Updated MDOT MTA fare policy grants increased transit privileges for CharmPass holders and student passengers.
The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) has announced a comprehensive update to its fare structure, effective July 27, 2025. The changes aim to expand transit access and affordability across the Baltimore metropolitan area.
The updated fare structure introduces several key modifications:
- CharmPass users now enjoy an extended transfer window, increased from 90 minutes to 120 minutes, providing greater flexibility and additional access across metropolitan Baltimore without extra cost.
- Children aged 12 and under can now ride for free, doubling the previous age limit which was children 6 and under, thereby expanding youth access.
- Baltimore City Public School (BCPS) students may travel at any time using their student passes, removing prior time restrictions. This move supports greater participation in after-school activities, part-time jobs, and general mobility.
- Eligibility for the All Access Student Transit Pass has been broadened beyond public schools to include private school students, improving regional youth access to transit services.
- A low-income fare program for participants in Maryland's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been established, aiming to improve transit equity by helping economically disadvantaged individuals access mobility options.
- To promote fare compliance, a new $5 surcharge applies to Light Rail riders who fail to present a valid ticket during fare inspection and then purchase one afterward via the CharmPass app.
These changes apply systemwide across Local Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, Mobility, and Call-a-Ride services. MDOT MTA Administrator, Holly Arnold, stated that increasing transit access benefits riders and is critical to the economic prosperity of the entire region.
While the new fare structure does not mention any changes to mobility or call-a-ride services, it does not offer free rides for children aged 13 and above or any changes to the travel hours for students. The changes followed public hearings held in June and a 30-day public comment period.
The new fare structure is part of MDOT MTA's commitment to supporting the next generation of transit riders and fostering an equitable and accessible transit system in the Baltimore metropolitan area.
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- The updated fare structure in Maryland's public-transit system, effective July 27, 2025, will allow children aged 12 and under to ride for free, increasing accessibility for a larger number of youth.
- The Maryland Department of Transportation's (MDOT) new fare structure introduces a low-income fare program for participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), aiming to enhance mobility options for economically disadvantaged individuals.
- Starting July 27, 2025, rail and bus users in the Baltimore metropolitan area will experience policy-and-legislation changes, as the CharmPass transfer window has been extended from 90 minutes to 120 minutes.
- In an effort to provide greater flexibility for students, the Baltimore City Public School (BCPS) students can now travel at any time using their student passes under the new fare policy, eliminating prior time restrictions.
- The new fare structure does not offer free rides for children aged 13 and above or any changes to the travel hours for students, indicating that these aspects of the policy might be addressed in future updates or legislation.
