DC Metro introduces discounted fares for SNAP recipients.

The Washington, D.C., Metro Launches Metro Lift Program to Make Transit More Affordable

The Washington, D.C., Metro is taking steps to alleviate costs for low-income customers and make transit services more accessible. In an exciting announcement on Tuesday, DC Metro introduced Metro Lift, an income-qualified reduced fare program that aims to provide affordable transportation options for commuters.

Discounted Fares for Qualifying Customers

Under the Metro Lift program, qualifying customers will enjoy a 50% discount on fares for Metrobus and Metrorail. This means that the cost of a bus trip will be reduced to just $1, while rail fare will range from $1 to a maximum of $3, depending on the distance of the commute.

“Metro Lift expands our reduced-fare program offerings and provides another opportunity for us to make transit accessible,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. “Everyone deserves safe, affordable, and reliable transportation, and Metro Lift provides more access for those who need it.”

To be eligible for the program, customers must receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C. Enrollment for Metro Lift is available online at wmata.com/MetroLift, and in-person enrollment appointments, starting on June 26, can be made at Metro Center Station, Metro Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and the New Carrollton Metro Offices in Hyattsville, Maryland.

Once enrolled, the 50% discount will typically be loaded onto a SmarTrip card within 48 hours for online applicants, and immediately for those who enroll in person.

To apply for Metro Lift, applicants will need the following:

• A SmarTrip card for themselves and each person in the SNAP benefit-receiving household
• An active SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card
• A SNAP benefits summary
• A government-issued photo ID from the U.S., D.C., Maryland, or Virginia

In Washington, D.C., alone, 145,800 people, or 22% of the population, receive SNAP benefits. The average monthly payment per household member is $188. In Virginia, 794,600 people, or 9% of the population, receive SNAP benefits, with an average payment of $181 per household member. In Maryland, 772,700 people, or 13% of the population, receive SNAP benefits, with an average payment of $180 per household member.

SNAP benefits are calculated based on household income and size, with the recipient’s income generally needing to be at or below 130% of the poverty line. In fiscal 2023, the poverty line used to calculate SNAP benefits is $1,920 per month. The average monthly SNAP benefit for a household of three is $577, with a maximum of $740. For a household of eight, the average payment is $1,150, with a maximum of $1,691. Any household larger than eight can calculate their benefit by adding a maximum of $211 per additional person.

With the launch of Metro Lift, the Washington, D.C., Metro is taking a significant step towards providing affordable transportation options for low-income individuals and families. By making transit more accessible, the program aims to improve the lives of those who need it most.

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