Starting this summer, the MTA is modernizing fare collection on all of its 825 local buses, replacing outdated 20-year-old equipment with new fareboxes.

The new fareboxes will feature a large, easy-to-read color display and improved durability. While you can continue to pay with cash for single rides and day passes, please be aware that CharmCards will not be accepted on the new system.

Important Changes to How You Pay

  • CharmCard Being Phased Out: As new bus fareboxes are installed, they will no longer accept CharmCards.
  • Transition to CharmPass: For seamless travel on bus, Metro Subway and light rail, we recommend switching to the CharmPass mobile app now and using any remaining value or passes on your CharmCard.
  • Cash Remains an Option: You can still pay for single bus rides and day passes at the bus farebox using cash.

When You’ll Begin Seeing Changes

  • Installation will happen gradually, with approximately 200 buses per month getting the new fareboxes between Aug. 14 and Nov. 30, 2025.
  • Once a bus has a new farebox, it will no longer accept CharmCard. Be prepared for this change on your routes during this period.

Getting Started with CharmPass

CharmPass is the official mobile ticketing app for MDOT MTA. Using CharmPass is an easy, convenient way to pay for your fares on the go! To learn more, visit mta.maryland.gov/charmpass.

No smartphone? No problem! Pay for transit fare in cash on the bus at the new farebox. You can also purchase a day, weekly, or monthly pass at Ticket Vending Machines and at the Transit Store.

CharmCard Transition Key Dates

June 1 Sales of CharmCards at Walk-in Vendors and the MTA Transit Store will be discontinued
July 7 Sales of CharmCard 31-day passes will be discontinued online and at walk-in vendors
August 14 Installation of new fareboxes on buses begins; new fareboxes will not accept CharmCard
September 30 New fareboxes installed on 50% of bus fleet
October 31 New fareboxes installed on 75% of bus fleet
November 30 New fareboxes installed on 100% of bus fleet
December 1 CharmCard reload function (dollars or passes) will be discontinued
December 31 Last day CharmCard can be used on Metro Subway or Light Rail

Additional support for CharmCard holders is available by calling SmarTrip Customer Service at 888-SMARTRIP (888-762-7874).

Managing Your CharmCard

You can manage your CharmCard, check your balance, and view your transaction history online by visiting the WMATA SmarTrip website, where you can either log in to your existing account or create a new one using your CharmCard serial number.

Manage Your CharmCard

Frequently Asked Questions

iI use the CharmCard to pay for my bus fare. What should I do?

Use your CharmCard balance and passes before Aug. 14, 2025. After that, buses with new fareboxes will only accept cash or CharmPass app payment.

iI don’t use the bus; I only ride Metro Subway and Light Rail. Can I keep using my CharmCard?

Yes. CharmCard will be accepted on Light Rail and Metro Subway through Dec. 31, 2025.

iIf my trip requires a bus and a train, what should I do?

It's a good idea to use up any passes or value on your CharmCard before Aug. 14, 2025, and switch to CharmPass. Since MTA is updating fareboxes on about 200 buses each month, the bus you board might not accept CharmCard anymore.

iHow do I check the balance on my CharmCard?

You can check your balance on the bus, at a Ticket Vending Machine, online, or by phone.

METHOD STEPS
Bus Farebox
  1. Push the Check Value button
  2. Tap your card to the CharmCard target.
  3. Result: The screen will display a pass if you have one and your stored value balance. If you have more than one pass on your card, the display will only show the pass with the shortest duration.
Metro or Light Rail Ticket Vending Machine
  1. Touch the screen
  2. Press the Check Balance button
  3. Tap your card to the CharmCard target
  4. Result: The screen will display all of the active and inactive passes on your card and your stored value balance.
Use SmarTrip Online

That’s right. The BaltimoreLink CharmCard shares the same system as the Washington Metro SmarTrip card.

  1. Go to the SmarTrip page on the WMATA website
  2. If you already have a CharmCard account, then login to view the stored value balance and passes on your card.
  3. If you do not have an account, then click Create Account on the left side of the screen and follow the prompts to create an account and view your balance.

NOTE: As of April 25, 2025, you can only create an account if the serial number on the back of your card starts with 0167. We’ll let you know when all other cards can be registered.
Call SmarTrip Customer Service

If you have already registered your card in a SmarTrip/CharmCard account, then you can contact SmarTrip Customer Service at 1-888-SMARTRIP (888-762-7874) to learn your card’s stored value balance and pass status.
iWhat if I have value or passes remaining on my CharmCard after Dec. 31, 2025?

Any remaining value on CharmCards can be redeemed for another fare product.

iWill I still be able to use my CharmCard on WMATA’s Metro services after Dec. 31, 2025?

If the serial number on the back of your CharmCard starts with 0167, you can continue to use your card to ride WMATA Metro.