WASHINGTON — Starting June 20, Metro will begin offering reduced fares to help low-income customers, as part of the new Metro Lift program.
Those who qualify for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) in D.C., Maryland and Virginia are eligible to enroll in the fare assistance program.
Metro Lift was approved by the agency's board of directors as part of the fiscal year 2024 budget and aims to advance transit equity and affordability. Metro says an estimated 471,000 people receive SNAP benefits across the region.
Those who are enrolled in the program will receive a 50% discount for any travel on Metrorail and Metrobus. The fare discount will be valid for one year and will be available up to 48 hours after online enrollment, and immediately for those that enroll in person.
"Our priority is making transportation accessible for all customers," said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. "The savings from this program will give our customers opportunities to access jobs with higher wages, travel to medical appointments, and access more of the region," "We understand that every dollar counts, and that accessibility to reliable, affordable transportation is a difference maker, especially in this region."
Online enrollment and appointment scheduling will open on Tuesday, June 20. Those interested in applying to the program will need to visit wmata.com/MetroLift. In-person enrollment will begin at three locations starting June 26.
How to Enroll
Online (opens Tuesday June 20, 2023)
- Go to wmata.com/MetroLift.
- Complete the enrollment form for you and/or members of your SNAP household.
- Discount will be loaded to SmarTrip card up to 48 hours after enrollment.
- Use your SmarTrip card and go.
In-person (starting Monday June 26, 2023)
- Schedule an appointment to visit an in-person enrollment centers. Appointment booking will be available beginning Tuesday, June 20:
- Online at wmata.com/MetroLift; or
- By Phone at 1-888-SmarTrip (888-762-7874).
- In-person enrollment will be available at the following locations:
- Metro Center Metro Station
12th & F Street NW Entrance - Mezzanine Level - Metro Headquarters
300 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 - New Carrollton Metro Office
4100 Garden City Dr, Hyattsville, MD 20785
- Metro Center Metro Station
- Bring the required materials for you and/or your SNAP household members.
- Use your SmarTrip card and go.
What you need
- SmarTrip® card for you and each member of your household being enrolled
- Active SNAP EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card
- Copy of your SNAP proof of benefits (if you are applying for your household)
- Current photo identification (ID) card issued by the U.S., DC, Maryland, or Virginia
- Phone number
Anyone who needs help is urged to contact Metro in one of the following ways:
- Chat: Customer service agents are live and available Monday-Friday 7 am-7 pm, excluding holidays. Click here to chat.
- Phone: Call Customer Support at 888-762-7874, 7 a.m. - 8 p.m., Monday - Friday, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
- Language Assistance: WMATA provides language assistance and interpretation free of charge for over 100 languages. Call 202-637-7000 (TTY 202-638-3780). Press 1 for Spanish translation. For all other languages, press 88 and then press 5.