The New Ticket To Ride Is An App

New Fareboxes Coming To Maryland Transit System

The Maryland Transit Administration is updating its fare collection system with new Bus fareboxes because the agency is replacing its CharmCard with a new CharmPass Mobile App.

“These new fareboxes are another way we are working to improve the rider experience and create a modern, more efficient transit system," said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. "The CharmPass app is a convenient, secure way to pay for transit fares and has been a favorite option of riders for years,”

The MTA will install new fareboxes at 825 locations in  Baltimore and across Maryland. The installation program will begin this summer with 200 buses and the upgrades will continue until the end of the year.

The new farebox system is replacing the 15-year-old “tap and go" fare payment option, which is being retired. Riders are encouraged to transition to CharmPass, the MTA’mobile transit pass app.

The new fareboxes have a larger, color display that is easier to read. They also are more durable devices with fewer moving parts, making for less maintenance and repairs. The agency's legacy fare collection equipment has been in place for more than 20 years and, due to its age, can be difficult and time-consuming to repair.

A one-way fare for local bus, Metro Subway, and Light Rail on the CharmPass app is automatically valid for 90 minutes allowing customers FREE transfers across all of the agency's core services.

In addition,  the CharmPass app, CharmFlex 3-day, and 10-day pass options let customers purchase fares for about 15% less than the cost of 3 or 10 individual day passes

—Hamil R. Harris