Metro News Release
For immediate release: December 17, 2009
Metro granted extension on SmartBenefits® changes
Program changes delayed until Jan. 2011; work to continue on SmarTrip® upgrades
Earlier this week, Metro officials learned that the transit agency was granted an extension until Jan. 1, 2011, to make changes to its SmartBenefits® program that will enable employers to comply with a federal mandate that requires the separate disbursement and monitoring of transit and parking benefits.
Because of this extension, employers who participate in the SmartBenefits® program will continue to assign the monthly benefits directly onto their employees' SmarTrip® cards. Unclaimed benefits will continue to be credited to the employer on a monthly basis and unused benefits will continue to rollover on the employees’ SmarTrip® cards.
Initially, upgrades for new SmarTrip® features had been delayed due to the importance of complying with the original Jan.1, 2010, federally mandated deadline. Metro officials now have up to one additional year to make modifications to the SmartBenefits® program that will allow employers to better manage transit and parking benefits.
As announced in today’s Board meeting, Dec. 17, implementation of new SmarTrip® features is expected to begin late spring 2010. Metro has accelerated the work on the software upgrades required for card holders to take advantage of a self-service web site, autoload features, and the bus and rail passes. SmarTrip® availability of these passes is already being tested.
The self-service website will provide registered SmarTrip® card holders online accessibility to add value, view trip history and card balances. Currently, customers can add value to their SmarTrip® cards on all Metrobuses, Metrorail stations and at more than 200 retail locations.
For general information about Metro’s SmartBenefits® program, visit http://www.wmata.com/business/employer_fare_program/.
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Media contact for this news release: Bessy Guevara or Lisa Farbstein at 202-962-1051.
For all other inquiries, please call customer service at 202-637-7000.
News release issued at 3:23 pm, December 17, 2009.