Metro Safeguards Fare Accuracy During Construction

Metro requires riders to tap SmarTrip cards at entry and exit during construction

Metro Riders Must Tap SmarTrip Cards Twice

Metro riders across DC, Maryland, and Virginia must tap their SmarTrip cards when entering and exiting every station during ongoing construction work, transit officials said. The requirement ensures the system properly tracks trips and calculates fares accurately during construction periods. Metro announced the policy March 7 via social media, though officials didn't specify which construction projects require the double-tap procedure or how long the requirement will remain in effect.

Why Double Tapping Matters During Construction

The double-tap requirement helps Metro maintain accurate fare collection while construction affects normal station operations, according to the transit agency. Officials said the system needs entry and exit taps to properly calculate distance-based fares across Metro's 98-mile rail network. Specific details about which construction projects trigger the requirement weren't available. Transit agencies typically implement modified fare procedures during major station work to ensure revenue tracking remains accurate while infrastructure improvements are underway.

Duplicate Charges Removed Within 24 Hours

Metro officials said any duplicate charges resulting from the double-tap requirement should automatically be removed from rider accounts within 24 hours. The transit agency acknowledged that the modified tapping procedure may occasionally cause billing errors but assured riders the system corrects these automatically. Riders who notice duplicate charges remaining after 24 hours can contact SmarTrip customer service at 202-GOMETRO for assistance. Officials didn't provide data on how frequently duplicate charges occur or how many riders have been affected since the policy took effect.

Construction Timeline Remains Unclear

Metro officials haven't said when the double-tap requirement will end or which specific construction projects necessitate the policy. The agency described the measure as temporary but didn't provide a timeline for when normal tapping procedures will resume. Officials said the requirement applies during construction periods across the Metro system, though they didn't specify whether it affects all stations simultaneously or only those near active work zones.

What Riders Need to Know

Riders should remember to tap their SmarTrip cards at both entry and exit points at every station they visit during construction periods to avoid potential fare issues. Those experiencing persistent duplicate charges after 24 hours should contact customer service at 202-GOMETRO for resolution. Moovit provides real-time Metro updates and service alerts to help riders navigate construction-related changes across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia transit system.