MTA is committed to providing a public transit system that everyone can use.  We have made many improvements to make our system more accessible for people with disabilities and seniors.  It is our hope that information provided in this section will enable you to travel safely and comfortably within our service area.

For more information, or to request this information in an alternate format or translated into another language, please contact the department listed below.

Español: Para mayor información, o para solicitar esta información en un formato alternativo o traducido a otro idioma, por favor contacte el departamento enlistado abajo.

MTA Transit Information Contact Center

410-539-5000 • 866-743-3682 • TTY 410-539-3497 • Maryland Relay Users Dial 7-1-1

Equal Access for Person with Disabilities

The Maryland Transit Administration, MTA, is committed to full accessibility in all of our programs, services and activities so that no person is excluded from participation based on their disability, as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The MTA provides various auxiliary aids and services upon request, including alternate formats and relay services for better communication with people with disabilities.

What is the ADA?

  • A Federal Civil Rights law
  • Gives protection to individuals with disabilites
  • Guarantees equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities in:
  1. Public Services (State and local government services)
  2. Public Accommodations
  3. Telecommunications
  4. Miscellaneous Provisions

Requests for Auxiliary Aids and Services, Alternate Formats or Reasonable Accommodations/Modifications to Policies and Procedures

If you need help understanding this information or assistance in completing or understanding Mobility forms or policies, wish to request a reasonable accommodation or modification, or need a copy of this document in an alternative format, please contact Mobility Information at 410-764-8181, Toll Free 1-866-743-3682, TTY 410-539-3497, or MD Relay 711. You may also contact the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance Programs at 410-767-3779.

People with Disabilities and Seniors Fare Program

People with Disabilities, Senior citizens (age 65+), and Medicare Cardholders must show valid IDs in one of the following categories to be eligible for reduced fares on MTA transit services:

  1. MTA Senior Photo ID ( no longer issued),
  2. Government issued photo ID showing age 65 or better,
  3. MTA Disability photo ID card,
  4. Disability ID from another transit agency and government issued photo ID,
  5. Medicare card and government issued photo ID.

Senior Photo ID cards are no longer issued by the MTA Reduced Fare Certification Office; however, Seniors (65 and over) may apply for a no cost Maryland Photo Identification Card at any Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration Office.  MTA will continue to issue Disability photo IDs.

The Reduced Fares for MTA core services (CityLink, LocalLink, Light RailLink, Metro SubwayLink, and Neighborhood Shuttle Bus) can be found on our fare tables.

For further information, call or visit the MTA Certification Office at 6 Saint Paul Street (Lobby Level); Baltimore, MD 21202, telephone 410-767-3441.

Download Reduced Fare Application from our forms page for Certification Reduced Fare Program.

MARC train fares are based on distance. For more information please visit the MARC home page and check the fare schedules.

Purchase MTA passes on-line at the Transit Store.

For the most convenient Pass Sales Outlet, please view the Pass Sales Outlet page.

For more information on the MobilityLink Description Fare Program please visit the MobilityLink Home Page.

MobilityLink / Paratransit

MDOT MTA provides a comprehensive paratransit system known as MobilityLink, which is fully compliant with the ADA and its implementing regulations. MobilityLink paratransit service is for people who, because of a disability, are unable to use fixed route services.

Mobility service is available within three quarters (3/4) of a mile of any local bus route and train service in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel and Baltimore counties and within three quarters (3/4) of a mile radius of a light rail or Metro/subway station.

Mobility is available 24 hours per day, seven days a week throughout the service area. For more information, visit our MobilityLink section.

Bus Accessibility

All of our Buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and/or kneeling capability. There are seats in the front of each our buses that are designated as priority seats for seniors and people with disabilities The MTA requires that these seats be made available for our disabled and senior customers upon request. Look for the international accessibility symbol on the front and side of the bus. Wheelchair tie-downs are available on all buses. In addition, we include stop announcements and electronic information boards on our service

Bus Accessibility Features:

  • Lift: A platform that deploys from the base of the Bus and raises or lowers a passenger to the floor or curb level.
  • Ramp: An angled platform that deploys from the floor of the bus to assist passengers in boarding.
  • Kneeler: For persons who have difficulty stepping up, buses will “kneel” for you. This feature lowers the front step of the bus and makes it easier to board the bus.
  • Securement Area: An area inside the bus designated for riders using mobility devices. Straps and clamps ensure a safe ride. There are two securement areas on each of our buses. If you need to use the lift, ramp, or “kneeler” to help you board, just ask the operator.
  • Route identification devices: Assist the visually and hearing impaired.
  • New bus shelters: With wider spaces for wheelchairs and better lighting.

Using Bus Accessibility:

  • Please arrive at the Bus stop at least 5 minutes early. Be sure that you are near the Bus stop so the operator can see you.
  • If you require use of the lift or ramp; please stay at least 6 feet away from the Bus so that the lift or ramp can be lowered into place safely.
  • If it is a kneeling Bus, please let the operator know. The operator will lower to make boarding easier.
  • If you use the lift to board the Bus in your wheelchair, you may face forward or backward. In some cases it is easier to board by backing your device onto the lift because after you are safely on board the Bus, you will not have to turn around to enter the securement area.
  • If you use a mechanized mobility (wheelchair, scooter) device, please turn off the device and lock the wheels while you are on the lift. When you are safely secured, please keep the mobility device turned off.
  • With Low Floor Buses, boarding is faster and more convenient using the ramp, you will board directly onto the bus.

For wheelchair users:

A wheelchair is defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as a mobility aid belonging to any class of three-or more-wheeled devices, usable indoors, designed or modified for and used by individuals with mobility impairments, whether operated manually or powered. Under the ADA, public transportation providers are not mandated to accommodate mobility devices falling outside of these specifications.

Metro SubwayLink Accessibility

Elevators and Escalators: The Metro system has renovated elevators and escalators at station entrances to include the repositioning of control panels and railings to make these controls more accessible. We provide elevator and escalator service from the street entrance of a station to train platform.

Tactile Warning Strips: There are tactile warning strips in place at the edge of Metro SubwayLink train boarding platforms.  Please stand behind the tactile warning strip to ensure that you will be out of danger from the approaching train.

Accessible Parking: Accessible parking spaces are available for our customers who drive to a Metro SubwayLink Station. You must display a valid MVA permit or have the license plates.

Automatic Voice Annunciators: Automatic voice annunciators and interior destination signs along with Braille station guides has improved mobility for the visually impaired community.

Priority Seating: There are seats in the front of each Metro SubwayLink car that are designated as priority seats for seniors and people with disabilities. The MTA requires that these seats be made available to eligible customers upon request.

Light RailLink Accessibility

Purchase a ticket from the ticket vending machine before boarding Light RailLink.  Tickets are not available onboard. Ticket Vending Machines have audio instructions. Braille and raised letter instructions are on each machine. Please have a valid disability photo ID available to validate purchase of disability fare if asked by fare inspectors on board trains.

Ticket Vending Machine: Ticket Vending Machines have audio instructions. Braille and raised letter instructions are on each machine.

Tactile Warning Strips: There are yellow tactile warning strips in place at the edge of Light RailLink train boarding platforms.  Please stand behind the tactile warning strip to ensure that you will be out of danger from the approaching train.

Access Buttons: Press the button on the outside of the train to gain access. To exit, press the green button next to the door.

Level Boarding Platforms: We also provide level boarding (High-Block) platforms at each of our Light RailLink Stops for our customers who may be unable use the steps to board. At the first car in the train, the operator will deploy a boarding ramp to assist passengers in boarding from the High-Block Platform. Please do not try to board the train until the boarding ramp is down. Operator will also deploy the ramp when you alight at your destination.

Priority Seating: There are seats in the front of each Light RailLink car that are designated as priority seats for seniors and people with disabilities. The MTA requires that these seats be made available to eligible customers upon request.

Citizens Advisory Committee for Accessible Transportation

The Citizens Advisory Committee for Accessible Transportation (CACAT) is a volunteer advisory group to the MTA. The CACAT Committee does not set regulations or policy. The members of the committee are the eyes and ears of the MTA transit system. As a volunteer advisory group, the members of the committee make recommendations for solutions to problems that are identified. CACAT is a collaborative effort between the MTA and the community. For more information on CACAT, click here.

How to file a complaint

If you believe you have been subjected to discrimination by MTA employees or policies based on your disability, you may file a complaint.

Complaints must be submitted in writing and should include the following information:

  • Your name, address, (telephone number(s), and email address.
  • A description of how you believe you were discriminated against. Include the date, time, and location the incident occurred (be specific), and the names and contact information of any witnesses.
  • You may use these complaint forms as a template (click to download):
  • Complaints may be submitted in any of the following methods:
    1. Mail to:
      Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance Programs
      Maryland Transit Administration
      6 Saint Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
    2. Email to bplano@mta.maryland.gov
    3. Online at https://mta.maryland.gov/contact-mta
  • For additional information, please call the MTA Transit Information Contact Center at 410-539-5000 • Toll Free 866-743- 3682 • TTY 410-539-3497 • MD Relay 711
  • Questions may also be directed to Bart Plano, MTA ADA Coordinator at 410-767- 3779 or at bplano@mta.maryland.gov