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Transit Providers without SmarTrip Card Readers

The following transit authorities accept SmartBenefits®; however, they do not have SmarTrip® card readers installed for direct use. An allocation must be established with WMATA SmartBenefits Passenger Allocation System to send your benefits to the provider.

Vanpool ​MetroAccess ​MARC/VRE/DASH
​MTA Commuter Buses ​Martz Mobile Application

Manage SmartBenefits transit allocations through www.smartrip.com accounts. 

Click here to see a brief video on the new Transit Allocation process.

      • To set up a new allocation (or view an existing allocation), follow the instructions below: 
        1. Login to your SmarTrip® account (click here if you forgot your user name or password);
        2. Click on the card number you use for SmartBenefits;
        3. Click "Manage SmartBenefits" (bottom right corner);
        4. Review the new Transit Allocation section on your SmartBenefits Dashboard (bottom right corner).
      • Your existing transit allocation will not be changed.

For assistance contract SmartBenefits customer support at 1-888-SMARTRIP or smartrip@wmata.com

After the allocation has been established, all future transit subsidies will continue to be forwarded from your SmarTrip card to the 3rd-party transit provider you selected.  

To assist you with allocation issues, ETSO/NIH Parking Office requests for allocations to be established by the 15th of the month prior to the desired benefit month.
 
For example, if a participant desires to ride an MTA Commuter Bus beginning on November 1, the allocation must be established through WMATA's SmartBenefit allocation system no later than October 21.

Purchasing Instructions for MARC, MTA Commuter Buses, VRE, and DASH Monthly Tickets

To purchase your monthly passes using your SmartBenefits® (also known as your NIH Transit Subsidy) for the MARC/VRE/MTA Commuter Bus transit systems, you must establish an allocation from WMATA's SmarTrip® card to CommuterDirect.com. 

Click here to see a helpful video on how to set up your account using SmartBenefits.

  1. Log in to or create an account at CommuterDirect.com;
  2. Select "My Account" and follow the on-screen instructions.
  3. You will receive your pass in the mail each month or you can arrange to pick it up at a commuter store location.

Commuter Direct operates a helpful call center. After establishing your recurring order, we strongly encourage you to contact them at 703-228-7433 or questions@commuterdirect.com and confirm your order is set up correctly.

Note: All purchases are made through a 3rd-party (CommuterDirect.com); passes are not purchased through the NIH.  Benefits will be transferred to CommuterDirect each month until you cancel.

Vanpool Allocations

To use your SmartBenefits (also known as your NIH Transit Subsidy) to pay your vanpool seat, you must establish an allocation from WMATA's SmarTrip card to the vanpool company. Please follow these steps:

  1. Login to your SmarTrip® account (click here if you forgot your user name or password);
  2. Click on the card number you use for SmartBenefits;
  3. Click "Manage SmartBenefits" (bottom right corner);
  4. Review the new Transit Allocation section on your SmartBenefits Dashboard (bottom right corner).

Benefits will be transferred directly to the vanpool's account on the first of each month until you cancel.

Questions? Contact the NIH Parking Office (301) 496-5050.

Purchasing Martz Monthly Tickets

To use your SmartBenefits (also known as your NIH Transit Subsidy) to pay your ticket, you must establish an allocation from WMATA's SmarTrip card to the Martz Commuter Bus.

Please follow these steps outlined below:

  1. Login to your SmarTrip® account (click here if you forgot your user name or password);
  2. Click on the card number you use for SmartBenefits;
  3. Click "Manage SmartBenefits" (bottom right corner);
  4. Review the new Transit Allocation section on your SmartBenefits Dashboard (bottom right corner).

Pick up your pass from the conductor on the first of every month. Benefits will be transferred directly to the company on the first of each month until you cancel.

For customer service assistance contact Martz Group at 866-466-2789 or Quick's Bus at 1-800-786-4192.

MetroAccess

Employees receiving transit benefit through SmartBenefits® program can direct their monthly transit benefit to MetroAccess. To direct your transit benefits to MetroAccess through your EZ-Pay account, you must have a registered SmarTrip® card and must establish an allocation from WMATA's SmarTrip® card to MetroAccess. 

Click here to see a brief video on the new Transit Allocation process.

Learn more about MetroAccess resource and services  

MetroAccess customer service representatives are available during all MetroAccess operating hours. Call 301-562-5360, press 2 for trip status, and then press 2 again to speak to a customer service representative (TTY: 301-588-7535).


Mobile Application

Employees can allocate smartbenefits to purchase monthly passes on their mobile devices.  

  • OmniRide Express Monthly Pass (Virginia) - Express riders can now purchase a NEW monthly pass for unlimited rides for $265.

  • MDOT MTA CharmPass - CharmPass is the official mobile ticketing app for MDOT MTA. For the first time ever, you can pay for BaltimoreLink local buses (CityLink, LocalLink, and Express BusLink), Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train, and Commuter Bus services directly from your smartphone.

Questions?

Call or email the NIH Parking Office at 301-496-5050.