News Story

Metrobus riders across the region can now pay their fares with a simple tap. Metro has officially expanded its “Tap. Ride. Go.” contactless payment system to all Metrobus routes, allowing customers to use a contactless credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay directly on bus farebox readers.

The upgrade brings Metrobus in line with Metrorail, where “Tap. Ride. Go.” launched in May. Since then, riders have already used contactless payment for more than 6 million trips. Stations with large numbers of visitors, including those serving Reagan National Airport, Dulles International Airport, Arlington Cemetery, and Navy Yard-Ballpark, have seen the highest adoption rates.

Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke joined WMATA Board of Directors members, local officials, and partners at Franklin Square to celebrate the first official bus tap. “Tap. Ride. Go. reduces the barriers to transit and helps us fulfill our goal of making Metro the number one choice for travel in the region,” Clarke said. “Now all customers have to do is tap any card and ride the bus.”

Most Metrobus routes cost $2.25, while express routes cost $4.80. Riders can now receive a transfer discount when switching between Metrobus and Metrorail by using the same card. Metrobus to Metrobus transfers remain free for up to two hours.

Metro notes that while the new system is available on both rail and bus, it is not yet accepted by other local bus providers. Riders who use fare discounts, SmartBenefits, or multi-day passes must still pay with a SmarTrip card, which also remains the only way to track annual ridership statistics through Metro Rewind.

Key Information for Riders Using “Tap. Ride. Go.” on Metrobus:

• Each rider must use their own card or mobile wallet.

• Avoid “card clash” by tapping only one card, not a wallet or phone containing multiple cards.

• Customers can view trips or request refunds by entering their card number in Metro’s customer dashboard.

• Free transfers between bus and rail (a $2.25 discount) apply for trips made within two hours using the same card. The discount does not cover transfers to or from express routes.

• Metrobus to Metrobus transfers are free within two hours when using the same card.

• SmartBenefits, discounted fares, and multi-day passes continue to require SmarTrip.

For more information and a full FAQ, customers can visit wmata.com/tapridego.