Metro General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles has announced the launch of a feature customers have requested for years: the ability to add value to a SmarTrip card from the convenience of their computer.Because SmarTrip fare value is stored on the card, rather than in a central computer, customers must complete their transaction by touching their card to a target, such as a Metrorail fare gate, vending machine or bus fare box. Customers should allow up to one business day for value to be transferred to their card when touching a rail fare gate or vending machine and up to three business days at a bus farebox.
To use the online reload feature, customers must have a registered SmarTrip card and online account. The feature currently works only on SmarTripcards; the ability to add value to MTA CharmCard® will be added at a later date.
A future upgrade will allow customers to load value on their card automatically whenever their balance drops below a specified amount.
Customers with questions about the new online reload feature can contact the SmarTrip Regional Customer Service Center at 1-888-762-7874.