Exploring Dc: Easy Bus Payment Methods For Tourists

If you're looking to pay for a bus in Washington, DC, you'll need to get a SmarTrip card. This is a permanent, rechargeable farecard that you can use to pay for fares and transfers on Circulator, Metrobus, Metrorail, and more. You can buy a SmarTrip card online, at any Metrorail station, or at several convenient locations. Once you have your card, simply tap it on the fare box when you enter the bus. You can also add your SmarTrip card to your mobile wallet on your iPhone or Android phone, which will allow you to pay for your bus fare using your phone.

SmarTrip cards: Rechargeable farecards for travel on bus and rail

SmarTrip cards are permanent, rechargeable farecards that can be used to pay for fares and transfers on the Circulator, Metrobus, and Metrorail in Washington, DC. They are a safe, easy, and convenient way to pay for public transportation in the city.

You can buy SmarTrip cards online, at any Metrorail station, or at various other locations, including Metro sales offices, retail outlets, commuter stores, and on CommuterDirect.com. The cards cost $10 and come with $8 worth of fare. SmarTrip users get a $1 discount on all Metrorail rides and cheaper transfers to bus lines. Rides with a SmarTrip card start at $1.75 and max out at $5.90. You can also add value or passes automatically by setting up Auto Reload.

To use your SmarTrip card on a bus, simply tap your card on the fare box when you enter through the front door. On newer buses, the card reader is located to your right as you board. You don't need to tap your card again when you get off. You can also add your SmarTrip card to your mobile wallet on your iPhone or Android phone, which allows you to pay for your train, bus, and parking with a tap-and-go feature.

SmarTrip cards are a great way to save time and money when using public transportation in Washington, DC. They help you avoid carrying change, as exact change is required on the Metrobus if the fare is paid in cash. Additionally, with a SmarTrip card, you can get free or discounted transfers. For example, Metrobus transfers are free, and Metrobus-to-Metrorail transfers are discounted.

Cash: Accepted on some services, but exact change is required

If you're planning to pay for your ride on a DC bus using cash, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, not all bus services accept cash payments, so be sure to check before you board. If you're travelling on the DC Circulator, for example, you can pay with cash, but exact change is required as the driver does not carry cash to make change. Simply place your fare in the farebox located near the driver.

When paying with cash, it's important to have the exact amount ready, as riders paying with cash cannot receive transfers. This means that if you need to transfer to another bus or rail service, you will need to pay a new fare. To avoid this, some riders opt for a SmarTrip card, which offers free transfers between bus services and discounted transfers to Metrorail.

If you're paying with cash, you'll need to insert coins or dollar bills into the farebox. This can be a bit tricky if you're not prepared, so it's always a good idea to have your fare ready before boarding the bus. It's also worth noting that the fare for riding the bus in DC is generally $1.75, but can vary depending on the service and time of day.

While paying with cash is an option on some DC bus services, it's not always the most convenient method. Carrying exact change can be a hassle, and you may end up paying more if you need to transfer to another service. For these reasons, many riders prefer to use a SmarTrip card or mobile payment option, which offer more flexibility and convenience when travelling around DC.

Discounts: Concessions are available for seniors, students, and children

Discounts: Concessions Available for Seniors, Students, and Children

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority offers discounted fares for seniors, students, and children across its public transport network, including the Metrobus and Metrorail services.

Seniors aged 65 and above can access discounted fares on the Metrobus and Metrorail by using a Senior SmarTrip card, available in both plastic and digital versions. Alternatively, seniors can use a government-issued ID to confirm their age. Seniors with a certified medical condition can also access free round-trip transportation to essential medical appointments through the Senior MedExpress program. The ConnectorCard Program is another option for seniors aged 60 and over, providing a debit card with a subsidy amount based on a sliding fee scale.

Students can take advantage of the Kids Ride Free (KRF) program, which offers free rides on Metrobus, Metrorail, and the DC Circulator for travelling within the District. To be eligible, students must be residents of the District of Columbia, aged 5-21, and enrolled in an elementary or secondary school within the District. Students can obtain a Kids Ride Free SmarTrip Card to access this benefit.

Children under the age of five can ride for free on the Metrobus and Metrorail when accompanied by a paying adult passenger.

Mobile payments: SmarTrip cards can be added to mobile wallets

SmarTrip cards can be added to mobile wallets, making it faster and more convenient to pay for rides on the Metro. This feature is currently available for iPhone and Apple Watch users via Apple Wallet, and for Android users via Google Wallet.

To add a SmarTrip card to your iPhone or Apple Watch, you will need to download the SmarTrip app and create an account. Once you have signed in, select the "+" icon in the Cards section to add a new card. You can then follow the prompts to add or confirm account information and add passes or stored value. Finally, select whether you want to add the card to your iPhone or Apple Watch.

If you have an existing plastic SmarTrip card that you would like to transfer to your iPhone, you can do so by opening the Wallet app and pressing the "+" icon. Select "Transit Card", choose SmarTrip from the list, and then select "Continue". Choose the stored value amount you wish to add to your card (with a minimum of $10) and follow the prompts to complete the transfer.

For Android users, you can add a SmarTrip card to Google Wallet by first selecting "Add to Wallet", then "Transit Pass", and then SmarTrip Washington D.C. You will then need to select "Add Money" and enter the desired amount to load (with a minimum of $4).

By adding your SmarTrip card to your mobile wallet, you can enjoy the convenience of having your ticket on your phone, eliminating the need to carry a physical card or worry about losing it. You can also reload your card automatically from your phone, skipping the ticket line and saving time.

Apps: Several apps provide information on schedules, fares, and transfers

There are several apps that can help you navigate public transportation in Washington, D.C. These apps provide information on schedules, fares, and transfers, making it easier to get around the city.

One such app is the SmarTrip app, which allows you to manage your SmarTrip card. SmarTrip cards are used to pay fares on Metrorail and Metrobus, and they offer discounted transfers. The SmarTrip app lets you view your card balance, usage history, and register new cards. You can also set up an online account to add value or passes automatically.

Additionally, you can add your SmarTrip card to your mobile wallet, such as Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, allowing you to pay for trains, buses, and parking with your phone. This provides a contactless payment option and keeps all your cards in one place.

Another recommended app is the Transit app, which is great for bus riders. It shows you all the buses near your location, making it easy to explore routes and walk to the nearest stop. It also has a multimodal trip planner and can track your location along the bus route, helping you anticipate your stop.

For iPhone users, there is the Embark DC Metro app, while Android users can try the DC Metro Transit app. These apps provide information on train schedules, fares, and bus maps.

Lastly, Google Maps and Apple Maps are also useful for planning public transportation trips, as they include information on public transportation options and routes.

Frequently asked questions