OmniRide changes fare procedures, closes transit center lobby for health protection

OmniRide announced several changes March 18 to help protect the public and OmniRide employees from the COVID-19 pandemic while still providing vital mobility services in our community, a news release said.

Effective immediately OmniRide’s Local and Metro Express services will operate fare free. This move is designed to reduce interactions between bus operators and riders at the fare box and allow customers to board quickly and self-distance more effectively.

Those riding OmniRide Express services will continue to pay fares, however OmniRide will no longer accept cash fares or cash reloading of SmarTrip cards on board Express buses. Customers may purchase SmarTrip cards locally at Todos Supermarket and may reload their cards at Metro Station SmarTrip vending machines or online using a credit card.  Riders who want to purchase an OmniRide Day Pass or Weekly Pass for their SmarTrip card, and those purchasing passes for others, or in bulk, must make arrangements in advance by contacting OmniRide’s Customer Service Office at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 703-730-6664.

Finally, effective immediately, the OmniRide Transit Center main lobby will be closed. An adjoining climate-controlled waiting area will remain open during its regular hours, 6 a.m. – 7 p.m., as will an exterior covered waiting area. Staff will open the main lobby only for mail/package delivery and for those with a prior appointment. The exterior restrooms at the Transit Center also will be closed. Each of these changes will be monitored and adjustments will be made as necessary.

We thank the public and our riders for their patience and support as we make decisions to protect the health and safety of our community.