Metro To Cut Price Of SmarTrip Cards In October

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Metro is reducing the price of its rechargeable SmarTrip fare cards to $2 beginning in October.

The transit agency announced the price reduction Thursday. The cards currently cost $5 each, though Metro offers a $3 rebate when the cards are registered online.

Beginning Oct. 1, Metro is discontinuing the rebate program. Riders will be able to purchase SmarTrip cards for $2 at Metro sales offices or commuter stores. At Metro stations and some CVS stores, dispensers will sell SmarTrip cards for $10, which includes $8 in fare value.

General Manager Richard Sarles says Metro is transitioning away from paper fare cards and wants to encourage everyone to switch to the plastic SmarTrip cards.

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