Politics & Government

Metro's Inauguration SmarTrip Cards Available

Sign up now to get your special commemorative Inauguration Day fare card.

Patch Staff Report

Metro has begun accepting orders for commemorative SmarTrip cards for the January inauguration of President Barack Obama.

"Inauguration Day, January 21, 2013" and President Obama's picture, along with "America Makes History Again" adorn the cards, which are $15.

Find out what's happening in Greater Alexandriawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

That's only $1 more than a one-day paper pass, according to a news release from the Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority.

The cards come pre-loaded with a one-day pass that provides unlimited Metrorail travel on the first day it is used. It can also be used as a "flash pass" for unlimited Metrobus transportation on Inauguration Day, the news release states.

Find out what's happening in Greater Alexandriawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Cards are expected to ship in mid-December.

Metro has launched an inauguration webpage where customers can sign up for special email and text alerts leading up to the inauguration. Metro also has set up a special Twitter account.

Inauguration Day news to know from Metro:

  • Metrorail will open at 4 a.m. and close at 2 a.m. the following day
  • Metrorail will provide 17 consecutive hours of rush-hour service — from 4 a.m. until 9 p.m. Peak fares will be in effect during that time.
  • Normal weekday parking rates will apply at Metrorail parking facilities. Parking fees will be charged as customers exit the garage and may be paid by SmarTrip or credit card.
  • Metrobus will operate weekday rush hour service in the morning, followed by an early rush hour in the afternoon. Many routes will operate on detours.
  • MetroAccess will operate identical hours to Metrorail and Metrobus.
  • MetroAccess customers are encouraged to plan extra time due to increased traffic throughout the service area.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Greater Alexandria