Commuter Store

So I went in today looking to add money to my smartcard and was told I would be charged 25 cents. It’s not about the money but its the principal. The county operates this store and charges, while you have other options like doing it when you get onto the bus or other retailers like CVS. The sales associate were rude and I don’t understand his comment regarding its a drugstore and they wouldn’t be able to help me if anything goes wrong. First of all, I wouldn’t have gone to the store I would have called WMATA or whoever and I would also have my receipt of the transaction. The only good thing about this store is its location and even so, it shouldn’t make up for their rude associates.

They have a good selections of free maps that list out bike routes, bus routes, etc. If you have a question, the staff is friendly but not exactly a wealth of information. On the day of the L’Enfant Metro cluster I asked about bus routes to Pentagon City and the directions to the bus stop sounded like something out of the D-​Day invasion. Pretty sure there was a «cross the street and turn after 30 feet but I’m not sure if that bus is still running» in there at some point. I gave up and took a cab.
Have to wonder how much these Commuter Stores are costing Arlington taxpayers and if they’re really worth the cost if they can’t give us directions beyond what’s on the maps/​timetables. Maybe cut back staffing to one employee or hire an intern instead?

A ton of free maps if you need the timetables or the right routes. They also sell smartcards that can be loaded up either using cash or a credit card. However, the service isn’t very friendly. I asked the guy behind the counter about transfers btw buses and trains, but he was like «I don’t know!» The question is: «Who does?» If that’s a commuter store and you don’t know maybe I should just give up.

A great place for free maps of just about anything — walking tours of Arlington, bike routes for the NOVA/​DC area, Baltimore metro maps, bus routes, you name it. As the website says, the staff helps you figure out the best way to commute. I’m really happy with the service I received here. There are also two public computers inside. These have the internet and are free to use for looking up bus/​rail schedules.
This is on the website, but I’ll print it here: «Please note that The Commuter Store adds a 25 cent convenience fee to the cost of WMATA products (Metrobus and Metrorail fares and SmarTrip cards). There is no convenience fee added for discounted fare media for seniors and persons with disabilities.»