Metro opens applications for reduced fares to assist low-income customers

WUSA 9: Metro began offering reduced fares to help low-income customers on Tuesday, as part of the new Metro Lift program.

Those who qualify for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) in D.C., Maryland and Virginia are eligible to enroll in the fare assistance program.

Those who are enrolled in the program will receive a 50% discount for any travel on Metrorail and Metrobus. The fare discount will be valid for one year and will be available up to 48 hours after online enrollment, and immediately for those that enroll in person.

Those interested in applying to the program will need to visit wmata.com/MetroLift. In-person enrollment will begin at three locations starting June 26.

How to Enroll

Online (opens Tuesday June 20, 2023)

Go to wmata.com/MetroLift.
Complete the enrollment form for you and/or members of your SNAP household.
Discount will be loaded to SmarTrip card up to 48 hours after enrollment.
Use your SmarTrip card and go.

In-person (starting Monday June 26, 2023)

Schedule an appointment to visit an in-person enrollment centers. Appointment booking will be available beginning Tuesday, June 20:
- Online at wmata.com/MetroLift; or
- By Phone at 1-888-SmarTrip (888-762-7874).
In-person enrollment will be available at the following locations:
- Metro Center Metro Station
  12th & F Street NW Entrance – Mezzanine Level
- Metro Headquarters
  300 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
- New Carrollton Metro Office
  4100 Garden City Dr, Hyattsville, MD 20785
Bring the required materials for you and/or your SNAP household members.
Use your SmarTrip card and go.

What you need

SmarTrip® card for you and each member of your household being enrolled
Active SNAP EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card
Copy of your SNAP proof of benefits (if you are applying for your household)
Current photo identification (ID) card issued by the U.S., DC, Maryland, or Virginia
Phone number

Anyone who needs help is urged to contact Metro in one of the following ways:

Chat: Customer service agents are live and available Monday-Friday 7 am-7 pm, excluding holidays. Click here to chat.
Phone: Call Customer Support at 888-762-7874, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday – Friday, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Language Assistance: WMATA provides language assistance and interpretation free of charge for over 100 languages. Call 202-637-7000 (TTY 202-638-3780). Press 1 for Spanish translation. For all other languages, press 88 and then press 5.