Metro riders now have a new, convenient way to pay. Starting today, Metrorail stations will accept credit cards and mobile wallets right at the gate.
The new “Tap. Ride. Go.” system eliminates the need for users to load funds onto a physical or digital SmarTrip card. The goal, according to Metro’s website, is to “make our system more inviting and accessible for everyone.”
This system will not replace SmarTrip. It will only add additional payment options.
The tap-to-pay system will work with any contactless credit or debit card and any smart device — including smartwatches — that is enabled for contactless payment. Just be sure to select the card you want to pay with before tapping (not your whole mobile wallet), and tap out of the Metro with the same card you used to tap in.
New York’s transit system has been using a similar tap-to-pay system since 2019.
As of now, Tap. Ride. Go. is only available for the Metrorail, not Metrobus or parking fees, but Metro says it plans to expand to those areas in the future. Metro also says that those who have employee transit benefits through SmartBenefits should still use a Metro card.
Metro notes that fare capping, a policy that would give customers free trips after they pay a fixed amount in a set time, is not part of this rollout, but management will be discussing that at a later time.
Feature image courtesy Metro
