A MULTI-AGENCY ELECTRONIC PAYMENT SYSTEM FOR THE WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN REGION

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) implemented an electronic payment system in May 1999, called SmarTrip. The SmarTrip system uses a proximity smart card with an electronic purse (made by Cubic Transportation Systems, Inc.) for payment of fares on WMATA's rail system and for parking at the rail stations. Over 170,000 cards are in circulation. WMATA is in the process of expanding the SmarTrip system to their bus fleet through the purchase of fare boxes that will have the capability to read the SmarTrip card. Simultaneously, the Washington Metropolitan Region is working together to expand the SmarTrip system to every public transportation agency in the region by Autumn 2002. Expanding SmarTrip to other providers will meet the following objectives: 1) One smart card accepted by all transit properties; 2) Increase passenger convenience; 3) Reduce boarding times; 4) Increase ridership and reduce congestion; and 5) Enhance partnership opportunities with financial institutions, social service agencies, schools, tourism and technology firms. The region-wide program is estimated to cost approximately $20 million and is being funded through a combination of federal, state, regional and local sources. For the covering abstract see ITRD E209471.