Fairfax Connector Bus: Payment Methods And Options

The Fairfax Connector is the largest local bus system in the Northern Virginia region, transporting approximately 26,000 passengers on 93 routes daily. Fares can be paid using a SmarTrip card or exact fare in cash (no pennies). SmarTrip cards can be purchased at Connector Stores and Metrorail Stations. Seniors and people with disabilities are eligible for discounted fares.

Paying by SmarTrip card

There are two main types of SmarTrip cards: physical cards and virtual cards on your smartphone. The physical SmarTrip cards can be purchased at Connector Stores and Metrorail Stations, while the virtual cards can be set up through a smartphone app. Both types of cards work the same way and offer the same benefits.

When paying with a SmarTrip card on the Fairfax Connector bus, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, make sure to have your card ready when boarding the bus. You will need to swipe or tap your card on a reader, and it is important to separate it from other electronic devices to avoid any malfunctions or misreads.

SmarTrip cards offer several advantages for Fairfax Connector bus riders. One benefit is the ability to make free bus-to-bus transfers within a two-hour period. This means that if you need to take multiple buses to reach your destination, you won't be charged additional fares for each bus, as long as your journey is completed within two hours. Additionally, SmarTrip cards provide a $2 discount on rail-to-bus transfers, further reducing your travel costs.

It's important to note that the SmarTrip card is just one of the accepted payment methods on the Fairfax Connector bus. You can also pay with cash, but you will need to have the exact fare ready as drivers do not carry cash or provide change. So, whether you're a regular commuter or an occasional rider, using a SmarTrip card can be a convenient and cost-effective way to pay for your Fairfax Connector bus fare.

Paying with cash

To pay your fare in cash, you must place your U.S. coins (except pennies) or bills in the farebox when you board. Have your money in hand and, if paying a reduced fare, your ID card ready. Bus drivers are instructed to ask to see ID cards for discounted cash fares. Please note that bus drivers cannot make change, so if you pay more than your fare, you will not receive change. Fairfax Connector fareboxes do not accept pennies.

Seniors can receive a reduced fare by showing the bus operator a Medicare or Medicaid card and paying the fare in cash. However, the preferred method is to utilise a Senior SmarTrip card. Individuals can acquire a Senior SmarTrip card at any Connector Store or WMATA Commuter Store by showing proof of age.

SmarTrip card discounts

SmarTrip cards are a convenient way to pay for your Fairfax Connector bus fare, and they come with several benefits and discounts. Firstly, SmarTrip cards provide up to two hours of free bus-to-bus transfers, which is especially useful if you need to make multiple connections during your journey. This feature is not available when paying with cash. Additionally, SmarTrip cards offer a $2.00 discount for rail-to-bus transfers, making it a more cost-effective option for those who use both rail and bus services.

For students, there is the option of a Free Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card, which allows students in middle and high school to ride the Fairfax Connector and City of Fairfax CUE buses for free from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week. This pass is available to all Fairfax County, City of Fairfax, and FCPS middle and high school students (registered grades 7-12 only) and requires parental or guardian approval. It's important to note that this pass cannot be used on Metrorail or Metrobus and does not hold any cash value.

Seniors aged 65 and above can also benefit from discounts when using the Fairfax Connector bus service. While seniors can receive a reduced fare by showing a Medicare or Medicaid card and paying in cash, the recommended method is to use a Senior SmarTrip card, which offers reduced fares. Individuals can obtain a Senior SmarTrip card at any Connector Store or WMATA Commuter Store by providing proof of age.

SmarTrip cards can be easily purchased at Connector Stores and Metrorail Stations, as well as online. Additionally, fare value can be added to SmarTrip cards at Metro stations, Connector Stores, and select CVS Pharmacy, Giant Food, and Safeway locations in the Washington DC region.

Paying with the SmarTrip app

The Fairfax Connector is tied to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and accepts SmarTrip cards as payment. SmarTrip cards provide up to two hours of free bus-to-bus transfers and a $2 discount for rail-to-bus transfers. You can purchase a SmarTrip card at Connector Stores and Metrorail Stations.

You can also pay for the Fairfax Connector using the SmarTrip app. The SmarTrip app allows you to purchase daily, weekly, and monthly unlimited passes that can be used on Metrorail and Metrobus. These passes can then be added to your Apple Wallet or plastic SmarTrip card. The SmarTrip app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

To use the SmarTrip app, first, download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Once you have downloaded the app, create an account and add your payment information. Then, purchase your desired pass and add it to your Apple Wallet or plastic SmarTrip card. When you board the bus, simply scan your phone or card to pay for your ride.

The SmarTrip app provides a convenient and contactless way to pay for your Fairfax Connector bus fare. With the app, you can easily purchase and manage your passes, and take advantage of unlimited transfers and discounts.

Paying with a transfer

When paying for the Fairfax Connector bus, you can use a SmarTrip card or cash. SmarTrip cards provide up to two hours of free bus-to-bus transfers and a $2 discount for rail-to-bus transfers. They can be purchased at Connector Stores and Metrorail Stations, as well as online through the SmarTrip app. The SmarTrip app also allows for virtual SmarTrip cards on your iPhone, which work in the same way as a physical card.

If you are transferring from the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) system to a Fairfax Connector bus, you will be allowed a free, one-way transfer when boarding at a VRE station. You must display a valid VRE ticket or pass. However, passengers returning on a Fairfax Connector bus to a VRE station are required to pay the full bus fare.

If you are transferring from a local bus route to an express route, you may need to pay an additional fare. Bus passes issued by other regional bus systems, including VRE passes, VRE Transit Link Cards, DASH passes, and MetroAccess ID cards, can be used as valid fare media.

Frequently asked questions