Metro, Sound Transit and the other major Puget Sound transit agencies (Community Transit, Pierce Transit, Everett Transit, Kitsap Transit, and Washington State Ferries) are testing a smart-card-based, agency-agnostic, electronic fare system. Hallelujah!

Smart card users can purchase passes on their card or store funds in an electronic purse (“e-purse”) for use in traveling across systems that have different fares.

After my recent fare-related incident on the 550, I’m hoping it will let you do both: buy a pass for your regular commute and keep money in your “e-purse” for when you take a higher-fare trip.

If you want to help test the system this fall, sign up by October 20th.