Metro lets you set up automatic reloads for your SmartTrip card, and it has changed my life
You could skip this whole thing. Image by Tracy Loh used with permission.
In 2011, Metro made it so that you can have your bank automatically refill your SmarTrip card when the balance drops below a certain point. I finally started taking advantage of this option, and doing so has completely changed how I use public transportation.
In order to use auto reload, you need to register your SmarTrip through the WMATA website. (You should really do this anyway in case your card is lost or stolen). You’ll also need a credit card, and you'll have to be willing to authorize WMATA to automatically charge this card on a recurring basis.
When you first sign up, you’re billed for a minimum $20, which is initially loaded to your SmarTrip card. Each subsequent time your card value falls under $10 in value, it’s automatically charged your selected recharge amount (mine is the lowest, $20). Whenever the card is recharged, you get an email to keep you updated on when you can expect these charges to appear on your credit card bill. The transactions are also visible through your SmarTrip account summary.
And that’s it. It’s only a few small steps to having complete peace of mind when it comes to boarding a Metro train or bus. Since I set up automatic fare reload, I’ve found myself using the system much more because I no longer need to worry if I have money on my card or if I have cash on hand.
No need for this step, either! Image by Kyle Arbuckle used with permission.
Since I use the WMATA system infrequently, I don’t receive transit benefits from my employer. When I do take WMATA, I’m much more likely to take the bus than ride Metro. I rarely ever carry cash and when I do, it’s pretty unlikely that I’ll have the exact change needed for bus fare. I’ve gone months between trips and couldn’t tell you my current SmarTrip balance even if I wanted to. But with automatic fare reload, none of these things really matter.
Every time I get on the bus or Metro, I can tap my SmarTrip without having to worry about my balance, and I know full well that my fare will be covered. I never have to worry about having exact change or slowing down another passenger as I try to reload my card when boarding the bus. I don’t need to wait in line at fare machines in a bustling Metro vestibule or figure out exit fare when the balance is low.
I've also set up auto reload for my 'guest' SmarTrip card that I give to visitors when they come to DC. Telling them that they don't have to worry about loading money onto the card removes one more barrier from their using public transportation during their visit.
Automatic fare reload won't be the best option for everyone. If you receive transportation benefits from your employer, you likely won’t need to set it up since SmartBenefits automatically reload at the beginning of each month. And if you don’t have access to a credit card, unfortunately, you can’t use it. Likewise, if you’re a heavy user of the system, like a daily commuter, a SelectPass (which you can also automatically reload) might provide greater value than adding $20 as needed.
But if you’re an infrequent rider who wants maximum convenience, taking a few minutes to set up automatic reload is well worth it.