Legislatively mandated fare increases to take effect in Maryland

As required by the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) will increase transit fares effective June 23. The legislatively mandated increase will occur prior to the deadline for implementing the new fares as required by the Maryland General Assembly.

As outlined in the 2013 law, when the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases over the prior two years, MDOT MTA is required to increase transit fares by a minimum of 10 cents or higher for Local Bus, Light RailLink, Metro SubwayLink, and MobilityLink service, based on the CPI calculation. From 2017 to 2019, the CPI saw an increase of 4.2%. Fare increases for Commuter Bus and MARC Train fares occur every five years and are scheduled for review in 2020.

Effective June 23, the single-trip fare will increase from $1.80 to $1.90 for Local Bus, Light RailLink, and Metro SubwayLink. MobilityLink single-trip fares will increase from $2.00 to $2.10. MDOT MTA encourages riders to purchase monthly fare passes which will increase from $72 per month to $74. The monthly pass provides cost savings, particularly for Marylanders that use transit every day to get to work, shopping, and entertainment.

MDOT MTA fares remain among the lowest of top transit agencies across the U.S., according to the industry. For people using MDOT MTA’s mobile ticketing app, CharmPass, passengers also can take advantage of free transfers within 90 minutes when riding between Local Bus, Light RailLink, and Metro SubwayLink.