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Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) passengers soon might be able to use their SmarTrip fare cards to purchase more than tickets.

Yesterday, the authority’s budget committee approved a 30-month pilot with Citi Cards to develop, test, issue and evaluate a joint SmarTrip card/Mastercard. Cardholders could use it as a regular credit card, or as a SmarTrip card to pay for tickets and parking fees.

WMATA plans to issue up to 10,000 cards during the demonstration period. Citi Cards will fund project development; the authority will provide SmarTrip customer service.

The full board is expected to vote on the project at its May 20 meeting.