residents with disabilities who depend on the service for medical access and essential errands. The higher cost may deter trips to necessary appointments or limit mobility for vulnerable populations already facing economic constraints, potentially worsening health and quality-of-life outcomes for those the service is designed to help.
Why it matters: The fare increase directly affects thousands of Chesterfield County seniors and residents with disabilities who rely on Access on Demand for transportation to critical medical appointments and essential services. Rising costs may limit mobility for county residents least able to afford alternatives or personal transportation, affecting their ability to maintain health, independence, and community connections.
Places
Development timeline
- 2026-01-01Access on Demand fare increase takes effect: In-county fares rise from $6 to $10 per trip; out-of-county fares increase to $15 per trip [[source]](https://www.chesterfield.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?aid=6877)
Related links
- Access on Demand - Chesterfield County
- Mobility Services - Chesterfield County
- Access on Demand Fares to Increase in 2026 - County Alert
Read the original at Chesterfield County News →
Sources
- Access on Demand Fares to Increase in 2026 - Chesterfield County, VA
- Access on Demand - Chesterfield County, VA
- Mobility Services - Chesterfield County, VA
- Fares for Access on Demand in Chesterfield to increase for 2026 - WRIC ABC 8News