Public transit riders who use Metro should know that the oldest Metro SmarTrip cards will no longer be accepted at faregates and fareboxes as of Tuesday, March 1. Those currently riding Metro or who plan to soon will need to replace their cards to travel on Metrorail or Metrobus after the deadline.
SmarTrip cards purchased before 2012 are no longer compatible with new, faster, modern faregates already installed in many stations. In an announcement more than 10 months ago, Metro advised customers that the old cards would need to be replaced as stations are equipped with new faregates.
While the ability to use the old farecards will be phased out on March 1, there will still be time to trade in the cards after the deadline. Any remaining balance on the old cards will not be lost and can be transferred to a new card at any time. Metro will continue to offer free replacement cards through the mail, by phone or online for a limited time.
Anyone who has recently used Metro can get a free replacement card within a few days via phone at 1-888-SMARTRIP (1-888-762-7874) or online. Customers also have the option of purchasing a new SmarTrip card at fare vending machines, retail locations or by using mobile pay on Apple iOS and Android. The balance can then be transferred to the new card using at the customer’s registered SmarTrip account.
SmartBenefits customers and Senior SmarTrip card holders may also use the online process to replace their old cards.
View Metro’s Card Replacement page for step-by-step instructions on how to get a replacement card and transfer the balance. SmarTrip cards purchased before 2012 can be identified by the serial number on the back. All newer cards start with “0167” and no further action is needed. SmarTrip cards that start with any other serial number need to be replaced.