FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Single-Trip Fares to Increase by 10 Cents on Local Bus, Light RailLink, Metro SubwayLink and MobilityLink
BALTIMORE, MD (May 18, 2022) – As required by the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013 approved by the Maryland General Assembly, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) will increase transit fares by 10 cents for core service – Local Bus, Light RailLink and Metro SubwayLink – effective Sunday, June 26. This increase was scheduled to go into effect on June 27, 2021, but was mitigated by Governor Larry Hogan through use of funds from the American Relief Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).
The Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013 requires MDOT MTA to increase fares for core service by a minimum of 10 cents or more every two years. The calculation is based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U). As a result, single-trip fares will increase from $1.90 to $2.00 for core service, which were last changed in 2019. Single-trip fares for MobilityLink paratransit service will increase from $2.10 to $2.20.
Despite the mandated increase, MDOT MTA fares are among the lowest of top transit agencies across the United States, and transit offers a great value for consumers as prices at the gas pump continue to rise. Customers using CharmPass, MDOT MTA’s mobile ticketing app, get an added cost-saving benefit of free transfers within 90 minutes when riding between Local Bus, Light RailLink and Metro SubwayLink.
MDOT MTA also offers CharmFlex, a discounted fare option to accommodate Marylanders who are returning to onsite work on a more flexible or hybrid work schedule. Launched in August 2021, CharmFlex three- and 10-day passes can be used on consecutive or non-consecutive days, and are valid for up to 12 months after purchase. Using CharmFlex, riders pay about 15% less compared to the cost of a day-pass or single-trip fare. As of June 26, the three-day CharmFlex pass will cost $11.70 and the 10-day pass will cost $39.10.
MDOT MTA is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States. MDOT MTA operates LocalLink and commuter buses, Light RailLink, Metro SubwayLink, MARC Train service and a comprehensive Mobility paratransit system. MDOT MTA’s mission is to provide safe, efficient and reliable transit across Maryland with world-class customer service. As a participating agency in APTA’s Health and Safety Commitment Program, the agency is dedicated to keeping our employees and passengers safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more, visit mta.maryland.gov, check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/mtamaryland and follow us on Twitter @mtamaryland.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Paul Shepard
Office: 410-767-3935
Cell: 443-622-4181
pshepard@mdot.maryland.gov
Veronica Battisti
Office: 410-767-8748
Cell: 410-598-4168
vbattisti@mdot.maryland.gov
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