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6 Jailed In Metro Farecard Scheme
Metro official John B. Catoe Jr. said the investigation continues.
(Katherine Frey - The Washington Post)
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Police have recovered $16,000 in Farecards stolen as part of the counterfeiting, along with 300 counterfeit cards.
In response to the fraud, Metro reprogrammed its fare machines yesterday to significantly lower the amount that passengers can trade in on used Farecards. The maximum, which used to be $40, is now $7, Metro spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said.
At the same time, Metro is "turning off" all SmarTrip cards associated with the theft. Officials do not know how many cards will be affected. If the thieves have sold the counterfeit cards on the street and a person tries to add that value to a legitimate SmarTrip card, she said, Metro personnel will be able to track it and electronically disable the SmarTrip card.
Metro is also asking local governments to pass laws that make it illegal for unauthorized vendors to sell Farecards.
"We want anyone who tries to rob us to know that we're watching, and we will pursue you, arrest you and help prosecute you," said Metro Transit Police Chief Michael Taborn.
Staff researcher Meg Smith contributed to this report.
