WASHINGTON — Metro riders will no longer end up paying for entering and leaving a station amid major delays.

The new policy that was approved earlier this year to begin July 1 will refund riders who tap out of a station within 15 minutes of entering there, regardless of the reason.

Riders may still see the charge when they tap to exit the system, however the base fare should be refunded overnight with the refund showing up the next time a rider taps into the system.

The Metro Board sees the change as a basic customer service improvement.