The fares on the DC Circulator have been reinstated as of Friday, October 1, 2021, according to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT).
In March 2020, the DC Council made the Circulator free for the public because of the COVID-19 public health emergency. However, the free-fare policy continued after the expiration of the health emergency on July 25 this year.
As per an emergency order issued by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser in early August, it was extended through September 30.
Starting October 1, DC Circulator fares will apply again. The regular fare is $1, but for seniors and mobility impaired individuals, it is only 50 cents.
DC Students may ride the Circulator free of charge for going to school and school-related activities if they have a Kids Ride Free SmarTrip Card. Children younger than five years of age can also ride for free together with a paying adult rider.
Get your farecards ready! $1 fares are reinstated on all buses as of tomorrow. Learn more here: https://t.co/EKLXsQBTwF pic.twitter.com/gumPWR6W0M
— DC Circulator (@DCCirculator) September 30, 2021
You can pay the fares in cash — only coins and dollar bills in exact change — by putting the money in the farebox you will find next to the driver.
Another payment method is tapping a current SmarTrip card on the fare box when entering the front door. SmarTrip cards can also be used to pay fares and transfers on Metrobus and Metrorail. The permanent farecard can be purchased or loaded at Metrorail stations, Metro sales offices, retail outlets, commuter stores, as well as CommuterDirect.com.
DC Circulator also accepts the $17.50 7-day WMATA regional bus pass that can be loaded onto the Smartrip card. Click here for more details.