question about the DC Metro?

Hi. To answer your question, yes, the farecards are like prepaid cards. You must have enough money on your farecard to *EXIT* the system. The Metro fare system is confusing (that's why the all-day passes were created for tourists); however, if you would like to purchase a single farecard you can do the following:

1. At the farecard machine, select option 1 to purchase a standard farecard.

2. Use the +/- buttons to select the fare you want on the card (remember, Metro charges based on the day, time, and distance of the trip. Further, the fare is one-way only; double the amount on the farecard if you want to go round trip).

3. Select your method of payment. If you're using a credit/debit card, select that option and follow the instructions. If you're paying with cash, simply insert your money (bills or coins). The farecard machines will give change but in *COINS ONLY*. So if you're trying to buy a farecard for $2.50 and you insert at $20 bill, you will get back $17.50 in QUARTERS. It would be wise to have dollar bills and change on hand if paying by cash.

You have to look at the little sign to see what the fare is, the fares aren't in the machine. You put some money in, then do the plus and minus until you get the amount you want, then press okay and you get your card.

You can put extra money on a card and use it for multiple trips, like your return trip. Just don't lose the card. You can't get any unused money back though.