---
title: Upcoming Changes to SmarTrip Cards
description: Do you use a SmarTrip card on Metrorail? Need to purchase a new card? Here's some important news for you!
---

[Blog | Arlington Transportation Partners](https://blog.arlingtontransportationpartners.com)

# [Upcoming Changes to SmarTrip Cards](https://blog.arlingtontransportationpartners.com/upcoming-changes-to-smartrip-cards)

 Written by [Keara Mehlert](https://blog.arlingtontransportationpartners.com/author/keara-mehlert) | August 22, 2012

Starting on September 1st, you will no longer be able to go through the fare gates with just a dollar or a few cents left on your card, something many of us have done before. Instead, riders must now have a minimum balance of $1.20 on their card, or $0.35 for those with Senior/Disabled cards in order to enter the system. Make sure you check your card balance at one of the fare machines before entering – no one enjoys getting stopped short at the gate just when you thought it was going to open!

Are you a new rider on the Metro system? Have you wanted to get a SmarTrip card but just haven’t found the time or place to do it? Good news! Also starting on September 1st, riders can receive a $3 rebate on the purchase of a SmarTrip card when you register the card online. The cost of the card will still be $5, but now a $3 credit will be refunded after the first time the card is used. [Registering your card online](https://smartrip.wmata.com/AccountCreate/AccountCreate.aspx) is a good idea in general, even if you already have a SmarTrip. Your balance will be protected if the card is lost or stolen, and you also will be able to easily load money onto your card through the [WMATA website](http://wmata.com/fares/smartrip/). In addition, SmarTrip card vending machines will soon be available at every station in the system, so it is much more convenient for riders to purchase cards.

These [changes](http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=5308)are part of WMATA’s efforts to encourage riders to use a SmarTrip instead of paper fare cards when riding the system. Remember, it’s more affordable to use a SmarTrip card! Fares on both bus and rail are cheaper than using cash or paper cards, plus you can receive a $0.50 discount when transferring between bus and rail. Riders on Metro must also add an additional $1 surcharge to their fare if they don’t have a SmarTrip card. So make sure you take advantage of the $3 rebate starting next weekend and [register your card](https://smartrip.wmata.com/AccountCreate/AccountCreate.aspx)online if you haven’t already! Feel free to [contact ATP](http://www.arlingtontransportationpartners.com/pages/about/contact-us/) is you have questions!

[View full post](https://blog.arlingtontransportationpartners.com/upcoming-changes-to-smartrip-cards)

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