Photo by Mr. T in DC

Metro’s SmarTrip card is a must-have for any local commuter, and it will soon cost less to purchase one.

The Examiner reports that Metro is planning on rolling out a new SmarTrip card this fall that will cost less than the current $5 that riders have to pay. The reason for the discount is simple—Metro is trying to encourage commuters to stick to SmarTrip cards instead of paper fare cards. Under a new far structure that goes into effect in July, riders using paper farecaards will have to pay a $1 surcharge.

The need for a new SmarTrip card is also more practical:

Metro is running out of the plastic cards. The manufacturer stopped making them, and though the agency stockpiled as many as it could, it has only about 350,000 left. Metro spokeswoman Cathy Asato said the agency expects to run out late this fall.

Eventually, Metro is planning to move to a new payment system in which riders could use credit cards, government IDs or even their smartphones to pay for their rides directly.

But until then, the agency will need to fill the gap. Metro plans to introduce a new card early in the fall, Asato said. Riders should not notice any difference: They can continue to use their old cards and the new ones will work the same.

Who’s willing to bet that there will soon be a black market for vintage SmarTrip cards?