Metrobus riders can now pay with credit cards

Metrobus customers can now pay for a ride with a credit card or debit card. Metrobus also accepts Apple Pay and Google Pay on bus farebox readers.  

Metro launched Tap. Ride. Go. for Metrobuses on Nov. 18. Since that contactless payment system was implemented for Metrorail in May, customers have used it for more than 6 million trips.

“Tap. Ride. Go. reduces the barriers to transit and helps us fulfill our goal of making Metro the number one choice for travel in the region,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. “Now all customers have to do is tap any card and ride the bus.” 

Customers can now transfer for free (a $2.25 discount) between Metrorail and Metrobus if they use the same card and transfer within a two-hour period. The discount doesn’t apply to transfers involving express routes.

Metrobus to Metrobus transfers are also free within a two-hour period.

Related story: Metrobus routes eliminated

Each customer needs their own contactless card or virtual card. The same card cannot be used for multiple people on the same trip. 

Metro urges customers to “avoid card clash.” Tapping a wallet with multiple cards or a physical wallet on the back of a phone could result in a double charge. Customers should instead take a single card out of their wallet to tap on a card reader.

Customers eligible for fare discounts – such as seniors and SNAP recipients – and the SmartBenefits commuter program have to continue using SmarTrip cards. Multi-day passes are only available on SmarTrip.