DC-Maryland-Virginia Metro Adds Tap-to-Pay on Metrobus
DC Metrobus now accepts contactless credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets
Metro Adds Tap Payment Option on Metrobus
DC-area Metrobus riders can now pay fares using contactless credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets, transit officials said. Metro launched the tap-to-pay system November 18, allowing passengers to board without a SmarTrip card. Officials didn't specify whether the system is available on all routes or being rolled out in phases.
Modernizing Regional Transit Payment
The contactless payment system represents Metro's shift toward more flexible fare options beyond traditional SmarTrip cards, according to the transit agency. Metro partnered with Littlepay and Cubic Transportation Systems to implement the technology. Officials didn't disclose the cost of implementing the new payment system. Transit agencies nationwide have been adopting contactless payment to reduce boarding times and accommodate riders who prefer using bank cards or smartphones over transit-specific cards.
Technology Partners and System Details
Metro Board Member Tracy Loh and DC Administrator Kevin Donahue attended the November 18 launch event, along with executives from Littlepay and Cubic Transportation Systems. Technical details about which specific payment types are accepted and whether transaction fees apply weren't included in Metro's announcement. Officials said the system allows riders to tap their payment cards or mobile devices on fare readers when boarding. The agency hasn't released projections for how many riders are expected to use the new tap payment option compared to SmarTrip cards.
Implementation Across the Fleet
Metro officials said the tap payment system is now operational on Metrobus service, though they didn't provide details about the rollout timeline or whether implementation occurred in phases. The agency typically announces major service changes several weeks in advance, but specific information about how the tap payment system was deployed across the fleet wasn't available. Officials said the technology aims to streamline the boarding process for riders throughout the DC-Maryland-Virginia region.
What Riders Need to Know
Passengers can continue using SmarTrip cards or switch to contactless payment when boarding Metrobus, officials said. The new option is expected to reduce boarding times, particularly for occasional riders who may not carry a SmarTrip card. Riders can check Moovit for real-time Metrobus schedules and route information as they adapt to the new payment options.
