Metro Launches SmarTrip Auto Reload‏

Metro recently launched SmarTrip Auto Reload, a new convenient feature that allows customers to have value automatically added to their cards when their balances drops below a minimum threshold.

By signing up for SmarTrip Auto Reload, customers can avoid the hassle of stopping at farecard vending machines or repeatedly going online to add more value.

 “Auto Reload is another way we have worked to making using SmarTrip faster and easier for customers,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles. “Simply put, Auto Reload allows customers to ‘set it and forget it,’ and means an end to waiting in line at fare machines.”

Similar to EZ-Pass, the Auto Reload feature allows customers to have a pre-defined dollar value automatically added to a registered card whenever the balance on SmarTrip drops below $20 on a full fare SmarTrip card or below $10 on a Senior/Disabled SmarTrip card.

For customers who use a 7-Day Bus or Rail Pass, Auto Reload will add a new pass when three days remain on the pass. Similarly, for the 28-Day or 30-Day Pass, Auto Reload is triggered when seven days remain on the active pass.

The launch of Auto Reload follows a successful testing period with more than 1,300 customers using the new feature. To use the Auto Reload feature, customers must register their cards and have an online SmarTrip account.

Upon logging into their online account, customers are able to link their SmarTrip cards to a credit or debit card that will automatically add the pre-determined value that the customers chooses.

For more information about SmarTrip or to purchase a card, visit smartrip.wmata.com.

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SmarTrip Rebate Program/Minimum Fare Requirement Goes into Effect Sept. 1‏

Beginning Sept. 1, customers will be able to get a $3 rebate for new SmarTrip card purchases when they register their card online. The cards will still cost $5, but a $3 credit will be refunded to the card five days after first use. SmarTrip online registration also protects a rider’s balance if the card is lost or stolen and allows customers to add value to the card via the Web.

Also beginning Sept. 1, riders will need a minimum of $1.20 on a SmarTrip card to enter the Metrorail system. For riders using a senior/disabled SmarTrip card, the minimum will be 35 cents. The change makes SmarTrip consistent with paper fare cards, which have a minimum fare requirement for entry into the rail system.

Additional changes to SmarTrip starting Sept. 1 include:

• SmarTrip card vending machines will be available in all Metrorail stations to make it easier and more convenient for riders to purchase the cards. The machines are already in 47 stations.
• The Metrorail Fast Pass, which provides seven days of unlimited Metrorail travel, will be available only on SmarTrip and can be purchased online or at station vending machines. Paper Fast Pass cards will no longer be sold after Aug. 31, and will be accepted only through Dec. 31.

Metro introduced SmarTrip cards in 1996 and has encouraged riders to take advantage of the plastic, rechargeable fare card that offers lower Metrobus and Metrorail fares. Bus riders save 20-cents per ride, get free bus-to-bus transfers and a 50-cent discount if transferring to rail when using SmarTrip. Metrorail riders avoid the $1 surcharge on paper fare cards by using SmarTrip and receive the 50-cent discount when transferring from rail to bus.

For more information about SmarTrip or to purchase a card, go to www.wmata.com/fares/smartrip/.

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Metro Introduces Unlimited 7-day Rail Pass on SmarTrip

Earlier this week, Metro introduced the ability for Metrorail customers to use their SmarTrip card as a 7-day unlimited rail pass.

The $47 "Fast Pass" gives customers the ability to take unlimited rail trips for seven consecutive days from first use. Previously, the pass was available only as a paper fare card.

Customers are able to load the Fast Pass onto a SmarTrip card, either at a Metrorail station "Passes/Farecards" vending machine or online at smartrip.com.

The introduction of an unlimited pass on is the latest in a series of enhancements Metro has made to SmarTrip. In September, Metro launched "Online Reload," giving customers the ability to add value to their SmarTrip account from their computer, and earlier this year, Metro introduced the ability to report lost or stolen cards, transfer balances to a replacement card and reset passwords online.


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