The future is now.
"[D.C.] Metro announced [Tuesday] that iPhone users will now be able to migrate existing SmarTrip cards — and add new ones — to Apple Wallet. Instead of a plastic card that’s prone to getting lost, riders will be able to tap their iPhones to enter and exit at fare gates and to get on the bus," reports Margaret Barthel.
"The agency also rolled out an app that enables riders to add passes and value to SmarTrip cards — performing much the same job as rail station fare machines and other retail locations where riders currently perform Metro transactions," adds Barthel.
SmarTrip cards are available for use on both Metrobus and Metrorail routes, according to the article, and will offer particular convenience to bus riders, who no longer need to go to a station, online, or to a store to reload transit fare. The benefit to Metro is expected to come in reduced costs and, potentially, new riders.
New research documenting the benefits of mobile app fare systems was published by the Transport Research journal in July 2020. An article by Ali Winston from March 2020 documents some of the drawbacks of electronic fare payments, like concerns about data privacy and equity.
FULL STORY: It’s Official: Your iPhone Can Now Act As Your Metro Card
Showdown Over Late Night Hours on D.C. Metro
The general manager of D.C. Metro wants to extend limited late night rail service, in place for two years, into 2019 and beyond. Metro board members have had enough.
D.C. Metro to Consider Reduced Rail Service Hours After SafeTrack Concludes
What was thought to be a temporary end to late night weekend service could become a permanent reality on the tracks of Metrorail.
60 Percent of D.C. Metrorail Fleet Pulled From Service After Last Week's Derailment
The disruptions caused by an October 12 train derailment on D.C. Metrorail's Blue Line are spreading to the entire system.
Eugene Ends Parking Minimums
In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.
How Paris, Texas Became a ‘Unicorn’ for Rural Transit
A robust coalition of advocates in the town of 25,000 brought together the funding and resources to launch a popular bus service that some residents see as a mobility lifeline—and a social club.
San Diegans at Odds Over ‘Granny Towers’
A provision in the city’s ADU ordinance allows developers to build an essentially unlimited number of units on single-family lots.
Palo Alto Expands Church ‘Safe Parking’ Program
The city is considering adding commercial lots to the program, which provides safe parking and amenities for people living in cars.
Report: California’s Orphan Wells Still Pose Health Risks
Tens of thousands of idle oil wells litter the state. Taxpayers are often on the hook for cleanup.
Healing Neighborhoods Through Park Equity
Learn more about ways to improve park equity with Norma García-González, the director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, and Catherine Nagel, the executive director of the City Parks Alliance.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Park City Municipal Corporation
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
