After pilot, WMATA considering scrapping fare payment plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) was unimpressed with a 90-day test program for a modern fare payment system at train stations, buses and parking lots, leadership is considering dumping it altogether, pending more testing and further review, WAMU reported.

The new fare gates will employ near field communication technology, allowing riders to tap their credit cards, government IDs, or smartphones and have the fare immediately deducted from their accounts. While the pilot program appeared to work effectively for the few who used it, Metro conceded testing across media was insufficient. For the full story, click here.