SmarTrip

SmarTrip

Company type	Public transit payment system
Industry	Public transportation
Founded	May 18, 1999 (1999-05-18)
Founder	Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
Headquarters	Washington, D.C. , United States
Area served	Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area
Products	Contactless stored-value smart card payment system
Owner	Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
Website	www.wmata.com/fares/smartrip/

SmarTrip is a contactless stored-value smart card payment system overseen by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) operates a compatible system named CharmCard, which is being gradually replaced by the CharmPass mobile application by the end of 2025. A mutual acceptance agreement enables both cards to be used interchangeably across transit networks within the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. Unlike conventional paper farecards, SmarTrip and CharmCard are permanent, reloadable cards; unless otherwise specified, "SmarTrip" refers to both systems collectively.

SmarTrip was introduced by WMATA in 1999 initially for Metrorail fare payments and was soon expanded to cover Metrobus, parking facilities, and additional regional transit services. Although initially criticized for having limited points of sale, distribution was broadened to include convenience stores and supermarkets. By late 2012, vending machines dispensing SmarTrip cards were installed at every Metrorail station.

In October 2010, WMATA announced the discontinuation of original SmarTrip card production by its manufacturer and planned to phase in a new generation featuring updated chip technology beginning in 2012. Since 2021, first-generation cards have been gradually retired as newly installed faregates do not support the older technology.

In 2014, WMATA collaborated with Accenture on a pilot project aimed at upgrading SmarTrip payments to an open system compatible with contactless credit cards and identification cards. Due to limited adoption of mobile payments and budget constraints, this pilot was terminated. Instead, in 2018 WMATA launched a closed-loop mobile payment solution that mimics physical cards, requiring users to preload funds onto their SmarTrip accounts rather than enabling direct credit or debit card transactions. Support for Apple Pay was added in 2020, followed by Google Pay integration in 2021.

Since March 6, 2016, SmarTrip has been the sole accepted payment method on Metrorail; paper farecards were fully phased out.

Overview

SmarTrip cards are sized comparably to credit cards or driver's licenses. Featuring an RFID chip, they are tapped near a circular sensor on faregates to allow quicker access than paper farecards. Unlike systems that store only the card number on the chip, SmarTrip retains the stored value directly on the card. Reloading requires presenting the physical card; when linked to a smart device, the card’s data transfers over and disables the physical card. For Metrorail trips, fares are automatically deducted upon entry and exit; on Metrobuses, deductions occur audibly at boarding and account for transfers and discounts.

To combat fraud and reduce waste, Metro discontinued paper bus transfers in January 2009, mandating SmarTrip use for reduced-fare transfers. Paper bus passes were eliminated in January 2011; all passes are now issued exclusively on SmarTrip.

Various Metrorail passes are available via SmarTrip including One-Day, 7-Day, and 28-Day unlimited ride options. The 7-Day Short Trip Pass permits unlimited off-peak travel plus peak rides capped at $3.50 each; any additional fare difference is deducted from stored value. CharmCard restricts ownership to two passes of each type per card.

Preloaded One-Day rail pass SmarTrips have been sold online for $14 since July 2012; commemorative editions have been issued since 2009.

Standard SmarTrip cards can be purchased at Metrorail vending machines, Metro sales offices, select retailers, or online. Pricing includes a $2 card fee plus initial fare value: $10 at stations ($2 card plus $8 fare) or online options of $10 or $30 ($2 plus $8 or $28 fare). Cards may be reloaded at vending machines or onboard buses. Until 2016, paper farecards could be exchanged for stored value. SmarTrip supports up to $300 stored value; CharmCard allows up to $200.

SmarTrip and CharmCard differ regarding inter-system usage rules: passes and non-cash loads are stored separately from cash balances ("purses") and are valid only on their issuing transit system. Employers registered with WMATA offer transit benefits usable solely on WMATA services even if loaded onto CharmCards. Cash balances can be used across both WMATA and MTA vehicles but do not substitute for pass privileges.

Discounted half-fare SmarTrip cards for seniors and disabled riders require in-person purchase with ID verification; equivalent CharmCards are offered by MTA under similar conditions. WMATA charges a $2 fee plus load amount; MTA waives fees but requires a minimum initial load.

Previously, "Exit fare" machines did not accept SmarTrip cards; riders could leave with negative balances that had to be cleared before reuse—this policy delayed reducing card prices from $5 to $2.50. Beginning September 2012, Metro introduced a $3 rebate for registered cards, lowered minimum balance requirements for station entry, and limited allowable negative balances upon exit.

On October 1, 2013, the card price dropped to $2 with rebate removal and maximum negative balance capped at $1.50; riders exceeding this limit must add funds at Exitfare machines.

SmarTrip complies with ISO/IEC 14443 Type B standards. The embedded microchip stores monetary value, recent trip history, and a unique identifier unlinked to personal information unless registered online. Registration allows balance recovery (minus replacement fees) and supports employer SmartBenefits transit subsidies.

Developed by Cubic Transportation Systems Inc., a San Diego–based subsidiary of Cubic Corporation, production of original SmarTrip cards ended by October 2010. WMATA issued a request for proposals in December 2010 seeking a replacement system anticipated to integrate federal employee badges and smart devices. In January 2014, Accenture secured the contract for the new electronic fare payment platform.

In May 2012, WMATA released a new generation of SmarTrip cards following discontinuation of earlier versions by the manufacturer; these newer cards are slimmer, less costly to produce, yet function identically from the user perspective. Their serial numbers begin with "0167".

History

SmarTrip holds the distinction of being the inaugural contactless smart card for public transit in the United States, introduced by WMATA on May 18, 1999. By 2004, the number of SmarTrip cards in use had reached 650,000. The initial deployment of SmarTrip readers occurred on Metrobuses starting November 12, 2002, and by May 2004, these readers were also installed at parking garage entry points. The card's adoption expanded significantly, with circulation climbing to 1.8 million by December 2010. In February 2011, WMATA enhanced the faregate antennas to boost both the speed and range of SmarTrip transactions. On September 1, 2020, a collaboration between Apple and WMATA enabled users to add SmarTrip cards to Apple Pay through the Wallet app, followed by support for Google Pay on Android devices beginning June 8, 2021.

DC One Card

In May 2011, WMATA partnered with the District of Columbia Department of Transportation to initiate a pilot program distributing "DC One Cards" to students attending DC Public Schools. These cards doubled as student identification and provided discounted or complimentary Metro fares during designated commuting times, with the goal of reducing incidents of youth misconduct within stations.

SmarTrip Card

Due to difficulties activating DC One Cards, the Kids Ride Free initiative transitioned in summer 2018 to the SmarTrip Kids Ride Free Program. This program grants eligible students aged between 5 and 21 years—residing or studying in DC—a Kids Ride Free SmarTrip Card that allows complimentary travel on Washington Metro, Metrobus, and DC Circulator. The DC One Card Program officially concluded on October 1, 2018.

Design

The classic SmarTrip card showcases stylized depictions of a Metrorail train and a Metrobus set against iconic Washington DC landmarks such as the Washington Monument and the United States Capitol, with the Metro logo positioned at the lower left corner. A distinct "Senior" SmarTrip card, intended for riders aged 65 and older who automatically receive senior fare discounts, is identified by its bright yellow and brown color scheme instead of the standard blue and green. Senior cards must be obtained in person by presenting valid identification at Metro sales locations or authorized retailers.

On March 27, 2016, Metro unveiled a redesigned SmarTrip card commemorating four decades since the Metrorail system's inception.

Beginning in November 2016, personalized SmarTrip cards replaced MetroAccess cards for paratransit customers; these new cards feature the rider’s photograph alongside the Metro Access logo. Additionally, a companion card is issued free of charge to accompany disabled riders.

Promotional designs

The first promotional edition of SmarTrip cards appeared in 2008 to celebrate the inauguration of the Washington Nationals' Nationals Park. Subsequent special editions honored President Barack Obama’s inaugurations in both 2009 and 2013. A commemorative card for July 4 was released in July 2013.

In June 2014, Metro issued limited edition SmarTrip cards featuring popular newborn animals from the National Zoo to mark its 125th anniversary. The following month saw a commemorative release celebrating the launch of the Silver Line.

A promotional card was launched in March 2022 for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, with refreshed designs planned annually through 2025.

In January 2025, Metro introduced a commemorative SmarTrip card honoring the return of pandas to the National Zoo.

Criticism

Initial feedback regarding SmarTrip cards highlighted the limited availability of purchase locations, which were at first confined to suburban Metrorail stations, online platforms, select retail outlets, and Metro customer service centers. In 2008, WMATA broadened distribution by collaborating with CVS/pharmacy, making cards accessible at 187 locations throughout the DC area, and further extended sales to grocery store chains. By the end of 2012, vending machines dispensing SmarTrip cards were installed at every Metrorail station.

Several functionalities initially envisioned by Cubic Transportation Systems for rollout in 2005 experienced delays until 2012. At first, adding value was only possible at stations or by paying cash on Metrobus; although online reloading was announced for 2009, it did not become available until September 2011. In April 2012, WMATA launched a seven-day unlimited Metrorail pass that could be loaded onto SmarTrip cards.

SmarTrip fares are calculated per single one-way trip, except in cases of bus transfers and passes. WMATA provides discounted rail and bus passes for frequent travelers on daily, weekly, or monthly bases; however, riders must manually load these passes or sign up for autoload options in advance. This differs from fare capping systems like London's Oyster card, which automatically limits daily charges.

Users have reported issues when cards malfunction due to physical damage or contact with metal objects. Although WMATA ensures that funds are transferred to replacement cards, it has received criticism for slow processing times during these exchanges.

Parking

Following revelations of significant theft involving Metro’s parking contractor Penn Parking, WMATA introduced a cashless parking payment system requiring SmarTrip cards for parking access at Metro-operated garages and lots starting June 28, 2004. This change drew criticism for inconveniencing infrequent users and tourists who lacked SmarTrip cards. In April 2007, WMATA tested credit card payment options at six stations—Anacostia, Shady Grove, Vienna, New Carrollton, Franconia-Springfield, and Largo Town Center—where one exit lane per station accepted credit cards alongside SmarTrip payments. Subsequently, WMATA pledged to equip at least one credit card payment lane at all Metro pay-on-exit parking facilities to improve convenience.

Participating systems

The SmarTrip card is compatible with numerous transit agencies throughout the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan region. The Maryland Transit Administration’s CharmCard employs similar technology allowing mutual acceptance across participating networks. However, digital SmarTrip cards stored in Apple Wallet are not accepted on Baltimore MTA vehicles.

System	Transit Authority	Service Area	Service Type
Metro	WMATA	Washington, D.C.; Arlington County, VA; Alexandria, VA; Fairfax County, VA; Montgomery County, MD; Prince George's County, MD; Loudoun County, VA	Rapid transit
Metrobus	WMATA	Washington, DC; Arlington County, VA; Alexandria, VA; Fairfax County, VA; Fairfax City, VA; Falls Church, VA; Montgomery County, MD; Prince George's County, MD	Local bus
Arlington Transit (ART)	Local government	Arlington County, VA	Local bus
DASH Bus	Local government	Alexandria, VA	Local bus
Fairfax Connector	Local government	Fairfax County, VA	Local bus
Loudoun County Commuter Bus	Local government	Loudoun County, VA	Commuter bus
Loudoun County Metro Connection	Local government	Loudoun County, VA	Local bus
OmniRide	PRTC	Prince William County, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, Manassas City and Manassas Park (VA)	Commuter bus
Ride On	Local government	Montgomery County, MD	Local bus
TheBus	Local government	Prince George's County, MD	Local bus
Baltimore Metro SubwayLink	Maryland Transit Administration (MTA Maryland)	Baltimore and Baltimore County, MD	Rapid transit
Baltimore Light RailLink	MTA Maryland	Baltimore and Baltimore County; Anne Arundel County, MD	Light rail
MTA Maryland bus service	MTA Maryland	Baltimore and Baltimore County; Anne Arundel County, MD	Local bus

Additional Regional Transit Services

The Baltimore–Washington region is also served by several transit systems that currently do not accept SmarTrip or CharmCard as payment methods:

System	Operating Authority	Coverage Area	Type of Service
CUE Bus***	Local government	Fairfax, Virginia	Local bus service
DC Streetcar***	DDOT	Washington, D.C.	Streetcar
MARC Train**	MTA Maryland	Washington, D.C.; Baltimore, MD; Baltimore County, MD; Prince George's County, MD; Montgomery County, MD; Howard County, MD; Anne Arundel County, MD; Harford County, MD; Frederick County, MD; Cecil County, MD; Jefferson County, WV; Berkeley County, WV	Commuter rail
Virginia Railway Express (VRE)**	PRTC & NVTC	Washington, D.C.; Arlington County, VA; Alexandria, VA; Fairfax County, VA; Prince William County, VA; Spotsylvania County, VA; Manassas Park, VA; Manassas, VA; Fredericksburg, VA	Commuter rail service
Loudoun County Local Bus	Local government	Loudoun County	Local bus routes
Loudoun County Metro Connection*	Local government	Loudoun County, VA	Local bus service
Virginia Regional Transit	Local government	Loudoun County, VA	Local bus service
RTA of Central Maryland	RTA	Anne Arundel County, MD; Howard County, MD; Prince George's County, MD	Local bus service
MTA Maryland Commuter Buses**	MTA Maryland	Washington, D.C.; Baltimore, MD; surrounding counties including Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince George's, Frederick, Howard, Charles, Calvert, Harford, and St. Mary's counties	Commuter bus service
Charm City Circulator***	Local Government	Baltimore, MD	Local bus service

* Selected routes accept SmarTrip.

** Paper or digital tickets can be purchased with SmarTrip via SmartBenefits at certain employers in DC.

*** These transit options are fare-free and do not collect payment.

Transfer Information

Bus fare structure using SmarTrip cards

Origin	To Local Bus Services	To Express Bus Services<ref group="Note">Express Buses: Metrobus express routes, PRTC OmniRide and MetroDirect services, Ride-On route 70, Fairfax Connector routes 393-395, 480, 599, 698-699. (Metrobus/Fairfax Connector/Ride-On)	To PRTC Routes
Washington Metro	No charge	$2.25	$4.75 for PRTC OmniRide (full fare) $2.40 for PRTC MetroDirect (full fare)
Metrobus local routes	No charge	$2.25	" $3.50 for PRTC OmniRide $1.15 for PRTC MetroDirect"

" Arlington Transit (ART), Connect-A-Ride, DASH, Fairfax Connector (except specific routes), Ride-On (except route 70)"

"No charge"

" $2.25"

"N/A"

"Fairfax Connector routes 393-395, 480, 599, 698-699; Ride-On route 70; Metrobus express routes; PRTC OmniRide"

"No charge"

"No charge"

"N/A"

"The Bus"

"No charge"

" $2.25"

"N/A"

External links

• Official SmarTrip website
• Cubic Transportation Systems (archived version)