Estimate your commuting costs on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) system quickly and accurately with our specialized fare calculator.
wmata fare calculator
wmata fare calculator Formula
Variables:
- Base Fare: The starting cost of any rail trip ($2.00 off-peak / $2.25 peak).
- Distance: Total miles traveled between your origin and destination stations.
- Mileage Rate: Incremental cost per mile after the base distance (varies by peak/off-peak).
- Passenger Type: Standard rates vs. Senior/Disabled reduced fares.
Related Calculators
- Metrobus Fare Estimator
- SmarTrip Balance Calculator
- DC Streetcar Route Planner
- Regional Transit Pass Savings Tool
What is wmata fare calculator?
The wmata fare calculator is a digital tool designed to help commuters in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area predict their travel expenses on the Metrorail system. Since WMATA utilizes a distance-based pricing model combined with time-of-day variables, calculating fares manually can be complex.
By using this calculator, passengers can decide whether to purchase a monthly pass or pay-as-you-go using a SmarTrip card. It accounts for peak hour surcharges and off-peak discounts, ensuring you have the most accurate financial data for your transit budget.
How to Calculate wmata fare calculator (Example)
Follow these steps to estimate a standard peak-hour trip of 10 miles:
- Identify the Base Fare: For peak hours, the base fare is currently set at $2.25.
- Determine Mileage Charge: Calculate distance over the base limit (e.g., 10 miles * $0.40/mile = $4.00).
- Sum the Totals: Add the base fare to the mileage charge ($2.25 + $4.00 = $6.25).
- Apply the Cap: If the total exceeds the maximum fare (e.g., $6.00), the fare is reduced to the cap. Final result: $6.00.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Peak fares are charged during weekdays from opening until 9:30 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All other times, including weekends, are considered off-peak.
Yes, there is a fare cap. As of current regulations, the maximum fare for a one-way trip is $6.00 during peak and slightly lower during off-peak times.
Yes, customers age 65 and older and passengers with disabilities are eligible for half-fare discounts on both Metrorail and Metrobus.
This specific calculator focuses on Metrorail distance-based fares. Transfers between bus and rail usually provide a $2.00 discount on SmarTrip cards.