Metro Card Compatibility: Maryland Buses And Dc Cards

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) offers SmarTrip cards, which are reloadable fare cards that can be used to pay for Metrorail, Metrobus, and Regional Transit Partner buses in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. These cards can also be used for parking at Metro facilities. In addition to Metro trains and buses, SmarTrip is also accepted on several local bus systems in Maryland, including RideOn and DASH. On the other hand, the Maryland Transit Administration offers Transit Link Cards (TLC) for MARC train or Commuter Bus customers, which provide unlimited monthly use of MARC or Commuter Bus within the specified zone. TLC cards are also valid for unlimited monthly travel on WMATA Metrorail and Metrobus. So, while DC Metro cards are valid for use on some Maryland buses, Maryland's TLC cards are not valid on DC Metro services.

SmarTrip cards can be used on WMATA Metrorail and Metrobus in Maryland

SmarTrip cards are a permanent, rechargeable fare card that can be used to pay for fares on all Metrorail stations in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, as well as Metro parking garages and lots, and Metrobus routes. They are available on mobile devices and as plastic cards.

SmarTrip cards can be purchased online through the SmarTrip Store and will be mailed within 5 business days. They can also be purchased in person at any Metro retail outlet or commuter store, or at a Fare Vending Machine located at any Metrorail Station.

The benefits of SmarTrip cards include:

• One payment method for rail, bus, and parking
• Contactless mobile payments on your smartphone and watch
• Auto Reload so you never have to worry about reloading again
• Balance Protection if your plastic card is lost or stolen

In addition to being accepted on Metro trains, buses, and garages, SmarTrip is also accepted on other local bus systems in Maryland, including RideON, DASH – Alexandria, VA, and MTA CityLink, LocalLink, Express BusLink, Metro Subway and Light Rail.

For commuters who purchase a SmarTrip card and travel on the MARC train or Commuter Bus, the card allows unlimited monthly use of MARC or Commuter Bus up to the zone indicated, depending on which pass is purchased, in addition to unlimited monthly travel on WMATA Metrorail and Metrobus.

The Transit Link Card (TLC) is available for Commuter Bus customers in Maryland

The Transit Link Card (TLC) is a monthly pass available for Commuter Bus customers in Maryland. The TLC is a smart card that allows for unlimited monthly use of the Commuter Bus up to the indicated zone, depending on the type of pass purchased. The cost of the TLC varies depending on the zone structure and can be purchased online or at select commuter store locations.

In addition to unlimited monthly travel on the Commuter Bus, the TLC also includes unlimited monthly travel on the following:

• WMATA Metrorail and Metrobus
• Montgomery County RideOn
• DASH – Alexandria, VA
• MTA CityLink, LocalLink, Express BusLink (up charge included), Metro Subway and Light Rail

The TLC is a convenient option for commuters in Maryland, offering a single card for unlimited travel on multiple transit options. The TLC is also available for MARC train customers, providing the same benefits as the Commuter Bus TLC.

For customers purchasing a TLC for the MARC train, there is an added benefit of free parking at the BWI station if the travel originates from there. This added perk further enhances the value of the TLC for commuters in Maryland.

Overall, the Transit Link Card (TLC) is a comprehensive and flexible option for Commuter Bus customers in Maryland, offering unlimited travel on various transit options within the specified zone.

The CharmCard is another option for Maryland bus travel

CharmCard orders can be placed at any time, and the card can be reloaded with new passes or value online or at ticket vending machines. The CharmCard offers both 7-day and 31-day passes, which are valid for 7 or 31 consecutive days of unlimited travel on CityLink, LocalLink, Light Rail, and the Metro Subway. The CharmCard is a convenient option for those who ride Maryland buses regularly, as it eliminates the need to purchase individual tickets or passes each time.

In addition to the CharmCard, there is also the CharmPass, which is the official mobile ticketing app for MDOT MTA. The CharmPass app allows users to pay for BaltimoreLink local buses (CityLink, LocalLink, and Express BusLink), Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train, and Commuter Bus services directly from their smartphones. The CharmPass app offers a 90-minute free transfer window for core services, allowing riders to make free transfers across all MDOT MTA core services within a 90-minute period after purchasing a one-way fare.

The CharmCard and CharmPass are both great options for Maryland bus travel, offering convenience and flexibility for riders. They provide different benefits, so users can choose the option that best suits their needs. The CharmCard is ideal for those who prefer a physical card, while the CharmPass app offers the convenience of mobile ticketing and the ability to take advantage of the free transfer window for core services.

The SmarTrip card is also accepted on RideON buses

SmarTrip cards are used to pay fares on Metrorail and Metrobus in the Washington Metropolitan Area. They are a permanent, rechargeable farecard that is safe and easy to use. They are available on mobile devices and as a plastic card. The SmarTrip card is also accepted on RideON buses.

The SmarTrip card is a convenient way to pay for fares on RideON buses in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is a reloadable product that allows you to seamlessly pay for your bus fare, without the hassle of carrying cash or exact change. You can simply tap your SmarTrip card on the reader of the bus farebox when entering, and the fare will be deducted from the stored value on your card.

SmarTrip cards offer several benefits for RideON bus users. One of the main advantages is the convenience of having one payment method for rail, bus, and parking. You can use your SmarTrip card across multiple transit systems in the region, including Metrorail, Metrobus, and local bus systems such as RideON. This makes it a versatile and widely accepted payment option for your daily commute or travel within the area.

Additionally, SmarTrip cards offer balance protection, which means that if your registered card is lost or stolen, you can replace it and transfer the remaining balance to a new card. This provides peace of mind and ensures that your money is protected. SmarTrip cards also offer Auto Reload, allowing you to automatically load passes or stored value onto your card, so you don't have to worry about running out of funds unexpectedly.

Another benefit of using SmarTrip cards on RideON buses is the ease of purchasing and managing your card. You can buy SmarTrip cards online, at any Metrorail station, or from various convenient locations. Setting up an online SmarTrip account enables you to view your card balance, usage history, and register new cards. The online platform also allows you to add value or passes automatically by enabling the Auto Reload feature.

In conclusion, the SmarTrip card is a widely accepted and convenient payment option for RideON buses in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It offers benefits such as seamless travel across multiple transit systems, balance protection, Auto Reload, and easy purchasing and management through the online SmarTrip account. With its versatility and security features, the SmarTrip card can enhance your commuting experience and make travelling on RideON buses more efficient and hassle-free.

The SmarTrip card is valid on local bus systems in Maryland

The SmarTrip card is a permanent, rechargeable farecard that can be used to pay for fares on all Metrorail stations in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, as well as Metro parking garages and lots, and Metrobus routes. It is also accepted on local bus systems in Maryland, including RideOn, TheBus, and OmniRide.

SmarTrip cards can be purchased online through the SmarTrip Store and will be mailed within 5 business days. They can also be purchased in person at any Metro retail outlet, commuter store, or Fare Vending Machine located at any Metrorail Station.

The benefits of using a SmarTrip card include having one payment method for rail, bus, and parking, as well as contactless mobile payments on smartphones and watches. The card also offers Auto Reload, so you never have to worry about reloading again, and Balance Protection if your plastic card is lost or stolen.

In addition to the above-mentioned local bus systems in Maryland, SmarTrip is also accepted on ART, DASH, Fairfax Connector, Cue, Loudoun Country Transit, and Potomac and Rappahannock Transit/PRTC.

Frequently asked questions