Be One of 3000 Riders to Test Metro’s “new payment methods, such as contactless credit cards and mobile phones”

Photo by PoPville flickr user ep_jhu

From WMATA:

“Metro is inviting riders to help test its next-generation fare payment system using new payment methods, such as contactless credit cards and mobile phones.

Today, Metro began the process of recruiting up to 3,000 riders to participate in the pilot program, which will begin in January and last about three months. Riders selected to test the new electronic payment system (NEPP) will use transit cards, contactless bankcards or mobile wallets on their smartphones to ride Metrorail or Metrobus, and to pay for parking at selected locations.

Pilot participants will use new-generation faregates that will be installed at 10 Metrorail stations and new payment devices on six bus routes. Those customers who regularly travel between the following locations may be eligible to participate:

Metrorail
Ballston, Bethesda, Eisenhower Ave, Farragut West, Gallery Place, Navy Yard, Pentagon, Pentagon City, Shady Grove, Suitland

Metrobus
37, 39, J4, K9, X9, REX

Metrorail Parking
Shady Grove, Suitland

Riders can get more information and sign up to participate in the pilot by visiting wmata.com/paymentpilot.

If the pilot is successful, Metro plans to replace the now decades-old faregates and vending machines at Metrorail stations, and provide new payment options aboard buses and at parking facilities.”