Accessibility of Public Transit Services
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 the 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 (TICC)
410-539-5000 • Toll Free 866-743-3682 • Maryland Relay 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258
Equal Access for Person with Disabilities
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 ADA?
- A Federal Civil Rights law
- Gives protection to individuals with disabilities
- Guarantees equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities in:
- Public Services (State and local government services)
- Public Accommodations
- Telecommunications
- Miscellaneous Provisions
Requests for Auxiliary Aids and Services, Alternate Formats or Reasonable
Modifications to Policies and Procedures
If you need help understanding this information or assistance in completing or understanding MTA forms or policies, wish to request a reasonable modification, or need a copy of this document in an alternative format, please contact MTA TICC at 410-539-5000, Toll Free 866-743-3682, Maryland Relay, dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258. You may also contact the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance Programs at 410-767-3779, for additional assistance.
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:
- Government issued photo ID showing age 65 years or older,
- MTA Reduced Fare Disability photo ID card,
- Disability ID from another transit agency and government issued photo ID,
- 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 years and older) may apply for a no cost Maryland Photo Identification Card at any Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration Office.
Reduced Fares for MTA core services (CityLink, LocalLink, Light Rail, Metro Subway can be found on our fare tables.
For more information, call 410-767-3438, or visit the MTA Certification Office at 6 St. Paul Street (Lobby Level); Baltimore, MD 21202.
Download Reduced Fare Application from our forms page for Certification Reduced Fare Program.
For information on MARC train fares visit MARC home page and check the fare schedules. (NOTE: MARC train fares are determined by distance traveled.)
Purchase MTA passes online and at the Transit Store at 6 St Paul Street (Lobby Level); Baltimore, MD 21202.
For the most convenient Pass Sales Outlet, view the Pass Sales Outlet page.
For more information on the Mobility Fare Program, visit 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 MTA buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and/or kneeling capability. There are seats in the front of each bus that are designated as priority seats for seniors and people with disabilities. MTA requires these seats be made available for our seniors and disabled customers upon request. Look for the international accessibility symbol on the front and side of the bus. Wheelchair securement systems 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.
- 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 bus. Please ask the Operator for assistance if you need to use the lift, ramp, or kneeler to help you board.
- Route identification devices: Assist the visually and hearing impaired.
- New Bus Shelters: With wider spaces for wheelchairs and better lighting.
Using Bus Accessibility Features:
- Please arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes early. If possible, please be near the bus stop sign 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 safely be deployed.
- If you require the bus to kneel to allow you to board easier please ask the Operator.
- If you use the lift to board the bus in your wheelchair, you may face forward or backward. In some cases, it may be easier to board by backing your device onto the lift 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, which will allow you to 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. MTA vehicles can accommodate at a minimum, all occupied wheelchairs weighing up to 600 pounds and measuring 30 inches wide and 48 inches long. Under the ADA, public transportation providers are not mandated to accommodate mobility devices falling outside of these specifications.
Metro Subway 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 the train platform.
Tactile Warning Strips: There are yellow tactile warning strips in place at the edge of Metro Subway train boarding platforms. Please stand behind these warning strips to ensure your safety as trains approach.
Platform Barriers: There are yellow barriers on the edge of the boarding platform. These platform barriers are used to prevent people from accidently falling or stepping off the platform when boarding the train.
Accessible Parking: Accessible parking spaces are available at Metro Subway parking lots. You must display a valid MVA disability placard or have the appropriate disability license plate.
Automatic Voice Annunciators: Automatic voice annunciators and interior destination signs along with Braille station guides have improved mobility for the visually impaired community.
Priority Seating: There are priority seats designated for seniors and people with disabilities in the front of each Metro Subway car. The MTA requires that these seats be made available to eligible customers upon request.
Light Rail Accessibility
Tickets can be purchased from a ticket vending machine onsite at each stop, or through the CharmPass mobile ticket app, before boarding a Light Rail train. (NOTE: Tickets are not available for onboard purchase). Please present a valid disability photo ID if asked so by fare inspectors onboard the train.
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 Rail boarding platforms. Please stand behind these warning strips to ensure your safety as trains approach.
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: MTA provides High-Block level boarding platforms at each Light Rail stop for customers who may be unable to use the steps to board. At the first car in the train, the Operator will deploy a boarding ramp to assist passengers waiting on the High-Block Platform. Please do not try to board the train until the boarding ramp is completely down. Operator will also deploy the ramp at the High-Block platform when you exit.
Priority Seating: There are seats in the front of each Light Rail 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. The CACAT Committee does not set regulations or policy. Members of the committee are the eyes and ears of the MTA transit system. As a volunteer advisory group, 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 to desktop computer only):
- Complaints may be submitted in any of the following methods:
- Mail to:
Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance Programs
Maryland Transit Administration
6 Saint Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 - Email to: mtaequalaccess@mdot.maryland.gov
- Online at https://mta.maryland.gov/contact-mta
- Mail to:
- For additional information, please call the MTA Transit Information Contact Center at 410-539-5000 • Toll Free 866-743- 3682 • MD Relay 711 or 800-735-2258
- Questions may also be directed to Debra Johnson ADA Coordinator at 410-767-9344 or djohnson6@mdot.maryland.gov or Bart Plano at 410-767- 3779 or bplano@mdot.maryland.gov.
