METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

WMATA, Cubic Deliver SmarTrip on Google Pay

Riders can add their SmarTrip card to Google Pay and use their NFC-enabled Android™ phone for payment, eliminating the need for a physical SmarTrip.

by METRO Staff
June 8, 2021
WMATA, Cubic Deliver SmarTrip on Google Pay

WMATA serves 91 rail stations and operates 1,500 buses, providing service to a population of approximately four million within a 1,500-square mile area in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Credit:

Larry Levine

1 min to read


Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS), Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), and NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NXP) launched SmarTrip® on Google Pay, delivering a simple, contactless way for WMATA riders to pay for their journeys on trains or buses. WMATA riders can add their SmarTrip card to Google Pay and use their NFC-enabled Android™ phone for payment, eliminating the need for a physical SmarTrip card.

“Addressing mobility challenges with innovative technology is at the heart of everything we do at Cubic,” said Jeff Lowinger, president of Cubic Transportation Systems. “SmarTrip on Google Pay offers a seamless and convenient traveler experience by allowing transit riders to manage every aspect of their journey on their mobile device, from purchasing tickets to paying for their trips on a bus or train.”

Ad Loading...

Users can conveniently purchase a SmarTrip mobile card and reload funds directly from their Android phone, rather than standing in line at a ticket vending machine. To use Google Pay on public transit, riders just need to wake their phone and hold it to the faregate, with no need to open the app or unlock their device.

WMATA serves 91 rail stations and operates 1,500 buses, providing service to a population of approximately four million within a 1,500-square mile area in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

More Technology

Terrel Smith on a bus with Kiel seats

Terrel Smith Launches New TransitOne Venture, Focuses on Building Relationships

The company partners with manufacturers such as Kiel Seating, Camira Fabric, and TSI Video, focusing on areas that directly impact both passenger experience and operational performance.

Read More →
An MBTA paratransit vehicle.

FINAL CALL: Apply Now for METRO's 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards

Now in its latest edition, the awards recognize forward-thinking solutions that improve safety, operational efficiency, sustainability, rider experience, and overall system performance.

Read More →
A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
transit tracker connectpoint
Sponsoredby Alex RomanMay 1, 2026

Connectpoint Expands Digital Signage Strategy with LED Push

Connectpoint is enhancing its digital signage strategy by integrating LED technology into its services.

Read More →
Cover photo for Part 2 with Cecil Blandon
Managementby Alex RomanApril 30, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: Part 2 with AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon

In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.

Read More →
Carmen C. Cham of HNTB
Managementby Alex RomanApril 29, 2026

How Transit Architecture Is Reshaping the Rider Journey

In this Consultant Roundtable, Carmen C. Cham shares insights on how agencies can create spaces that are intuitive, connected and built for long-term impact.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Siemens and LK Comstock photo for Fulton-Liberty Lines
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 27, 2026

NYC’s Fulton–Liberty Lines Get Digital Signal Upgrade from Siemens and L.K. Comstock

The Siemens CBTC System, Trainguard MT, in compliance with New York Subway Interoperability Interface Specifications, enables trains to run as close as 90 seconds apart, using next-generation signaling and continuous communication to keep operations moving seamlessly.

Read More →
A MOIA/Beep vehicle on the road
New Mobilityby StaffApril 24, 2026

MOIA America Teams with Beep to Grow US Footprint

Through the strategic partnership, MOIA America will provide MOIA’s turnkey autonomous mobility solution. This includes purpose-built, autonomous-ready ID. Buzz vehicles equipped with the self-driving system developed by Mobileye, as well as operator training and enablement.

Read More →
DART's new Tolar bus stop with wayfinding signage.
Technologyby StaffApril 24, 2026

DART Teams with Tolar to Upgrade Bus Stop Shelters

Officials said the project delivers a fully integrated passenger environment featuring improved solar-powered LED lighting, real-time arrival information, and a precision-engineered shelter designed to withstand the Texas climate. 

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cincinnati Metro's new battery-electric bus, which was unveiled on Earth Day
Zero Emissionsby StaffApril 23, 2026

Cincinnati Metro Goes Electric

Two battery-electric buses entered service on Earth Day, with four additional vehicles expected to join the fleet this summer. Seven more buses are planned for the end of 2027, bringing Metro’s total zero-emission fleet to 13.

Read More →