Virginia Railway Express

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• Amtrak Cross Honor Service
• MARC Cross Honoring Agreement
• Metrochek
• On-Board Policies
• Off-Site Vendors
• Service Disruptions
• System Map
• Burke Centre Shuttle Buses
• Quiet Cars

Metrochek

What is Metrochek?
How much will I receive?
How do I receive this benefit?
How do I exchange my e-benefits or SmartCard Metrochek benefits?
How do I use Metrocheks to purchase VRE Tickets?
Metrochek Reimbursement Form - Printable Form
What If my employer does not provide Metrochek?

What is Metrochek?

Metrocheks are vouchers that may be used to reduce the cost of public transportation. The Metrochek program is administered by The Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA). Metrocheks look like Metrorail tickets and may be used as a fare card on Metrorail. However, Metrocheks may also be used toward the purchase of tickets for VRE, MARC, local area buses and other transit services, including qualified car or van pools.

 

How Much Will I Receive?

The maximum allowed benefit is $115 per month ($1,260 per year). However, the dollar value of this monthly benefit is determined by the employer. Metrocheks are issued in denominations ranging from $1 to $30.To determine the value of your Metrochek, look at the table on its back. The "Redeemable For" row reflects the value of your Metrochek when applied toward VRE tickets. Please note that if your Metrochek has a value of $20.00, the face of the Metrochek will reflect a 10% Metrorail bonus that is available only when the Metrochek is used as a Metrorail ticket.

How do I exchange my e-benefits or SmartCard Metrochek benefits?

Unfortunately, at this time VRE is unable to exchange e-benefits or SmartCard benefits for VRE tickets. Please request the Metrochek voucher if you wish to utilize it on VRE.

VRE is working towards upgrading its fare system to accept SmarTrip and SmartBenefits for ticket payment. In the meanwhile, Commuter Direct/Commuter Store is able to help you create a virtual account for your SmartBenefits so you can purchase your VRE tickets with SmartBenefits. Visit their website for more information: www.commuterpage.com/smartbenefits.cfm

How do I receive this benefit?

Check with your employer's Human Resources Department or Benefits Administrator for information on how to receive Metrochek vouchers. There are two main ways to benefit from Metrochek:

1. Participating employers can purchase up to $115 of tax deductible Metrocheks per month per employee. Employers then distribute these vouchers (Metrocheks) to their employees.
   
   
2. Employers can allow an employee to deduct up to $115 of Metrocheks per month by deducting the cost from the employee's salary before taxes.

How do I use Metrocheks to purchase VRE Tickets?

Unused Metrocheks can be exchanged for VRE tickets at vendors, online, and through the mail. Partially used Metrocheks may only be used for fares on Metrorail. Metrocheks do not have an expiration date.

To purchase VRE tickets with Metrocheks in person, visit one of our vendors:

Purchase Tickets On-Line:

Visit Commuter Direct to purchase your tickets on-line and then mail your Metrocheks in. Your Metrocheks will be credited to your account.

To Redeem Metrocheks By mail:

Simply purchase your tickets at the platform with credit card, then mail your Metrochek to VRE with the Metrochek Reimbursement Form. (Printer Friendly Reimbursement Form) VRE will credit the value of the Metrocheks to your credit card, up to the cost of the ticket(s). Be sure to attach your original ticket(s) or receipt(s) (or a copy of them).