FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
New Fare-by-Phone Convenience for Bus and Rail Transit Riders Statewide
BALTIMORE, MD (SEPTEMBER 27, 2018) - The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) today announced the launch of CharmPass, a mobile transit pass app that makes it faster, easier and more affordable for transit riders statewide to purchase fares for MARC Train and Commuter Bus services as well as MDOT MTA Local Bus, Light RailLink, and Metro SubwayLink. In addition, riders using CharmPass now can transfer between the Local Bus, Metro SubwayLink and Light RailLink systems when traveling within a span of 90 minutes without any additional cost. The app is free and available on both Apple and Android devices.
“This new mobile ticketing app is another way we’re working to improve our customers’ experience on transit,” said MDOT MTA Administrator Kevin Quinn. “CharmPass is an innovative tool that will eliminate the need for people to fumble with cash, which will help speed the boarding process and improve reliability.”
With CharmPass, transit riders can purchase right from their smartphones Local Bus, Light RailLink and Metro SubwayLink one-way, 1-day, 7-day and 31-day passes; MARC Train one-way, 5-day, 7-day and 31-day tickets; and one-way and 31-day passes for all Commuter Bus routes. Tickets can be purchased using a credit or debit card and with PayPal. Transit riders can even split charges between two credit or debit cards. In addition, reduced fare tickets – including senior and student fares – can be purchased with the CharmPass. The app streamlines repeat purchases and makes tickets available immediately to the user.
Mobile tickets are activated by the CharmPass app and must be shown to the operator, conductor or station attendant. Tickets that are activated become animated and contain multiple security features including security codes that change daily. Operators may instruct transit riders to tap the screen to verify a valid ticket, since tapping the screen causes the ticket to change color.
Expired tickets will be identified as such and turn gray. Additionally, since tickets are stored on the user’s phone, tickets can be activated in areas with poor cell or Wi-Fi reception.
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 goal is to provide safe, efficient and reliable transit across Maryland with world-class customer service. To learn more, visit mdot.maryland.gov or mta.maryland.gov, check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/mtamaryland and follow us on Twitter @mtamaryland.
Media Contacts
Sandy Arnette
Office: 410-767-8367
Cell: 443-835-7984
sarnette@mta.maryland.gov
Paul Shepard
Office: 410-767-3935
Cell: 443-622-4181
pshepard@mta.maryland.gov
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