For Village members like Susan and Alan, public buses are an essential part of their transportation routine, and they’re happy to share their perspectives on how the system works for them.
Susan, who frequently uses the bus for her daily transportation, emphasizes the importance of planning ahead to ensure a smooth journey. "The WMATA website is really helpful in planning a route," she says. "Their trip planner guide suggests routes and bus lines based on where and when you’re traveling. I recommend practicing a bit with it to get the hang of it." In addition to route planning, Susan highlights the convenience of having real-time bus arrival information at her fingertips. "I use the Transit app to track when the bus is coming. It helps me time my arrival at the stop, and I’ve found that other riders are usually happy to share the info with me if I need help."
For those with specific needs, such as seniors, Susan points out the value of discounted fares. "Seniors pay about $1.10 per ride, and you just need a Senior SmarTrip card. The card can be purchased at the Transit Accessibility Center or Metro Commuter Stores,” she explains. "But if you don’t have a card, you can still pay the reduced fare in cash by showing a government ID."
Despite her positive experiences, Susan does note that buses can become crowded, especially during rush hours. "If you're concerned about crowds, try to avoid the busiest times of day," she advises. "But don’t be afraid to ask for a seat if you're standing -- people are generally good about offering seats to elderly passengers." And, as an additional layer of safety, she always wears a mask on public transportation to stay protected.
Lastly, Susan brings along a large print sudoku puzzle book to pass the time in case of delays. "I always bring something to keep myself occupied if traffic slows down," she adds.
Alan, another Village member, is also a big fan of the bus system, and he values it for reasons of both practicality and comfort. "As a native New Yorker, I love taking public transportation—especially the bus," he shares. "As a senior, my fare is just $1.10 to anywhere in the city, which makes it very affordable." Alan particularly appreciates the experience of being outdoors while riding the bus, noting that he prefers it to using the Metro. "I much prefer the outdoors of the bus to the interior of the Metro," he says. "It’s just a more enjoyable ride for me."
Senior SmarTrip Card: Reduced Fares for Older Adults
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) offers discounted fares for older adults through the Senior SmarTrip card. If you haven’t already, make sure to get yours -- it’s free for those aged 65 and older. Both Susan and Alan take advantage of this!
Seniors (age 65 and above) qualify for reduced fares on both Metrobus and Metrorail services. To obtain your Senior SmarTrip card, simply visit any Metro sales office, commuter store, or select retail outlets with a valid photo ID that proves your age.
With a Senior SmarTrip® card, you’ll receive the following discounts:
50% off Metrobus and Metrorail fares
50% off the 7-Day Regional Bus Pass
Discounted fares on many regional bus services in Maryland and Virginia
Additionally, you can transfer your Senior SmarTrip card to your smartphone for added convenience. If you use an iPhone or Android, follow the instructions below to add your card to your mobile wallet:
To find a location near you to purchase or pick up a Senior SmarTrip card, visit the WMATA website or check out participating Montgomery County Libraries.
We will put together a group to all go together to purchase Senior SmarTrip cards. Email the Village office if you’d like to join! Members Plus can request assistance from volunteers if you need help putting the card on your smart phone.
In a future newsletter, we will include info on the upcoming bus route changes under the new Better Bus plan.