Via Metro.

Metro’s board will be briefed today on a plan to begin near-field communication payment by smartphones, futuristic watches and contactless credit cards this fall. While much of the information about the pilot program was released earlier this week, we know now what these new fare payment systems will look like.

Via Metro.

The pilot will begin in January with about 2,000 participants expected to complete the program. According to materials prepared for the board [PDF], registered SmarTrip customers will be recruited as participants. Recruitment will also take place at Metro stations and bus stops. Criteria for participation includes “household income,” “ridership frequency,” “ethnicity,” “station usage,” “limited English proficiency,” “financial institution participation,” “age and “technology capabilities.”

Testing will take place at 10 Metro stations, on 50 buses and at two parking garages. Installation of the new technology will begin in October. “System-wide transition is targeted to begin in 2017 with opportunities for an earlier start to be pursued,” according to Metro.