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DC Metro Student and Senior Discounts: How to Apply & Save
DC Metro Student and Senior Discounts: DC Metro is much more affordable to the elderly, students, and those with disabilities with the help of WMATA reduced fare programs. This guide will discuss precisely who is eligible, how much you will save and how to apply step by step to get your reduced fare SmarTrip card.
DC Metro Reduced Fare Programs: Who Qualifies?
WMATA has a number of reduced fare categories. Both have particular eligibility criteria and need a specially coded SmarTrip card.
Senior Discount Eligibility (Age 65+ and Medicare)
You are eligible to receive the DC Metro senior reduced fare if you fulfil either of the following requirements:
- You are age 65 or older (government-issued photo ID required to verify age)
- You hold a valid Medicare card (any Medicare beneficiary qualifies, regardless of age)
Senior reduced fare: 50 per cent. off all Metrorail and Metrobus fares at all times - even during peak hours, weekends and holidays. The seniors are not limited by time in which they can use reduced fare,s as in some other transit systems.
Student Discount Eligibility (K-12 and College)
WMATA offers student reduced fares via the Student SmarTrip Program. Students are eligible based on enrollment in school:
- DC Public and Public Charter School students: Eligible for free or deeply discounted Metro access through school-sponsored programs
- K-12 students in participating private schools: May qualify depending on the school's enrollment in WMATA's student program
- College and university students: Eligible for reduced fare if their institution participates in WMATA's college program
Ask your school transportation office to find out if your school is a member of WMATA Student Program.
Disability and Medicare Card Discounts
The same 50% reduced fare offered to seniors is available to riders with qualifying disabilities. Eligibility is by application, which can involve a signed certificatfromround-tripof a licensed medical professional. Medicare cardholders do not require a separate disability certification - their Medicare card qualifies them to do so.
How Much Do Students & Seniors Save on DC Metro?
| Fare Type | Peak Fare (Zone 1) | Off-Peak Fare (Zone 1) | Monthly Savings (20 round trips) |
| Full Fare | $2.25 | $2.00 | — |
| Senior / Disability (50% off) | $1.13 | $1.00 | ~$45/month vs. full fare |
| Student (varies by program) | $1.00–$1.50 | $0.80–$1.25 | ~$25-50/month vs. full fare |
| Free (DC K-12 Metro Access) | $0.00 | $0.00 | Full savings |
How to Apply for a DC Metro Reduced Fare Card
The lower fare SmarTrip card is not equivalent to a regular SmarTrip card. You have to request a specially encoded card which opens the discounted fare at all gates. The entire application process is as follows:
Documents Required for Reduced Fare Application
- For seniors (age 65+): Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) showing date of birth.
- For Medicare cardholders: Valid Medicare card plus one form of photo ID.
- For riders with disabilities: Completed WMATA reduced fare application form signed by a licensed medical professional.
- For students: Valid school ID or enrollment verification letter from a participating institution.
- Download the Reduced Fare Application from wmata.com/fares/Reduced-Fare-Programs
- Complete the application form with your personal information and eligibility category.
- Gather required supporting documents (see above).
- Visit a Metro Sales Office in person (locations at Metro Centre, Pentagon, and other major stations) or mail your application to the WMATA Reduced Fare Department.
- Pay the $2 reduced fare card fee (waived for some programs).
- Receive your encoded, reduced-fare SmarTrip card within 3-4 weeks by mail, or pick it up at a Sales Office.
- Register your card online at smartrip.wmata.com to protect your balance.
Important: Reduced fare cards must be renewed annually for disability applicants. Senior and Medicare cards do not expire.
Full Fare vs. Reduced Fare — Comparison Table
| Category | Who Qualifies | Discount Level | Time Restriction |
| Senior (65+) | Adults 65 and older | 50% off all fares | None — anytime |
| Medicare cardholder | Any Medicare beneficiary | 50% off all fares | None — anytime |
| Disability | Riders with qualifying disabilities | 50% off all fares | None — anytime |
| DC K-12 Student | Enrolled DC public/charter school students | Free or heavily subsidised | School program terms |
| College student | Enrolled at participating universities | Varies by institution | Academic year |
DC Metro School Trip & Group Rate Guide
Schools and educational organizations can arrange group Metro access for field trips and organized outings. WMATA's group transit program provides:
- Discounted group fares for school trips with 10 or more students
- Pre-purchased Metro farecards for students who do not have SmarTrip cards
- Teacher/chaperone Metro passes for supervising adults
- Booking required — contact WMATA's group sales at least 2 weeks prior.
- Arrange school trip Metro access: Call the Customer Service Team at Contact WMATA at 202-637-7000.
Senior & Student Discount FAQs
1. What is the age at which the DC Metro serves seniors with discounts?
A. There is a 50 per cent discount on all fares in the DC Metro for seniors aged 65 years or above.
2. Is it necessary to have a special card to receive senior discounts?
A. Yes. You must have a WMATA Reduced Fare SmarTrip card - a normal SmarTrip card will not automatically get the discount.
3. Is there a DC Metro discount that a college student would get?
A. Yes, provided their college is a member of the WMATA Student Program. Check with the transportation office of your school.
4. What is the time taken to apply the reduced fare?
A. Same-day applications and in-person applications at a Metro Sales Office can be processed. Mail applications take 3-4 weeks.,,
