Using the SmarTrip is faster than cash. Tap the farebox on the Circulator with the card, and the fare is electronically deducted from the chip on the card.
SmarTrip cards cost $5. They can hold up to $300 (all figures as of Oct. 2009). You can register your card online and if you lose it WMATA will replace the value that was lost. SmarTrip users also get free bus-to-bus transfers, and discounts on rail-to-bus transfers.
SmartTrip cards are primarily used on the DC Metro rail system. As of Oct. 2009 they can also be used to pay fares on other local transit systems including: the DC Circulator, DASH, Ride On, Fairfax Connector, ART, CUE, Loudoun County Transit, Omniride, TheBus, and even registered van pools. Many daily parking lots at Metro stations require you to pay with the SmarTrip card.
You can purchase SmarTrip cards many ways: online (see Resources) or the Commuter Direct website, from kiosks at any Metro station that has parking, and even from select local retailers.
Add value to your SmarTrip cards at farecard machines inside Metrorail stations, aboard all Metrobuses, at Metro sales offices and some commuter stores. You cannot add value to your SmarTrip card aboard the Circulator, as of Oct. 2009.
