The Washington Area Metropolitan Transportation Authority (WMATA) is launching Metro Lift, the agency’s first income-qualified reduced fare program, June 20. Customers in Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia who qualify for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) are eligible to enroll.
Approved by WMATA’s Board of Directors in the fiscal year (FY) 2024 budget, the program advances transit equity and affordability in a region considered one of the most expensive in the nation and where low-income households face the greatest economic disparities. Customers enrolled in Metro Lift will receive a 50 percent discount for any travel on Metrorail and Metrobus.
Online enrollment and appointment scheduling will begin June 20 while In-person enrollment will begin at three sites starting June 26.
"Our priority is making transportation accessible for all customers. The savings from this program will give our customers opportunities to access jobs with higher wages, travel to medical appointments and access more of the region," said WMATA General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. "We understand that every dollar counts, and that accessibility to reliable, affordable transportation is a difference maker, especially in this region. I appreciate the WMATA Board of Directors for their leadership to approve this program in the FY24 budget, and I am proud of our team's dedication to make this new option available to our customers."
Following the success of the DC LIFT (Low Income Fare Trial) pilot program, Metro Lift is intended to expand ridership and make it more affordable to ride public transit. A first in the authority’s history, WMATA adds the Metro Lift program to its other reduced fare program offerings, such as U-Pass and Senior SmarTrip.
It is free to enroll in Metro Lift. Customers who qualify for Metro Lift must show they are current recipients of SNAP benefits. An estimated 471,000 people receive SNAP benefits across the region, including customers already enrolled in other reduced fare programs. Those customers will continue to receive the same discounted fares and do not need to enroll in the Metro Lift program.
The fare discount will be valid for one year after enrollment and will be available up to 48 hours after online enrollment and immediately for those that enroll in person.
WMATA will continue to refine the program based on customer feedback and is working to expand enrollment locations over time.
