The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) provides accessible, reliable transit for K-12 students across the region. Find your school type below to view fare programs.

Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools)

Eligible Baltimore City Public Schools middle and high school students receive free, unlimited travel on MTA Local Bus, Light Rail, and Metro Subway. (Passes are not valid on MARC Train or Commuter Bus.)

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, students aged 13 and up have the option to receive free digital transit passes sent directly to their smartphones as a recurring 31-day pass through the CharmPass Mobile Ticketing App. To access and redeem digital passes, students must download the app and register using their City Schools email address. 

Data-Sharing Notice: By registering a CharmPass account using a City Schools email address, parents and guardians authorize MTA and Baltimore City Public Schools to share limited student information each month to verify eligibility for free transit. Additionally, City Schools will provide anonymized student addresses to MTA annually to analyze trip patterns and improve service levels.

Who Needs CharmPass?

Students Ages 13 and Older: Must register on CharmPass to activate their free digital student transit pass.

Students Ages 12 and Younger: Do NOT need CharmPass. Children 12 and under ride all MTA Local Bus, Light Rail, and Metro Subway services free automatically—no app, pass, or ID required.

How to Register in 3 Easy Steps: 

  • Step 1: Download CharmPass — Download the free CharmPass App on the student’s mobile device. 
  • Step 2: Register Account — Create a CharmPass account using the student’s official City Schools email address. 
  • Step 3: Activate Pass — Once eligibility is confirmed on the City Schools monthly roster, the free 31-day pass will land in the app wallet. Activate the pass before boarding. 

Your pass auto-renews monthly as long as you remain enrolled. Simply tap 'Activate' in your wallet at the start of each 31-day cycle.

Student rosters update once a month. If you register mid-month or are newly enrolled, it may take until the next monthly roster update for your pass to appear. In the meantime, you may use your Student ID or S-Pass if eligible.

Alternative Fare Options for City Schools Students

No Smartphone? Students who cannot access CharmPass on a mobile device may present their valid Student Photo ID or a school-issued MTA S-Pass at the farebox. Speak with your school administrator for physical pass details. 

Parochial, Private, & County Public Schools

Students aged 13 to 21 attending participating private schools, parochial schools, or Baltimore County public schools pay a reduced fare of $1.50 per trip (including transfer privileges) on Local Bus, Light Rail, and Metro Subway with an MTA Student Transit ID when traveling to and from school.

How to Get an MTA Student Transit ID:

  • Request an ID Card: Contact your school’s main administrative office to request an official MTA Student Transit ID card.
  • Pay Your Fare: Show your valid MTA Student Transit ID to the bus operator or fare inspector when paying the $1.50 reduced rate. (Note: This ID verifies your reduced-fare eligibility; standard fare payment methods apply.)
  • School Enrollment: If your school does not currently participate in the MTA Student Transit ID program, school administrators should contact the MTA Reduced Fare Certification Office at 410-767-3438.

Note: MTA Student Transit IDs are valid for one academic term, must be renewed annually, and are not valid on MARC Train or Commuter Bus services.

Students Aged 12 & Under

All students aged 12 and under ride MTA Local Bus, Light Rail, and Metro Subway free of charge and are not required to present a pass, student ID or MTA S-card.