Metro is making some upgrades to its SmarTrip program this weekend, which means riders may experience some trouble with their plastic farecards.
The agency said Thursday that it plans to upgrade the computer system that runs the fare card system. But doing so will limit fare vending machines on Saturday from accepting debit cards and allow credit card transactions of only $20 or less.
Stores that let rider reload their cards such as CVS will be able to accept only cash all weekend.
Online web services for SmarTrip cards and SmartBenefits will not be available.
The agency promises that all functions will be returned to normal by Monday.
Metro has struggled with upgrades to the system. It had to delay fare increases several times last summer because of problems with the system.
The transit agency has promised that by the end of this month, though, that riders will be able to add money to their cards online.
