By Mark Berman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, July 24, 2008

The crowds lined up at Metro Center yesterday looked like fans seeking tickets to a rock concert. The draw in this case: a giveaway of hundreds of SmarTrip cards, each with $5 credit for transit fare.

Union members gave out 689 cards in an effort to promote public transportation and give commuters a small break at a time of fast-rising gas prices. The cards were worth $10 apiece, counting the $5 cost of the card and $5 fare credit. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 paid the $6,890 tab. It was no coincidence that the number of the union local equaled the number of free cards.

"It's our way of giving back to the community and actually inviting them to get on public transportation, as well as get to know Local 689, because we are the faces and we are the voices that they hear and see, and I don't think they know us," said Jackie Jeter, president of Local 689.

Local 689, which represents 7,000 Metro employees, is in contract negotiations with the regional transit agency.

The union had planned to give away 289 cards at Metro Center yesterday and 400 at the Anacostia and Ballston stations in the near future. But so many people showed up that the union wound up giving them all away yesterday in less than half an hour. Jeter said she hopes the union can do another giveaway soon.

The handout started at 11:40 a.m. at the base of an escalator near 13th and G streets NW. Cards were also given out at the street level.

"The money I get for disability, it's not enough," said Dwight Riddick, 49, of Northwest Washington, who has back and leg injuries. He said he relies on public transportation. "You've got to cut corners, and this is one of the ways you cut corners."

Of the card he received, Riddick said, with a laugh: "It's like putting a Band-Aid on a hundred-stitch cut. But it saves a few dollars here or there."

When word came at 12:07 p.m. that no more cards were available, many people were still lined up along G street, hoping to get one.

"Even though people are disappointed because we ran out, I still feel good because we were able to do something for the community," Jeter said.