Reduced Fare Program

(Reduced Fare SmarTrip® Photo ID Card)

The Transit Accessibility Center has moved to a new location at 655 Virginia Ave SW, between 7th Street and 6th Street, one block from the L’Enfant Plaza Station elevator entrance and around the corner from L’Enfant Plaza Metro’s 7th and D Street escalator entrance. Beginning July 15th, we will resume collecting fees for replacement ID cards requested in person and by mail. We are still accepting MetroAccess and Reduced Fare applications by fax, mail, and email at eligibility@wmata.com. All existing MetroAccess customers will continue to receive extensions until September 6th, 2022.

Metrobus and Metrorail customers with disabilities may be eligible to ride at a discounted rate. Those customers who qualify will be issued a Reduced Fare SmarTrip® photo ID card.

Reduced Fare SmarTrip® Photo ID cards can be used to:

Pay Fare when using Metrobus and Metrorail
Buy a 7-Day regional pass
Pay half the peak fare on Metrorail
Pay $1 with cash or if paying with the Metro Reduced Fare SmarTrip® Photo ID on regular Metrobus routes and other regional bus services

Who qualifies?

Our customers who are age 65 years and older automatically qualify for reduced fares whether or not they have a disability. Senior citizens can purchase a Senior SmarTrip® card by showing a valid photo ID with proof of age at any Metro sales office, commuter store, or other selected retail outlets. Please note: Applicants 65 years and older will not be issued a Reduced Fare SmarTrip® Photo ID card.

Customers who are under age 65 and receive Medicare (not Medicaid) automatically qualify for reduced fares and receive half fare on Metrobus and Metrorail. Medicare applicants may receive a Reduced Fare SmarTrip® photo ID card by presenting a government issued photo ID and a valid Medicare card at the Metro Transit Accessibility Center, 655 Virginia Ave SW, Washington, DC. When paying cash on Metrobus, simply show the bus operator a photo ID and a valid Medicare card.

Veterans with disabilities who have been granted a 60% or greater disability rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs also qualify for the Reduced Fare SmarTrip® Photo ID card. Qualifying Veterans must complete part A of the application but do not need to have their healthcare provider complete Part B or C of the application. They must appear in person at the Metro Transit Accessibility Center, 655 Virginia Ave SW, Washington, DC with a valid photo ID and the original letter of disability notification issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs, a downloaded letter from the DVA website, or their DD Form 2765, Uniformed Services ID Card for 100% disabled Veterans, to obtain a Reduced Fare SmarTrip® Photo ID card.

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing with a pure tone average of 70dB or greater in both ears regardless of hearing aids may substitute an audiogram in lieu of an application; however, the audiogram can be no more than five years old. Applicants who do not have a recent audiogram will need to have a healthcare professional complete the application.

If you do not meet the above criteria, please have a healthcare professional complete the application.

How do I get a Reduced Fare SmarTrip® Photo ID Card?

Reduced Fare SmarTrip® Photo ID cards are issued on a walk in basis. A card will be issued the same day if you meet the eligibility criteria.

You can obtain a Reduced Fare SmarTrip® Photo ID card application by:

downloading online Reduced Fare SmarTrip® Photo ID card application,
calling 202-962-2700 and selecting option 1 or TTY 202-962-2033 or
by emailing eligibility@wmata.com
The original certified application is required when applying for the ID card, copies and faxes will not be accepted. Applications more than 60 days old will not be accepted.
Groups are strongly encouraged to schedule appointments for photo ID sessions by contacting the Travel Training/Outreach at 202-962-2703 or traveltraining@wmata.com for information about arranging an on-site photo ID session.

Where do I get an ID card?

Metro Reduced Fare SmarTrip® photo ID cards are issued at the Transit Accessibility Center located at 655 Virginia Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024 Monday through Friday with the exception of Federal holidays. Office hours to apply are Monday, Wednesday - Friday 8:15 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. and Tuesday 8:15 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.

As the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) response evolves, the Transit Accessibility Center is working to serve you. Since our services may differ during this time, please contact our office during normal business hours at 202-962-2700, or by email at eligibility@wmata.com.

Metro's Reduced Fare Program for People with Disabilities is available at a new location – Silver Spring Commuter Store, 8404 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Beginning in August 2019, on the first and third Monday from 10 am to 2 pm (excluding holidays), customers can apply and re-certify for the Reduced Fare SmarTrip® ID Card for People with Disabilities. A completed original application and valid government photo identification are required. For more information, contact the Transit Accessibility Center at 202-962-2703.

How do I renew my ID card?

Effective July 1, 2014, all Reduced Fare Program customers complete an application to renew their eligibility for the Program. The only exceptions are:

Customers under the age of 65 who are Medicare recipients
Disabled veterans who have a 60% or greater disability rating from the VA

Customers who meet the exceptions should refer to the "Who Qualifies" section above for information on required source documents that can be used in lieu of an application.

Applying for Visitor's Status for Reduced Fare Program

Visitors to the DC Metropolitan area can be issued a one-time courtesy Reduced Fare SmarTrip® Photo ID card for 30 days. A valid Disability ID card from another transit agency must be presented along with valid government-issued photo identification at the Transit Accessibility Center located at 655 Virginia Ave SW, Washington, DC. Visitors who do not have a disability ID card from another transit agency may provide a letter from a healthcare provider certifying their disability.