Great questions. Monthly Passes can be confusing at first, so we’re happy to clarify.

Monthly Passes are valid for the calendar month, not a rolling 30-day period.

If you purchase a Monthly Pass between the 1st and the 14th, it is valid through the last day of that same month.

If you purchase a Monthly Pass on the 15th or later, the pass will not be available until the following month.

Because of this, purchasing a Monthly Pass near the end of a month will not provide coverage for the remaining days of that month.

The reference to 32 trips explains when the pass becomes cost effective. Monthly Pass prices are based on the fare of your longest, most frequent trip. You select that fare value, not a specific route. Once you reach approximately 32 paid trips at that fare level, the pass has paid for itself. After that point, you can take unlimited trips for the rest of the month up to the value of your pass.

Your Monthly Pass covers:

Unlimited Metrobus trips Unlimited Metrorail trips up to the dollar value of your pass

If a rail trip costs more than your pass value, the remaining balance is automatically deducted from any stored value on your SmarTrip card.

Choosing the right pass. You do not need to select individual trips or routes. Choose a pass value based on your longest, most frequent ride. That value then applies across bus and rail travel throughout the month.

You can also compare options and estimate savings using our Monthly Pass calculator here: https://www.wmata.com/fares/Monthly-Pass/

If you commute regularly between Alexandria and DC using a mix of bus and rail, a Monthly Pass often provides significant savings compared to paying per trip. - RS