[RiderExpress] Save money! Use SmarTrip instead of cash - sent 9/4 @ 9:15 a.m.

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Want to save money?  Use a SmarTrip card instead of cash to pay your bus fare!  SmarTrip is a rechargeable card that automatically deducts the appropriate fare when you touch it to the electronic fare box.  PRTC gives discounts to those who pay their fares with SmarTrip rather than with cash.  How much?  You'll save $1.50 per trip on OmniRide buses and 40 cents per trip on Metro Direct buses!

Not only does SmarTrip save you money, it also helps the buses to arrive and depart on time!  When you use SmarTrip, you don't need to fumble through your pockets for money or worry about having exact change. ..just have your card ready when you board the bus.  And because the fare box quickly deducts your fare, everyone can board at a steady pace and the bus can depart on time!

If you use PRTC buses to transfer to Metro, it makes even more sense to use SmarTrip.  Metro trains and buses use the same SmarTrip card as PRTC.  That means you can travel to DC and Maryland using the same rechargeable fare card.

It's easy to get a SmarTrip card.  You can buy one at the PRTC Transit Center on weekdays from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.  Cards also are available from vending machines at Metro stations with large parking facilities (including Franconia-Springfield, Vienna and West Falls Church); at some Giant grocery stores in the Manassas area; and online at www.SmarTrip.com and at www.CommuterPage.com.  Cards cost $5 and then can be loaded with any amount you choose, up to $300.  You can add value to your SmarTrip card on PRTC buses, at the PRTC Transit Center from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.,  and at any Metro station using a Passes/Farecards machine.

To learn more about how SmarTrip can make your commute easier, call PRTC's Customer Service office at (703) 730-6664 or check out www.SmarTrip.com