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.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service