Photo by NBC4 Washington
Metro has launched a new Tap. Ride. Go. system that allows riders to use contactless payment methods at Metrorail stations. This system enables riders to tap their contactless credit or debit cards, or mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, directly on faregates to pay their fare. While SmarTrip cards will still be accepted, this new system provides an alternative, faster, and more convenient way to pay.
Metro has launched a new Tap Ride and Go system
- How it works: Riders can tap their contactless credit or debit card, or a virtual card on their smartphone or smartwatch, on the faregate reader to enter the station. The same card or device must be used to tap out at the destination station.
- What it means: This new system aims to streamline the payment process, particularly for tourists and occasional riders, by eliminating the need to purchase or load a SmarTrip card.
- Future plans: Metro intends to expand the Tap. Ride. Go. system to include Metrobus and parking facilities later this year.
- Continued use of SmarTrip: SmarTrip cards will still be an option for those who have employee transit benefits or prefer using them.
- Fare Capping: Metro is not implementing fare capping as part of this initial rollout, but the topic is under consideration.
Washington