WASHINGTON (WUSA9) — Metro is making changes and plans to launch a new mobile app by the beginning of next year.
Come 2019, riders should be able to pay for their Metro trip with their mobile phones, instead of using a SmarTrip card.
The app will allow customers a way to pay and manage their SmarTrip accounts from anywhere. Eventually, riders will be able to tap their mobile phones at the gates in order to pay for their fare, Metro officials said.
In addition, the app will allow riders to check fares and to get Metro service information. Mobile payments will be supported on Metrorail, Metrobus and regional buses.
“Mobile fare payment is the future of transit, giving customers the ability simply to tap their phone and go, all without stopping at a fare vending machine or using a separate card,” said Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld. “Not only will this be a better, easier experience, but will cost less to operate.”
During phase one of the project, Metro will focus on upgrading existing fare boxes, fare gates and fare vending machines in order to support the mobile payments.
The second phase won't be finished until 2020 and will consist of installing new fare gates at more than 900 entry/exit lanes at all 91 station, Metro officials said in a press release. The current fare gates have been in place for more than 25 years. Fare boxes on Metro buses have been in place for 15 years.
Metro said the last phase will focus on making the new fare vending machines more user friendly, by adding large touchscreens, adding multi-language support, and improving the accessibility for customers with disabilities.
