Has anyone with an unlimited Monthly pass on their Smartrip card been having it decline on busses but not rails?

Submitted by Da2Shae t3_zgwdvs in washingtondc

So i just ordered a couple of monthly pass to put on my Smartrip card for my job. The monthly pass is supposed to have unlimited service for Rails and Busses (FYI I pay the maximum amount $196\month $6 peak fare).

For whatever reason when i tap the card on the gates at the rails it works and says "Pass Accepted". But when I tap the card on the terminal on ANY bus it gets the "Valu2Low -$1.00" error.

Im thinking the bus terminals are pulling from the actual balance on the card and not the monthly pass put on the card. Is there a fix for this? I'd hate to run into the ONE bus driver in the DMV that wants to ask questions when the thing does that annoying "card declined" chirp. Especially when it happens EVERY DAY.

https://www.wmata.com/fares/Monthly-Pass/

Edit: The solution may be that I need to add a regional bus pass to the Smartrip card. Unlimited Metrobus on the monthly pass does not include: ART, Circulator, CUE, DASH, Fairfax Connector, The Bus, and Ride On.

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squuidlees t1_izityfx wrote

For what it’s worth, I don’t think any metrobus operator will ask questions. If the tap doesn’t work just keep walking. Though I hope you solve your mystery, sounds annoying to pay the pass and have it not work.

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Da2Shae OP t1_iziur1g wrote

Thats what I've been doing lol. Its a good thing that its on my job's credit card.

I just dont want to deal with a rare Karen bus driver that wants to be a $2 superhero.

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snuhgabuh t1_iziwibs wrote

A bus driver that wants you to pay the proper fee to ride the bus is a karen?

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Da2Shae OP t1_iziwtne wrote

Not quite, the Karens are the ones who want me to pay the actual fare but CANT be reasoned with for whatever reason. (e. g. Busses not accepting monthly passes that are supposed to cover busses.

The point is, i just want this issue fixed so I don't have to run into any situation. So im hoping someone else in the sub ran into this same issue to see what the resolution is.

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digitall565 t1_izj6ysl wrote

In almost two years of using buses I haven't seen a bus driver refuse someone entry because they didn't pay. They're also about to make buses free so doubt they will start enforcing now.

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ThatGuy798 t1_izixodn wrote

Are you just tapping into Metrobus or are you trying to tap in on another regional bus (RideOn, Fairfax Connector, ART etc)? Keep in mind that it only covers the first $2 of any fare for buses so if you're using an express bus you'll have to pay the balance.

Maybe call customer service and see whats up.

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Da2Shae OP t1_izixz45 wrote

You know what! I do use Ride on. But RideOn in Montgomery county isn't an express bus... Right?

Plus their fares are even cheaper than in PG. But the fact that its a different bus system may explain why its not working.

However, I do take the standard metrobus in PG as well and the same issue happens.

Edit: I just checked the website and apparently there's an asterisk next to "Unlimited Metrobus"

"Consider adding the 7-Day Regional Bus Pass for service on ART, Circulator, CUE, DASH, Fairfax Connector, The Bus, and Ride On."

Thats absolutely annoying.

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ThatGuy798 t1_iziygqf wrote

The unlimited rail passes don't include regional buses. Its only good for the $2 fare on Metrobuses. You have to carry a balance on your card or pay the $12/week for an unlimited regional bus.

I can't explain why you get that same issue. The bus(es) you might be using is likely an express route on the schedule. I'd double check on WMATA's website.

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Da2Shae OP t1_izizz0k wrote

Yeah i just figured that out. I may have run into that same issue on the Metrobus that I take because it didn't scan properly. At least thats what im hoping.

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