(Photo by Elvert Barnes)

The major upside of car2go has always been the ability to do a one-way trip. But when the company launched in Arlington last year, the end of those one-way trips was restricted to locations in the jurisdiction. Beginning on May 26, that will no longer be the case: drivers will be able to pick up a Smart car in D.C. and leave it in Arlington, and vice versa.

Car2go launched in Arlington in October, after a slight delay, as part of a year-long pilot program. But things have been slow going, with demand much lower than expected. In January, the company reduced its Arlington fleet from 95 cars down to 25 (the county authorized up to 200 for the pilot).

The Arlington County Board gave approval for ending trips in either jurisdiction last month, and now the District Department of Transportation has done the same.

“Partnering with Washington, D.C. is a logical next step for Arlington’s year-long demonstration study with car2go,” said Arlington County Director of Transportation Dennis Leach in a statement. “Our residents, workers and visitors will benefit from a seamless carsharing network that allows them to cross into the District.””

Car2go joins Split and other enterprising transportation companies in noting that the coming year will be tough for getting around on public transportation. “With various Metro stations being shut down beginning next month, now is an ideal time for D.C. area residents to become car2go members,” they write. They’re making it a bit more enticing by waiving the $35 membership fee for the time being.