When the new Metro fare structure was put in place on Sunday, a problem emerged with Metrobus fareboxes — a total of about 23,000 riders paying with a SmarTrip card who transferred to multiple buses were charged the full fare for each trip instead of a free or discounted fare all of Sunday and part of Monday. The problem has now been fixed, but to make up for their snafu, Metro has sent around an announcement that they will offer free bus rides this Sunday and until noon on Monday to anyone who has a SmarTrip card, regardless of whether they were overcharged this week.

“We apologize for the inconvenience, and to make up for it riders who show bus operators their SmarTrip cards Sunday, January 13, and Monday, January 14, until noon will receive a free bus ride,” said Metro General Manager John Catoe in a statement. “Considering the complexity of implementing a fare increase, this has been a minor glitch. Overall, it’s been a smooth implementation.”

To receive a free ride on Sunday and Monday morning, all you have to do is show your SmarTrip card to the bus driver == do not tap you card on the farebox during the
free period. Metro officials estimate the free rides will cost the transit agency $30,000.

Photo by chip py the photo guy