Transportation

DC transit system seeks $93M for new fare vending machines

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April 9, 2026

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The Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, commonly known as Metro, is considering a major overhaul of its fare vending system, with its board set to vote on a more than $93 million plan to replace existing machines with new "customer terminals," according to a WJLA news report.

The updated units would feature larger screens and expanded functionality, allowing riders not only to purchase and reload SmarTrip cards but also to plan trips and receive service alerts.

SmarTrip cards are reusable, contactless fare cards used to pay for public transportation in the city.

Transit officials said the number of machines would be reduced as part of the transition, reflecting decreased reliance on traditional fare kiosks due to the growing use of credit card and contactless payments.

The proposal signals a shift toward more multifunctional, digitally integrated systems aimed at improving the rider experience.