Metro should offer two unlimited-use transit passes on Smartrip cards:
A weekly bus-only pass for $15 a week (10 times the regular bus fare). This is for people who want to limit their out-of pocket cost or are used to the existing bus flash pass, which is pretty popular. This is exactly what is being offered today.
A monthly transit smart pass valid on rail or bus trips up to a certain user-selected fare. Trips equal to or cheaper than the user-selected fare would be included on the pass. The extra fare for more expensive trips would be deducted from stored value. The monthly price of the pass should be set at 40 times the user-selected fare.
This transit pass proposal has rider, transit agency and regional benefits. The proposal is budget neutral, and is consistent with Metro’s fare principles.
Local leaders and transit advocates have endorsed this plan. Please leave a comment or email michaelp (at) ggwash (dot) org to show your support.
I brought a weekly metrobus pass during the spring break 2011 to visit some places within DC. After using it for a week, I decided that I won’t buy it anymore. Reasons include:
1. The metrobus runs good on weekdays.Free transfer within two hours is enough if you only commute from home to work on weekend. It is not necessary to buy a metrobus weekly pass.
2. Metrobuses don’t stop sometimes. I have this experience three times within a year: Metrobus 38B, 32 and 36.
3.Some routes changes but the stop are still there.
Others may feel the metrobus useful. However, I don’t think so.
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