While WMATA is pleased to assist employers with the establishment of their SmartBenefits program, it is the responsibility of each employer to ensure that their program complies with all IRS requirements. We therefore recommend that each employer discuss their program with their own tax advisor to ensure compliance with IRS requirements.

SmartBenefits is easy, convenient and secure.

3 steps to get started

1. Employers
Employers manage SmartBenefits online, loading the Metrochek benefit dollar value to their employee's registered SmarTrip® card account.

Set up an Employer account

SmartBenefits employer login (Requires either Netscape 4.6 or higher or Internet Explorer 4.01 SP1 or higher)

PDF version of Getting Started With SmartBenefits
PDF version of SmartBenefits Employer Brochure

(These documents require Adobe Acrobat Reader. Information on downloading this free software.)

2. Employees
Provide your employer with your registered SmarTrip card serial number. SmarTrip cards may be purchased for $5.00 online or from any Metro sales office or regional transit store.

SmartBenefits is currently not available for use on MARC, VRE, county and commuter buses, or other types of public transportation. Employees take their SmarTrip® card to any Metro station's Passes/Farecards machine between the first and last day of the benefit month and claim their transit benefit with the SmarTrip® card.

PDF version of "Welcome to SmartBenefits/How to Claim SmartBenefits
PDF version of SmartBenefits User Guide Employee Brochure

3. Notice to employees: A person may validly use Metrocheks for travel on Metrorail and exchange for other transit systems only if he or she obtained such Metrocheks directly from their employer or WMATA-authorized agents for travel to and from work. A person who presents a Metrochek that he/she obtained from a source other than his/her employer or WMATA-authorized agent is presenting invalid fare media and is subject to arrest and/or prosecution by the authorities. A person or entity that offers or sells Metrocheks and/or SmartBenefits to others for any purpose who is not a WMATA-authorized agent is subject to arrest and/or prosecution by the authorities of the jurisdiction in which said act occurs.

Additional information

To learn more about SmartBenefits, call your Metro Account Representative, or Metro's Office of Marketing: 202-962-1326.