WMATA WMATA Fare Collection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What constitutes fare evasion on WMATA?
- Entering or exiting the paid zone without paying the required fare (Correct answer)
- Riding with a SmarTrip card registered to another person
- Traveling during restricted hours without special authorization
- Failing to present a photo ID when requested by Metro Transit Police
Correct answer: Entering or exiting the paid zone without paying the required fare
Fare evasion is defined as entering or exiting the paid zone on Metrorail, or boarding Metrobus, without paying the required fare.
Question 2: When a customer's SmarTrip card is declined at a Metrorail fare gate, what is the correct procedure for a station employee?
- Allow the customer to pass through at no charge
- Direct the customer to an Add Value machine or the station manager's kiosk for assistance (Correct answer)
- Confiscate the card and issue a temporary replacement
- Contact WMATA customer service on the customer's behalf immediately
Correct answer: Direct the customer to an Add Value machine or the station manager's kiosk for assistance
Station employees should direct customers with declined cards to an Add Value machine or the station manager's kiosk to resolve the balance issue before entering the paid zone.
Question 3: Which statement about WMATA SmarTrip cards is accurate?
- SmarTrip cards expire after one year of inactivity
- SmarTrip cards can be used on Metrorail, Metrobus, and Metro-operated parking facilities (Correct answer)
- SmarTrip cards are only valid on Metrorail and cannot be used on Metrobus
- SmarTrip cards are single-use and must be replaced after each trip
Correct answer: SmarTrip cards can be used on Metrorail, Metrobus, and Metro-operated parking facilities
SmarTrip cards are accepted across all WMATA services including Metrorail, Metrobus, and Metro-operated parking garages and lots.
Question 4: Children under what age ride WMATA Metrorail for free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult?
- 3 years old
- 5 years old (Correct answer)
- 7 years old
- 10 years old
Correct answer: 5 years old
WMATA policy allows children under the age of 5 to ride Metrorail free of charge when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
Question 5: What paratransit service does WMATA operate for customers who are unable to use fixed-route rail and bus services?
- Metro Flex
- MetroAccess (Correct answer)
- Metro Connect
- ADA Shuttle Service
Correct answer: MetroAccess
MetroAccess is WMATA's ADA-compliant paratransit service providing origin-to-destination trips for eligible customers who cannot use Metrorail or Metrobus.
Question 6: What should a station agent do when a customer reports being charged an incorrect Metrorail fare?
- Issue an immediate cash refund from the station fund
- Dismiss the complaint because the automated fare system is infallible
- Direct the customer to file a claim through WMATA's official customer service channels (Correct answer)
- Allow the customer to ride free for the remainder of the day as compensation
Correct answer: Direct the customer to file a claim through WMATA's official customer service channels
Station agents should direct fare dispute complaints to WMATA's official customer service process, where transactions can be reviewed and refunds issued if warranted.
Question 7: Where can WMATA customers add value to their SmarTrip cards?
- Only at the station manager's kiosk during staffed hours
- Only through the SmarTrip website on weekday business hours
- At fare vending machines in stations, via the SmarTrip app or website, or at select retail locations (Correct answer)
- Only at WMATA administrative offices
Correct answer: At fare vending machines in stations, via the SmarTrip app or website, or at select retail locations
Customers can reload their SmarTrip cards through multiple channels including in-station fare vending machines, the SmarTrip mobile app or website, and participating retail stores.
WMATA WMATA Fare Collection 2
What constitutes fare evasion on WMATA?