Metro to launch credit card fare payments
Metro is gearing up to launch Tap Ride and Go, a new system allowing riders to tap their credit card or debit card on a turnstile instead of a SmarTrip card or phone app.
WMATA staff testing is underway, WMATA General Manager Randy Clarke tweeted. “Stay tuned for more details later this month.”
According to WTOP, 130 employees and volunteers are taking part in the test at a variety of stations.
New York and many other cities already allow riders to use credit or debit cards for trains and buses. It’s not clear whether Tap Ride and Go will be implemented for Metrobus at the same time as Metro.
SmarTrip cards will still work, and Metro will continue to issue commemorative cards, like the one celebrating the return of the pandas.
In related news, Metro launched a new mobile app, MetroPulse, with real-time bus and train arrival times, maps, and a customer service chat feature.
