MDOT MTA Announces 90-Minute Free Transfers with Use of New CharmPass Mobile Ticketing App
The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration has 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.