Are SmarTrip cards being phased out?
Andrew Mclaughlin
Updated on May 03, 2026
The cards are being phased out due to the installation of new fare gates in Metro stations, which will begin in June 2021. All agencies that use the SmartBenefits program are encouraged to let their participating employees use Metro’s online, self-service card replacement process.
Does Metro still use SmarTrip?
In addition to Metrorail, Metrobus, and Metro-operated parking lots and garages, riders have the option to pay with a phone anywhere SmarTrip is accepted including at other regional transit agencies like ART, DASH, Fairfax Connector, Cue, Ride On, TheBus, Circulator, Loudoun County Transit, and OmniRide.
Where can I purchase a SmarTrip card?
You can purchase a SmarTrip® card at any Metrorail station, Reston-area Transit Store, Metro Sales office , Commuter Store , Retail Outlet , and online at the WMATA website .
How do I get a Wmata card?
Online
- Fare available within 1 business day at Metrorail stations and 3 business days on Metrobus.
- Reload an existing card. Login to your account and select the card you wish to reload, or.
- Buy a new plastic card online and receive the card by mail in 3-5 business days. Buy a SmarTrip Card with $8 Stored Value.
What do you do with old Metro cards?
What to do with an expired MetroCard. You have two years from the expiration date to transfer any remaining money to a new card. Within the first year, use a MetroCard Vending Machine to transfer the balance to a new card. You can also ask at a station booth for a postage-paid envelope.
Do old Metro cards work?
Cards with 0167 somewhere on the back are still good, everything else will eventually not work. Metro is encouraging riders with those cards to replace them now to avoid issues later. Riders can mail in the old card, or make a switch for a new card online, on the phone, or in person.
Do Metro smart cards expire?
Smart card product purchases expire if they are not loaded to your smart card within 30 days of purchase.
Can you recharge metro card online?
Paytm provide you with flexible payment methods for your Metro Card recharge online on Paytm. You can pay through a debit card, credit card, Paytm wallet, UPI and Paytm postpaid (UPI and Paytm postpaid are available on Paytm app).
How do I get money back from my metro card?
If your card expires, it is eligible for a refund only if it’s a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard. Once it expires, you have two years to transfer any remaining money to a new card. If you want, you can request a refund for an expired metro card by sending a questionnaire to the MTA.
Where can I buy a SmarTrip card in Washington DC?
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The SmarTrip® card can be purchased here and can be used interchangeably throughout Washington, Baltimore and the surrounding region. To add value or a pass to an existing SmarTrip® card or CharmCard®, Log In or Create a New Account.
Why is Metro phasing out SmarTrip cards?
On April 9, 2021, Metro announced that they would be phasing out their first generation SmarTrip Card which contains outdated chip technology. The cards are being phased out due to the installation of new fare gates in Metro stations, which will begin in June 2021.
How much is a $300 metro card worth?
A permanent, rechargeable farecard that can hold up to $300 in stored value to pay fares for Metrorail, Metrobus and other participating transit agencies as well as parking fees at Metro operated facilities. The card costs $2 and comes with $8 in stored fare value for a total price of $10.
When will Metro Metro stop using the MetroCard?
Metro is phasing out use of the cards in conjunction with the year-long rollout of new faregates in stations starting as early as June and new bus fareboxes next year.
