photo by Bill Herndon
From WMATA: “Customers are being reminded that Metro’s oldest SmarTrip cards will no longer be accepted at faregates and fareboxes as of 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.
Ed. Note: If you missed our look back on commemorative smartrip cards, you can see them here.
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 won’t 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.”