Photo by m01229

Earlier this year, WMATA launched a new program to help Metrorail riders save 20 percent or more on their monthly transit costs. And after a successful summer, they say, it’s expanding.

“Customers wanted a monthly pass with more price options, one where they could name their own price,” said Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld in a release. “Expanding the SelectPass pilot now gives customers the flexibility to purchase a pass that fits their individual travel needs.”

When it began, SelectPass was advertised as the ideal option for Metrorail riders who commute at least 4 times a week. At the beginning of each month, riders in the pilot phase have been loading their SmarTrip cards with the total cost of 18 roundtrips using one of two price points, $2.25 or $3.75. Once customers made the 18 roundtrips, the rest of that month’s travels were free. And the only way customers would pay extra is if a trip exceeded the price they chose.

Now, SelectPass will offer nine price points for September passes and those thereafter. The passes will be priced at quarter increments from $2.25 to $4.00, plus the $5.90 maximum fare.

In just over four months, Metro has sold about 11,000 passes with total sales exceeding $1.2 million, according to the release.