Monthly Pass FAQs
- What do I do if I have a partially used pass on my SmarTrip® Card that I can’t use because of COVID-19?
- Will I be charged if I have Auto Reload turned on for my pass?
- Should I cancel my Auto Reload?
- I cancelled my Auto Reload online. Do I need to tap my SmarTrip Card?
- When should I reactivate my Auto Reload?
- What is the Monthly Unlimited Pass?
- How can I buy a Monthly Unlimited Pass?
- What other passes does Metro offer?
- When does my pass activate?
- What happens if I make a trip above my selected fare level?
- What happens if I take a trip above my selected fare level and I don’t have any Stored Value?
- What if I lose my SmarTrip Card containing my Monthly Unlimited Pass?
- What is Auto Reload?
- How do I use SmartBenefits to purchase a Monthly Unlimited Pass?
- I’m buying a pass with SmartBenefits; why do I need a credit or debit card?
- If I buy the Monthly Unlimited Pass with SmartBenefits and I make a trip above my selected fare level, how will the difference be paid?
- When will I be charged for a Monthly Unlimited Pass when using Auto Reload with SmartBenefits?
What do I do if I have a partially used pass on my SmarTrip® Card that I can’t use because of COVID-19?
- Call SmarTrip Customer Service at 888-SMARTRIP (888-762-7874)
- Metro is closely tracking the COVID-19 public health emergency and will announce credit plans for our customers once service returns to regular service levels.
Will I be charged if I have Auto Reload turned on for my pass?
- You will not be charged for a pass until it is loaded onto your SmarTrip Card.
- Passes are loaded onto your SmarTrip Card when the card is tapped at a fare machine, Metrorail fare gate, or bus farebox.
- Passes are loaded onto your SmarTrip app + Apple Wallet when you tap your mobile device or Apple Watch at a fare machine, Metrorail fare gate, or bus farebox
Should I cancel my Auto Reload?
- If you plan to use Metro for essential trips, we recommend cancelling Auto Reload for your pass and using Stored Value.
- If you do not plan to use Metro, you do not need to cancel Auto Reload as the pass will not load unless you tap your card. You will not be charged if you do not tap your card in the system
I cancelled my Auto Reload online. Do I need to tap my SmarTrip Card?
No. Your Auto Reload cancellation has been processed, and you will receive a confirmation email.
Please disregard any emails instructing you to tap your card to finalize the cancellation.
Back To TopWhen should I reactivate my Auto Reload?
Reactive Auto Reload when your commute returns to normal.
If you are unable to get a full month’s use of the Monthly Unlimited Pass, wait to reinstate your pass until the following month. Stored Value funds can be used to purchase fares in the interim.
Back To TopWhat is the Monthly Unlimited Pass?
- It is a pass that covers unlimited rides on Metrorail and Metrobus for one calendar month up to a maximum fare level.
- Select the fare level at the price of your typical commute.
- A pass is priced for 32 trips at the selected fare level – any trips beyond that are free.
- A pass covers the first $2 of fare on Metrobus Express and Airport Express (5A/B30) routes.
How can I buy a Monthly Unlimited Pass?
- You can purchase a pass online with a debit or credit card or through the SmarTrip app.
- To order, you must have an online account and the card must be registered. If you do not have an existing account, you can create one today.
What other passes does Metro offer?
- 1-, 3-, and 7-Day Unlimited Passes
- 7-Day Short Trip Pass
- 7-Day Regional Bus Pass
- Learn more about pass options
When does my pass activate?
- Passes start automatically and are active for one calendar month depending on the date of purchase:
- Before the 15th day of the month, pass starts when the card is tapped at a rail station and is valid for the remainder of that month.
- After the 15th day of the month, pass is valid for the following month, starting on the first day of the month.
- If Auto Reload is selected at checkout, the pass automatically renews each month
What happens if I make a trip above my selected fare level?
- Pay the difference with Stored Value on your SmarTrip Card.
What happens if I take a trip above my selected fare level and I don’t have any Stored Value?
- You will have to add money to your card at the exit fare machine before you exit.
- To ensure you’re covered, sign up for Stored Value Auto Reload.
What if I lose my SmarTrip Card containing my Monthly Unlimited Pass?
- Log in to your account, select that card, and follow the prompts for Report Lost or Damaged Card or call 1-888-SMARTRIP (762-7874).
- A prorated refund will be applied to your card as Stored Value funds.
What is Auto Reload?
- Auto Reload allows you to set your SmarTrip Card to automatically load passes or Stored Value (Learn more).
How do I use SmartBenefits to purchase a Monthly Unlimited Pass?
- Contact your employer’s transit benefits administrator before your SmartBenefits order deadline and ask to have your benefits allocated to the Transit Pass Benefit.
- On the first day of the following month, log in to your SmarTrip account and follow the instructions on page 2 of the Transit Pass Benefit Overview.
- Sign up for Auto Reload to ensure your pass is ready for your first trip each month.
I’m buying a pass with SmartBenefits; why do I need a credit or debit card?
- A credit/debit card number is required to cover purchases if SmartBenefits funds are insufficient.
- The card will only be charged if you have insufficient SmartBenefits funds to cover an Auto Reload pass purchase.
If I buy the Monthly Unlimited Pass with SmartBenefits and I make a trip above my selected fare level, how will the difference be paid?
- Additional fare is paid via your transit benefits purse (if applicable) or SmarTrip Stored Value.
When will I be charged for a Monthly Unlimited Pass when using Auto Reload with SmartBenefits?
- Auto Reloads are generated three days before the start of the month, but you will not be charged until your benefits become available on the first day of the month.