This post was written by culture editor Karolina Ramos. 

Metro’s top official said Tuesday that riders will soon be able to use smartphones and credit cards to pay at turnstiles, not just SmarTrips or farecards.

Metro General Manager Richard Sarles said at a transportation conference held on the Foggy Bottom Campus that plans for expanding payment options are already underway, allowing riders to bypass fare vending machines.

“You would have the convenience of just using whatever is in your pocket to pay your fare,” Sarles said, according to D.C. all-news radio station WTOP.

The proposal is one among numerous Metro initiatives, including plans to have more cars per train across the system.

Sarles said Metro is currently seeking out potential vendors to carry out the payment program, and hopes to have a test program crafted “in the next few months.”