Metro News Release
For immediate release: September 15, 2014
Metro unveils new Marine Corps Marathon Limited Edition SmarTrip Card
The first limited-edition Marine Corps Marathon Commemorative SmarTrip Card is now available for purchase as Metro partners with Marine Corps Marathon to celebrate the 39th Marine Corps Marathon on October 26, 2014. The card prominently features the United States Marine Corps “Oorah” battle cry set in a mosaic-like design alongside the official logo of the Marine Corps Marathon.
Buy Online
Each reusable plastic card comes pre-loaded with $8 in stored fare value for a total price of $10. The cards can be purchased online at www.wmata.com/fares/smartrip and can are available in all Metrorail station dispensers today.
“We are delighted to encourage runners and spectators to consider taking Metro to this year’s Marine Corps Marathon,” said Lynn Bowersox, Metro Assistant General Manager for Customer Service, Communications and Marketing. “The Marathon is one of the great annual events in our region, and we are proud to offer this commemorative SmarTrip card as a keepsake for event participants and enthusiasts alike.”
Metrorail will open two hours early, at 5 a.m., on Sunday, October 26, for the Marine Corps Marathon. The additional two hours of service is funded through an agreement with event organizers. For more information, please visit MarineMarathon.com.
Today, more than 90 percent of all Metro riders already use a SmarTrip card to pay for their trip. Metro has introduced several enhancements to SmarTrip to make using the cards even faster and more convenient, including:
- Auto Reload: The "set it and forget it" feature that will automatically reload your card anytime your balance drops below $10. more info
- Cost Savings: On Metrorail, each trip taken with a SmarTrip card cost $1 less than those taken with a paper farecard. SmarTrip is also the only way to take advantage of cost-saving transfer options between Metrobus and Metrorail. more info
- Dispensers in All Metrorail Stations: SmarTrip cards can be purchased at any Metrorail station entrance. Riders pay $10 at the dispensers--$2 for the card loaded with $8 in Metro fare value.
About the Marine Corps Marathon
Voted the "Best Marathon in the Mid Atlantic" and "Best Marathon for Spectators," the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) honors the dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism of its participants. Also known as "The People's Marathon," runners from all walks of life participate in the MCM, which is the largest marathon not to offer prize money. The 39th MCM sponsored by Arlington, Brooks, Hyundai and GE will be hosted in Arlington, VA on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement is implied.
News release issued at 2:07 pm, September 15, 2014.