May 13, 2021
Dear Current or Recent Commuter Choice Participant,
Thanks so much to those of you who reached out about how to obtain a new SmarTrip card if your current one is older. With sincere apologies, I went forward in the May 7 email missing one key point of information as all of you are participants in SmartBenefits.
From WMATA:
Metro announced on 4/9/21 that older generation SmarTrip cards will be phased out to enable a year-long rollout of new fare gates to start this summer. However, SmartBenefits participants won’t be able to act on this news just yet. Once the new software is in place to ensure a smooth balance transfer experience for SmartBenefits participants, we’ll alert them by email to replace their cards….
…..In the meantime, please encourage your participants with cards that are ten or more years old to log in to their SmarTrip account and update their email addresses. Click here to learn more. We appreciate your support.
P.S. When the time comes, participants that have pre-2012 cards and allocate 100% of their benefits for use on vanpools, VRE, MARC, or MTA Commuter Bus will not be required to replace their old cards. However, we recommend that they consider replacing them in case they ever need to ride the Metro.
This means that if you have an older card, you don’t have to replace it just yet. But please do log in to your SmarTrip account to make sure WMATA has your current email address. If you have any issues logging in to your account, please contact WMATA Customer Service at 888-762-7874.
We will also keep an eye on the transition process and update you as we learn more.
Please reach out to transpo@gmu.edu if you have any Commuter Choice questions.
Kind regards,
Janet
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May 7, 2021
Dear Current or Recent Commuter Choice Participant,
We collaborate with a number of organizations outside Mason including Arlington Transportation Partners (ATP). They brought to our attention that “WMATA will soon be phasing out the first generation of SmarTrip cards as new faregates are installed around the region. Riders with a SmartTrip card that was purchased prior to 2012, will need to update their card before June 2021 to ensure access to the full Metro system.”
ATP has a blog highlighting some of the key SmartTrip card updates. They also shared the attached flyer about the what cards are being phased out. Information is also available at WMATA. Be sure to check the number on your SmarTrip card to see if you will be impacted.
Additionally, we understand completely that some of you still may not be sure when you are moving from telework to working on-campus. Check with your supervisor to see if they have any updates on your return to campus. In the interim, please don’t request benefits if you are teleworking. Please remember that we can always reimburse you for your eligible costs if you are called back unexpectedly and it’s past the Commuter Choice deadline. If affordability is an issue for you, we completely understand. In that case, please continue to do what you are doing.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Best regards,
Your colleagues in Parking and Transportation