For Metro riders, a chance to exit at same station for free

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A new Metro policy is letting riders change their mind without charge.

The agency says that as of Friday, customers who enter a rail station and then realize they don't want to ride have 15 minutes to exit without being charged. Metro says the grace period policy is particularly helpful during a service disruption.

Previously, customers who entered and exited the same station would be charged the base fare for a ride even if they did not travel. That's $2.15 during peak hours and $1.75 during off-peak hours.

Now, customers who exit the same station within the grace period window will get a credit to their SmarTrip card.