The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is working to provide faster, better bus service by going cash-free on selected limited-stop MetroExtra routes and is seeking feedback from the public before implementing the change.
Passenger boarding and fare payment can take up to 25 percent of a bus route's travel time. Research shows that cash payments take significantly longer than SmarTrip taps, and takes even longer when customers add value to a SmarTrip card at the farebox. These transactions cause the bus to hold longer at the bus stop, resulting in a longer trip for all riders.
On designated cash-free routes, customers pay fare with a pre-loaded SmarTrip card only. Cash and coins are not accepted and customers cannot add value to their SmarTrip card at the farebox. This makes boarding quicker because customers simply tap their card and board, instead of conducting more time-consuming transactions.
Metro is currently conducting a cash-free pilot program on a single route, the 79 MetroExtraalong Georgia Ave/7th Street NW. The six-month pilot project runs through December 2018.
Metro is considering going cash-free on the following limited-stop routes: 16Y, 37, 39, 59, A9, G9, J4, K9, S9, X9, REX, and Metroway, as well as future new limited-stop routes. All of these routes are also served by local bus routes, all of which would continue to accept cash.
Metro welcomes customers to provide input on the proposal to make limited-stop bus service cash-free. Comments may be provided online or in person, by 9 a.m., Monday, September 24, 2018:
- Complete an online survey and provide written comments
- Attend an open house at 6:30 p.m. and public hearing starting at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 17, 2018, at the following location:
Metro Headquarters
600 5th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
