WMATA Launches Program to Help Low-Income Customers

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced it will begin offering reduced fares to assist low-income customers.

The new income-qualified reduced fare program, "Metro Lift" launches June 20.

Customers in DC, Maryland, and Virginia who qualify for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) are eligible to enroll.

How the Program Advances Equity

Approved by Metro’s Board of Directors in the fiscal year 2024 budget, the program advances transit equity and affordability. 

Customers enrolled in Metro Lift will receive a 50% discount for any travel on Metrorail and Metrobus.

Online enrollment and appointment scheduling will begin on June 20. In-person enrollment will begin at three sites starting on June 26.

"Our priority is making transportation accessible for all customers. The savings from this program will give our customers opportunities to access jobs with higher wages, travel to medical appointments, and access more of the region," said Randy Clarke, Metro GM/CEO. "We understand that every dollar counts, and that accessibility to reliable, affordable transportation is a difference maker, especially in this region. I appreciate the WMATA Board of Directors for their leadership to approve this program in the FY24 Budget, and I am proud of our team's dedication to making this new option available to our customers."

WMATA Program Aims to Grow Ridership

Following the success of the DC LIFT (Low-Income Fare Trial) pilot program, Metro Lift is intended to expand ridership and make it more affordable to ride public transit.

It is free to enroll in Metro Lift. Customers who qualify for Metro Lift must show that they are current recipients of SNAP benefits in DC, Maryland, or Virginia.

An estimated 471,000 people receive SNAP benefits across the region, including customers already enrolled in other reduced-fare programs. Those customers will continue to receive the same discounted fares as they do today and need not enroll in the Metro Lift program.

The fare discount will be valid for one year after enrollment and will be available up to 48 hours after online enrollment, and immediately for those that enroll in person.

Metro will continue to refine the program based on customer feedback and is working to expand enrollment locations over time.