Student Transit ID For Parochial and Private School Students Age 13 to 21

Whether you're new to school and ride MTA with your parents or you're an experienced rider and can ride by yourself, you can use the MTA Student ID card!

As a student with an MTA Student Transit ID card, you can pay a reduced Student Fare of just $1.50 per trip (with transfer privileges) when traveling to and from school. The Student ID card is issued to students by participating parochial and private schools, public schools in Baltimore County and some in Baltimore City.

Participating schools may also purchase MTA Token 10-Packs at the student rate. Have your school contact the MTA Transit Store to learn more about this program.

Who can use the Student ID card?

Students between the ages of 13 and 21 can use the Student ID card. Children aged 12 and under do not need a Student ID card because they may ride MTA local services free of charge.

When can I use the Student ID card?

The Student ID card is only valid for one school term. You will need to replace your ID card for each school term.

For example, if your school year begins in August, that is when you should ask for a new Student ID card; or if you go to school in the summer, you will need to ask for a new ID card at the beginning of summer school.

Where can I use my Student ID card?

You can use the Student ID card to pay for a Student Fare on all MTA local services: CityLink, LocalLink, Express Bus Link, Metro Subway, and Light Rail.  The Student ID card is not valid for travel on MARC Train or MDOT MTA Commuter Bus.

How do I get the Student ID card?

Visit your school’s office to request an MTA Student Transit ID card.

What if my school does not participate in the program?

Ask your school administrators to contact the MTA Reduced Fare Certification Office at 410-767-3438 or 410-767-4659, or TTY 410-333-2051. It is easy for schools to apply.

Rules for using the MTA Student ID card:

  • The MTA Student ID card is valid only for the school term printed on the front. The color of the card changes with each school year and for summer school. You will need to request a new MTA Student ID card each school year.
  • Your MTA Student ID card must have your name, address, gender, the name of your school, and the date it was issued to you printed on the front. ID cards without this information will be confiscated by the MTA Operator or other MTA official and you will be required to pay the full fare to travel.
  • The expiration date (“Void After”) is printed at the bottom of each ID card.
  • If you need to travel on more than one vehicle for your trip to or from school: on the first vehicle, you must request a Continuation Pass from the bus operator to present as payment of fare for travel on the following vehicle. If your trip begins on Light Rail or Metro, purchase your $1.50 Student Fare at the ticket vending machine. To board the second vehicle, either swipe the ticket on the bus farebox, display it to a fare inspector, or insert it into a Metro Subway faregate.
  • Always be prepared to present your MTA Student ID Card upon request by a Light Rail Fare Inspector or MTA official.
  • At the beginning of each school year, to allow students ample time to obtain an MTA Student ID card, students are permitted to ride without the ID for the first few days of the school year.
  • If a student chooses to withdraw from a school, they are required to surrender their MTA Student ID card to the school.
  • MTA Student Transit ID cards are non-transferable and subject to all MTA regulations.
  • The Student ID card is not valid for travel on MARC Train or MDOT MTA Commuter Bus

Baltimore City Public School Students

Baltimore City Public School Students participating in the Student Transportation Program are issued non-transferable monthly S-Passes or a BCPS Student Photo ID known as a OneCard for unrestricted travel on MTA local services.

To learn more, go to: Student Transportation Management: OneCard | Baltimore City Public Schools