SMARTRIP CARDS ON FAIRFAX CONNECTOR BUSES

Fairfax Connector buses now accept SmarTrip cards as fare payment.  Please note the new SmarTrip fareboxes will not accept pennies, so be sure to have a SmarTrip card or the correct currency when boarding.

To purchase a SmarTrip card or for general information please visit the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority – or Metro - web site at www.wmata.com/riding/smartrip.cfm. To report a lost, stolen, damaged or defective SmarTrip card please call (888) 762-7874.

If the Quick Guide to SmarTrip below doesn't address all of your questions, please see our SmarTrip FAQ's page.

Quick Guide to SmarTrip Usage

Adding Value...
Unless you bought your SmarTrip card from the Metro Web site or a Metro Station, it has no value on it. To use your card, you must first add value using a blue Passes/Farecards machine in any Metrorail. Adding value using a blue Passes/Farecards machine:

1. Touch your SmarTrip card to the circular target and follow the prompts.
2. Insert money, a farecard or a Metrochek. Each one requires a separate transaction. You may also use your Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or ATM card.
3. Press the plus (+) or minus (-) button until the amount displayed is the new value you want your SmarTrip card to have. The added value cannot be less than the trade-in value of the Metrochek or farecard.
4. Touch the SmarTrip card to the circular target a final time. This updates the card and shows the new balance.

SmarTrip on the Bus...
To use your SmarTrip card, simply touch it to the target on the top of the Fairfax Connector farebox. The correct fare (including transfer discount, if applicable) is automatically deducted.

Registering your SmarTrip card...
Please register your card. It's the only way we can help you with any issues you may have with your card. More importantly, if you lose a registered card, you don't lose the value. For a $5 replacement fee, we'll issue you a new card with the value on the card at the time you notified us that it was lost. But you must register your card. If you purchased your card online or by mail, it is already registered. If not, you can register online using Metro's SmarTrip Card Registration Form.

Points to Remember

• Your SmarTrip card is rechargeable and can hold up to $300 in value.
• A SmarTrip card is used on Metrorail, Metrobus, and Fairfax Connector buses. It's the only way to pay for parking at Metro-operated lots. During the week (through 3a.m. Friday nights) there is a daily parking fee. A SmarTrip card with full parking fee is required to enter or exit Metro lots and garages. Cash is not accepted.
• You may transfer onto your SmarTrip card value of a farecard or Metrochek. Each trade-in requires a separate transaction.
• If your employer offers Metrochek, the value of your Metrochek benefit can be loaded onto your SmarTrip card using SmartBenefits. Ask your employer about it.
• When adding value, remember that your transaction begins and ends with a touch of your SmarTrip card to the circular target.
• The value of a registered card that is lost, stolen or damaged can be replaced. Monetary refunds are not available.
• For SmarTrip customer service, call 1-888-SMARTRIP (762-7874) (TTY 703-620-8782) or e-mail smartrip@wmata.com.