Baltimore-area first-time riders can claim free MTA passes Aug. 1–8

Eligible first-time MTA riders in the Baltimore area can receive free transit passes during the Ride Together Rewards promotion running Aug. 1–8, 2026. The short-term incentive is designed to let new users test MTA service through the CharmPass mobile app.

The promotion is administered by the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Maryland Transit Administration. It is limited to people who are first-time users of the MTA transit system, complete the required CharmPass account setup and verification, select a qualifying pass and make eligible travel to, from or within the Greater Baltimore region.

How to qualify

Riders must download CharmPass, create an account with their email, name and phone number, and select the desired type of transit pass. After the account is verified, the promotional passes are loaded directly into the CharmPass account.

MTA says verification can take up to 48 hours. Anyone hoping to use the promotion should allow time for that process rather than waiting until the end of the Aug. 1–8 promotional window.

The program also asks participants to complete periodic brief surveys about their transit experience. Additional rules apply, including restrictions on transferring promotional products or exchanging them for cash.

Services covered

The promotion covers MTA services used for Baltimore-area trips, including:

• Baltimore local bus service
• Metro Subway
• Light Rail
• Commuter Bus
• MARC Train

That gives eligible new riders a way to test local bus and rail trips in Baltimore as well as regional commuter options connected to the Greater Baltimore area.

Passes expire after 90 days

The promotional passes are not permanent fare reductions. MDOT says they expire after 90 days, so riders should review the pass terms in CharmPass and use the benefit before it expires.

For Baltimore residents, workers and commuters considering transit for the first time, the offer can lower the initial cost of trying a bus, subway, light-rail, commuter-bus or MARC trip. The main practical step is completing the digital setup early enough for account verification.

CharmPass is MTA’s official mobile ticketing app. Riders should use the app and the MDOT program information to confirm eligibility, complete verification, select the appropriate pass and review the applicable restrictions before traveling.

Sources

• MDOT Ride Together Rewards: Baltimore Transit Incentive Program
• Maryland Transit Administration CharmPass