Transportation can be a significant expense that quickly adds up, whether it's commuting to school or exploring a new city. Public transportation allows for students to ride at a discounted rate.
Baltimore has many modes of public transportation run by the MTA offering a range of benefits to students. By using public transportation or the shuttle you are significantly helping decrease your carbon footprint and traffic.
Bus Passes
The CharmPass is a ticketing app that helps you buy tickets directly on your smartphone. CharmPass helps manage your transportation needs from you phone.
The All Access College Pass program allows students to enroll in a monthly pass program though mobile CharmPass account. Once enrolled, you will receive instruction on how to use your mobile CharmPass account.
Coming Fall 2026, a new semester pass (fall/spring) will be available to students.
The MTA Student Semester pass runs from August – December and January – May each year. Summer (June/July) are not included in this program. The cost is $150.00 per semester which is a savings of $135 over the same period (based on monthly MTA College All Access Pass).
MTA Student Semester Pass enrollment begins 30 days prior to the start of the semester. All requests for a semester pass must be submitted by the 25th in the months of July and December each semester for full semester use. Any requests submitted after the cut off dates are not prorated (ie August and January). Summer is not included in this program.
Instructions:
- UMB Student will click on the link for the MTA Student Semester Pass
- After the 25th of the month indicated above, enrollees will receive a confirmation email from UMB and instructions on how to load the MTA Charm Mobile App.
- Payment is done directly to the MTA through the mobile app
- Passes will be valid during the months listed
- Each semester, students will have to re-enroll to confirm eligibility
- There are no refunds or exchanges
If student wants to switch between the two programs (monthly/semester) must use link for an All-Access College Pass to submit a new application.
MARC Train
The MARC train is another great way that students can get around town.
New MARC Student Saver Program. This program is administered by the MTA (MDOT). Access more information and enrollment instructions.
