Enterprising football fans may have already noticed the apparent loophole in Metro’s parking policy that could help them avoid the $25 fee for spots at two garages within walking distance of FedEx Field.

But before getting too excited, fans should know the system’s computers have already been programmed to spoil their scheme.

Metro charges all fans who park their cars at garages at the Morgan Boulevard and Largo Town Center stations $25 on Sundays, though parking is free for subway riders.

Since Metro began exclusively using the cashless SmarTrip card to accept parking fees, a computer program recognizes whether a customer rode the rail system.

While it appears as if nothing would stop customers from taking a 10-minute ride to the next Metro station and back to avoid paying the parking fee, Metro Board member Charles Deegan, who pushed for the $25 fee, says the system will still charge $25 if you travel less than three stations away and the trip is less than two or three hours.

mrupert@dcexaminer.com