The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority unveiled a “tap and go” payment option last week, allowing riders to use credit cards and mobile wallets to pay fares.
Metro riders can now enter faregates using physical and mobile credit and debit cards, WMATA announced in a press release last Wednesday. According to the release, WMATA added the payment methods to benefit tourists and occasional Metro riders who want to avoid lining up for fare machines and SmarTrip cards.
“Contactless payment is a world-class standard, and we are pleased to modernize our payment system, creating more accessibility and removing a friction point for those who may not be familiar with America’s Metro System,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke in the release.
The implementation of “Tap. Ride. Go” comes after Metro tried and failed to introduce credit card payments in 2016, opting instead to launch an app that allowed riders to reload their SmarTrip cards and tap mobile SmarTrip cards.
Clarke told the Washington Post that Metro set WorldPride, which runs through June 8 and is expected to bring more than 1 million people to the District, as the deadline to implement the new system. Metro has been working to implement the Tap. Ride. Go. program since late last year, according to the press release.
Metro riders do not need to sign up or register to use the new Tap. Ride. Go. feature, but they must use the same card on a round trip to tap in and out of the fare gates. Each customer must also use their own card, according to the release. Multiple customers may not use the same card on a single trip.
WMATA suggests taking out one card at the fare gate as opposed to tapping a wallet with multiple cards, which will prevent both cards being charged. Charges will appear on a credit card statement as Metro.
“We expect that open payment will offer increased convenience for our customers,” Metro Board of Directors Chair Valerie Santos said in the press release.
SmarTrip cards are still in operation. Those who qualify for fare discounts or SmartBenefits will still have to use their designated SmarTrip cards, as well as riders utilizing unlimited passes, according to the release.
WMATA said in the press release that the Tap. Ride. Go. feature will be available for use on Metrobuses and at Metro parking lots “in the future.”
