Metro launching app in 2019 that will let riders pay fares with their smartphones

WASHINGTON - Metro has announced it will launch a new app that will allow riders to make fare payments from their smartphones beginning in 2019.

WMATA officials said the app will allow Metro riders to tap their smartphones at faregates rather than a SmarTrip card. The app would be supported on Metrorail, Metrobus and regional bus services that currently accept SmarTrip, according to Metro.

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"Mobile fare payment is the future of transit, giving customers the ability simply to tap their phone and go, all without stopping at a fare vending machine or using a separate card," Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld said in a written statement. "Not only will this be a better, easier experience, but will cost less to operate."

The app would allow users to check fare prices, get real-time service information and add money to their SmarTrip account, officials stated. The app is expected to be completed and launched in 2019.