What is a Transit Link Card (TLC)?

A Transit Link Card is available for either MARC train or Commuter Bus customers. The Transit Link Card allows unlimited monthly use of MARC or Commuter Bus up to the zone indicated, depending on which pass is purchased; in addition to unlimited monthly travel on:

  • WMATA Metrorail and Metrobus
  • Montgomery County RideOn
  • DASH – Alexandria, VA
  • MTA CityLink, LocalLink, Express BusLink (up charge included), Metro Subway and Light Rail

How much does a Transit Link Card cost?

The Transit Link Card cost is based on zone structure. Exact fares for MARC or Commuter Bus may be found on the Commuter Direct web site. Select your mode of travel either MARC or Commuter Bus for exact pricing.

In addition to the monthly fare add $2.00 for smart card + $1.00 surcharge for sticker pass.

Commuters who purchase a MARC TLC and travel originates at MARC BWI station are eligible for free parking at the station. Learn more about free parking at MARC stations.

Where do I purchase a Transit Link Card?

Purchase Online

Order a Transit Link Card from CommuterDirect.com. You will receive a new smart card with each order. The card will contain an electronically loaded monthly Metro pass and a MARC, or MTA Commuter Bus sticker pass.

Purchase at Commuter Stores

Transit Link Cards may be purchased at The Commuter Store, or reloaded, if you already have a SmarTrip or CharmCard. The Transit Link Card will be available at all Arlington Commuter Store locations, the Odenton Commuter Store, and the Springfield Connector Store. The monthly sticker pass will be applied to your card. Customers using this option are strongly encouraged to have two cards, so they can use one card for the current month, and load the TLC and get the sticker pass for the following month on a spare card. Customers will not be able to show two sticker passes on one card at the same time.

How to Use the New Transit Link Card

  • Use the card, with current sticker, as a flash pass on MARC, Commuter Bus and MTA Local Service.
  • When riding WMATA Metrorail or Metrobus, tap the card to the SmarTrip target on faregates and fareboxes.

Questions?

Visit MTA.CommuterDirect.com

Or call:
410-697-2212 or 703-228-7433

**Register each TLC smart card at wmata.com to protect the Metro portion of your Transit Link card against loss. If the SmarTrip portion of the card becomes unusable (cracked, bent, not-working), and the SmarTrip Card is registered, then the SmarTrip portion of the pass is eligible for “Balance Protection.” Take the card in-person to any Metro sales office for card replacement.  Transfer of the pass, will not be available via the customer service website. WMATA will not replace the TLC sticker. MTA Transit Store: 410-767-3447