Media Contact:  John Lisle at (202) 671-2004

Beginning January 4, 2009, passengers on DC Circulator buses will receive a bus-to-rail discount if they transfer using a SmarTrip® card. The new discount will reduce Metrorail fares by 50 cents for riders who board with a SmarTrip^® card.

The discount goes into effect at the same time that paper transfers will be eliminated.  After January 3, the DC Circulator will no longer issue or accept paper transfers. To get a transfer discount or to transfer free from bus-to-bus, riders will have to use a SmarTrip® card. Metro will eliminate paper transfers on the same date.

With the new two-way transfer discount, Metrorail riders transferring to a Circulator bus will pay 50 cents to board—a 50 cent discount off the regular fare of $1—and Circulator riders transferring to Metrorail will get 50 cents off of their subway fare.

Also beginning January 4, the Circulator will extend the time allowed for a transfer. Riders paying with a SmarTrip® card will have 3 hours instead of 2 hours to transfer and receive a discount, or to transfer for free between buses.

As part of the Circulator's new transfer policy, the Circulator will not accept MARC and VRE passes as transfers beginning January 4, 2009. Monthly Circulator passes are available for purchase online by visiting www.dccirculator.com. For more information about purchasing a SmarTrip^® card, visit www.wmata.com, or call (202) 637-7000 or TTY (202) 638-3780.