How to Pay Your Metro Bill by Phone

You can pay your Metro bill over the phone by calling Metro's customer service line and providing your account number and payment method.

Metro operates different transit systems in different cities, so the phone number and payment process depend on which Metro system serves your area. The most common Metro systems are in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area, and each has its own customer service line. When you call, a representative will walk you through entering your account information and payment details.

Phone payment is fastest if you have your bill in front of you or know your account number. You will need a debit card, credit card, or bank account information to complete the payment. The payment typically processes when ready, though some systems may take up to one business day to show in your account.

Key Takeaways

• The phone number to call varies by Metro system location, so check your bill or the system's website for the correct customer service line.
• Have your account number and payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account) ready before you call.
• Phone payments usually process the same day, though confirmation may take up to one business day.
• Some Metro systems charge a convenience fee for phone payments, so ask the representative before completing the transaction.
• If you pay by phone regularly, setting up automatic payments through your Metro account online may save you time and avoid repeated fees.

Finding the correct Metro customer service number

Metro systems in different cities use different phone numbers. The Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA) in D.C. can be reached at 202-637-7000. The Los Angeles Metro can be reached at 323-GO-METRO (323-466-3876). The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) in the San Francisco area uses 511 or 510-465-2278.

If you are unsure which Metro system serves your area, check your bill — the system name and customer service number appear on every statement. You can also search online for "[your city] Metro customer service phone number" to confirm before calling.

Call during business hours, which typically run Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., though hours vary by system. Some systems offer 24-hour automated payment lines where you can enter your information without speaking to a representative.

What information you need before calling

Gather these items before you pick up the phone: your Metro account number (found on your bill or in your online account), the amount you want to pay, and your payment method. If you are paying with a card, have the card number, expiration date, and CVV ready. If you are paying from a bank account, have your routing number and account number available.

If this is your first time paying by phone, the representative may ask for your name, address, and phone number to verify your account. Having your bill in front of you makes this verification faster.

How the phone payment process works

When you reach a representative or an automated system, you will be asked to provide your account number. The system will then display your current balance and ask how much you want to pay. You can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or the minimum due, depending on your Metro system's rules.

Next, you will enter your payment method. If you choose a card, the system will ask for the card number, expiration date, and CVV. If you choose a bank account, you will provide your routing number and account number. The system will confirm the amount and payment method before processing.

Once you confirm, the payment is submitted. The representative or automated system will give you a confirmation number — write this down or ask for it to be emailed to you. This number is your proof of payment if there are any questions later.

Convenience fees and payment timing

Some Metro systems charge a convenience fee for phone payments, typically between $1 and $3 depending on the system and payment method. Ask the representative whether a fee applies before you complete the payment. This fee is added to your total charge.

Most phone payments post to your account the same day you make them, usually within a few hours. However, some systems may take up to one business day. If your bill is due soon, confirm with the representative that the payment will post in time to avoid a late fee.

Keep your confirmation number and the date you called in case you need to dispute the charge or verify that the payment went through.

Alternatives to phone payment

If phone payment is not convenient, most Metro systems offer other ways to pay. Online payment through your account on the Metro website is usually free and available 24 hours a day. Automatic payments can be set up to deduct money from your bank account or card on a date you choose each month, which eliminates the need to call or log in each time.

In-person payment at a Metro station, customer service center, or authorized retailer is also an option in most systems. Some systems accept payment by mail, though this takes longer. Check your bill or the Metro website for all payment methods available in your area.

What to do if your payment does not go through

If the system declines your payment, the representative will tell you why — usually because the card or account information is incorrect, the card has expired, or there are insufficient funds. Verify the information and try again with the same or a different payment method.

If you provided the correct information and the payment was still declined, contact your bank or card issuer to confirm the account is active and has available funds. Some banks block transactions to transit systems if they do not recognize the charge as legitimate.

If the payment went through but does not appear in your account after one business day, call customer service again with your confirmation number. A representative can look up the transaction and tell you whether it is still processing or if there was an error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee for paying my Metro bill by phone?

Some Metro systems charge a convenience fee of $1 to $3 for phone payments, while others do not. The fee depends on your Metro system and sometimes on your payment method. Ask the representative before you complete the payment whether a fee will be added.

Can I pay someone else's Metro bill by phone?

Most Metro systems require the account holder to make the payment or authorize someone else in writing. Call customer service to ask whether you can pay an account you do not own, or whether the account holder needs to call themselves or sign a form first.

What if I do not have my account number?

The representative can look up your account using your name and address instead. Have your full name, current address, and phone number ready. This takes longer than providing your account number, so expect the call to last a few extra minutes.

Can I set up a payment plan by phone if I cannot pay the full amount?

Some Metro systems offer payment plans for large balances, but this varies by system. Call customer service to ask whether your system allows payment plans and what the terms are. You may need to speak with a billing specialist rather than a general representative.

How long does it take for a phone payment to show up on my account?

Most phone payments appear in your account the same day, usually within a few hours. Some systems take up to one business day. The representative will tell you the expected timing when you make the payment. Use your confirmation number to track the payment if it does not appear when expected.