Paying For Buses In Maryland: A Guide To Fares

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) offers several ways to pay for bus services. The MTA bus service includes over 60 routes, including CityLink, LocalLink, and Express BusLink, which operate from various suburbs to downtown Baltimore. One-way bus fares must be paid upon boarding the bus with exact change, and are priced at $1.90. Day passes can be purchased for $4.40, and weekly and monthly passes are also available. The CharmPass mobile app can be used to purchase fares, and the CharmCard allows users to deduct trips from stored value.

Using the CharmPass mobile app

The CharmPass mobile app is the official mobile ticketing app for MDOT MTA. It is free to download for both Apple and Android devices. The app allows you to purchase and use fares instantly on your phone—anytime, anywhere.

• Download the CharmPass app on your smartphone.
• Create an account and register your debit/credit card or PayPal account. The app uses a secure system to protect your payment information.
• When you are ready to purchase a ticket, open the app, and choose the service you wish to use, such as BaltimoreLink Local Service, MARC Train, or Commuter Bus.
• Select the type of fare you require, such as a single fare or a group fare.
• Choose the ticket type, such as a one-way ticket or a day pass.
• Select the quantity of tickets you need.
• Proceed to checkout and complete your purchase.
• Once you have purchased your ticket, you can activate your fare as you board the bus.
• Show your digital ticket to the operator of the vehicle for verification.

It is important to note that a cellular network or wireless internet connection is required to purchase tickets on the CharmPass app. However, you can activate pre-purchased tickets offline. Your tickets are stored on your phone, so do not uninstall the app or erase your phone while you have active tickets to avoid losing them.

The CharmPass app offers several benefits, including the convenience of purchasing tickets anytime, anywhere, without the need to carry cash or find a ticket machine. It also eliminates the hassle of tracking paper fares and provides a more efficient boarding process.

Paying with cash

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) offers a range of transportation options, including buses, subways, and light rail. While many people opt for mobile apps or cards to pay for their fares, paying with cash is also an option. Here's what you need to know about paying with cash for bus fares in Maryland:

Bus Fares and Passes

When paying with cash on a bus in Maryland, you will need to have the exact change ready. Bus operators cannot make change or accept anything other than the exact fare. The one-way bus fare for CityLink, LocalLink, Metro SubwayLink, and Light RailLink is $1.90. You can pay this cash fare directly to the bus operator when boarding the bus. It is important to note that no change will be given, and no ticket will be issued when paying with cash on these bus services.

Ticket Vending Machines

If you are using the Light Rail or Metro Subway, you will need to purchase your ticket from a ticket vending machine (TVM) located in the rail stations. These machines accept bills in denominations of $1, $5, $10, and $20. You can purchase a one-way or round-trip ticket from these machines, but remember to have the exact change ready as they do not provide change.

Day Passes

If you plan to use the bus multiple times in a day, you may want to consider purchasing a day pass. A day pass for CityLink, LocalLink, Metro SubwayLink, and Light RailLink costs $4.40. You can buy this day pass with cash on the bus, but again, you will need to have the exact change. Day passes are valid for unlimited travel from the time of purchase until 3:00 am the following day.

Monthly Passes

For frequent bus users, monthly passes are available for purchase. These passes offer unlimited travel on any local bus service for the entire month. You can purchase a monthly pass with cash at the MTA Transit Store located at 6 St. Paul Street in downtown Baltimore or from various pass sales outlets. Monthly passes are also available at Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) located at Metro Subway stations and Light Rail stops.

Other Options

In addition to cash, you can also pay for your bus fare in Maryland using a Charm Card, the CharmPass mobile app, or a Transit Store. The CharmPass app offers various fare options, including day passes, weekly passes, and monthly passes. It's always a good idea to have multiple payment options available, especially if you plan to use public transportation frequently.

Purchasing a day pass

• Understanding the Day Pass Options: Maryland offers several options for day passes, including the standard Day Pass, the CharmPass 1-Day Pass, and the CharmCard 1-Day Pass. The standard Day Pass can be purchased on the bus or at ticket vending machines, while the CharmPass and CharmCard options can be purchased through the CharmPass mobile transit fare app.
• Payment Methods: When purchasing a standard Day Pass, you will need to pay with exact change, either on the bus or at a ticket vending machine. If you opt for the CharmPass or CharmCard, you can pay using the mobile app, which may accept additional payment methods such as debit/credit cards.
• Validity and Activation: It is important to note that the Day Pass is valid for unlimited travel on Local Service from the time of purchase until 3:00 AM the following day. If you choose the CharmPass or CharmCard option, you will need to activate the pass for it to become valid. Once activated, it will be valid for unlimited travel until 3:00 AM the following day.
• Consider Your Travel Needs: Before purchasing a Day Pass, consider your travel plans for the day. If you intend to take more than two single trips, a Day Pass is often the most cost-effective option. Additionally, if you plan to travel for multiple days, you might want to explore weekly or monthly pass options.
• Purchasing the Pass: Depending on your preferred option, you can purchase the Day Pass on the bus, at a ticket vending machine, or through the CharmPass mobile app. Make sure you have the exact change if buying on the bus or from a vending machine.
• Using the Pass: Once you have purchased the Day Pass, simply present it to the bus operator when boarding, or tap your CharmCard on the card reader if you have the digital version. Remember, the pass is valid for unlimited travel until 3:00 AM the following day.

By following these steps, you can easily purchase and use a day pass for bus travel in Maryland, allowing you to explore the state conveniently and affordably.

Using a ticket vending machine

Ticket vending machines (TVMs) are available at rail stations and the MTA Transit Store in Baltimore. They are also available at stops for Local Bus, Light Rail, and Metro Subway.

The TVMs are currently undergoing a system modernization, so they can only accept cash payments. The machines accept bills in the denomination of $1, $5, $10, and $20.

• Locate a ticket vending machine at a rail station, the MTA Transit Store in Baltimore, or a Local Bus, Light Rail, or Metro Subway stop.
• Ensure you have cash to use as payment. The machines accept $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills.
• Approach the ticket vending machine and select the type of ticket or pass you wish to purchase. The options may include single-trip, round-trip, day pass, weekly pass, or monthly pass.
• Follow the prompts on the screen to select your desired fare and make the payment.
• Collect your ticket or pass from the machine's dispensing slot.
• If you require a receipt, look for an option to print one before concluding the transaction.

Please note that the information provided is accurate as of July 2024 and may be subject to change.

Buying a monthly pass

If you regularly use the bus in Maryland, it may be more cost-effective to buy a monthly pass. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) offers a Monthly Go Pass, which is valid for unlimited travel on any Local Service from the first day of the designated month until 3:00 a.m. on the first day of the following month.

You can buy the Monthly Go Pass in several ways:

• From Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) at Metro Subway stations and Light Rail stops.
• At the MTA Transit Store, located at 6 St. Paul Street in downtown Baltimore.
• From Pass Sales Outlets throughout the service area.
• Online with a credit card from the MTA Pass Store.
• On your smartphone using the CharmPass mobile transit fare app.

The CharmCard 31-Day Pass is another option for a monthly pass. This pass is valid for 31 consecutive days of unlimited travel on CityLink, LocalLink, Light Rail, and Metro Subway. You can buy the CharmCard 31-Day Pass online, at Ticket Vending Machines, the MTA Transit Store, and from select consignment vendors in the Baltimore area.

Both the Monthly Go Pass and the CharmCard 31-Day Pass can be purchased approximately ten days each month. If you are ordering the physical Monthly Go Pass, please note that it needs to be ordered in advance, from the 1st to the 25th of the previous month. Digital fares, on the other hand, can be purchased through the CharmPass mobile app.

Frequently asked questions