?s re: SmarTrip cards
Jul 16, 2008 | 7:10 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Midwest
Programs: AA PLT AA 1MM
Posts: 729
?s re: SmarTrip cards
I'm better at using the DC Metro than their website, apparently. Haven't used the Metro for several years and have some ?s whose answers I cannot find. I'll be in DC for three days and will be using the Metro system to/from DCA and within the Rockville/Bethesda area.
Will I be able to buy a SmarTrip card at DCA? (Website says only at stations with Metro parking--does DCA fall into that category?)
Can one turn in SmarTrip cards for refunds of unused value and original deposit (as in London and other cities where this technology is used)?
Thanks much.
Will I be able to buy a SmarTrip card at DCA? (Website says only at stations with Metro parking--does DCA fall into that category?)
Can one turn in SmarTrip cards for refunds of unused value and original deposit (as in London and other cities where this technology is used)?
Thanks much.
Jul 16, 2008 | 7:19 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Greater DC
Programs: UA plus
Posts: 12,947
If you're not parking a car, you won't want to buy a smarttrip card - you'll want to use the one pass or day pass paper (and disposable) cards. There are machines in every station (they take cash or credit cards). Note that you don't get a refund, so shouldn't overfill the card too much.
SmartTrip cards are more for the locals and regular communters and for anyone parking a car (since the parking lots are unmanned since they realized the folks working those gates were stealing metro blind).
SmartTrip cards are more for the locals and regular communters and for anyone parking a car (since the parking lots are unmanned since they realized the folks working those gates were stealing metro blind).
Jul 16, 2008 | 2:33 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: IAD, DCA
Programs: UA-Plat, Marriott-Plat, AAI, AAII
Posts: 3,758
You might want to estimate what you'll need for the entire visit and buy a farecard accordingly. Prices are posted on the machines for individual trips at peak and off-peak times.
If you come up a little short you can always add enough to a card to get out of the station.
If you come up a little short you can always add enough to a card to get out of the station.