Photo by Kevin H.

Metro announced last month that new electronic fare payment technology is coming soon that would allow riders to pay via “next-generation smartphone, NFC-enabled watch, contactless credit and debit cards, Federal ID cards and more.” Metro said that they’ll begin testing in January and now they’re recruiting riders to test out the new technology, called ” near-field communication,” or NFC.

According to a release, Metro “began the process of recruiting up to 3,000 riders to participate in the pilot program, which will begin in January and last about three months.” Riders selected to participate will “transit cards, contactless bankcards or mobile wallets on their smartphones to ride Metrorail or Metrobus, and to pay for parking at selected locations.” Here’s the Metro lines, Metrobus routes, and parking garages that will test the new electronic payment system:

Metrorail
Ballston, Bethesda, Eisenhower Ave, Farragut West, Gallery Place, Navy Yard, Pentagon, Pentagon City, Shady Grove, Suitland

Metrobus
37, 39, J4, K9, X9, REX

Metrorail Parking
Shady Grove, Suitland

Anyone interested in testing should click here to apply. If the program proves successful, Metro will replace the old faregates with new ones that are NEPP compatible.