As the COVID-19 recovery continues across Maryland and onsite workplaces reopen, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) will resume full scheduled service on MARC Train and Commuter Bus effective Monday, August 30. Since November 2020, in response to lower ridership while maintaining service for essential workers, MARC has operated under an enhanced “R” schedule, while Commuter Bus has run on an “S” schedule. Both will return to full service schedules.

MDOT MTA is legislatively-mandated to increase fares for Core Service every two years under the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013, which was approved by the Maryland General Assembly. Fares for Core Service were last changed in 2019. The 2013 law mandates that fares increase a minimum of 10 cents or higher every two years based on the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) calculation. As a result, fares will increase from $1.90 to $2.00 – for Local Bus, Light Rail and Metro Subway. Mobility single-trip fares will increase from $2.10 to $2.20. These new fares will be effective on June 27.

However, to mitigate the continuing economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Larry Hogan has authorized the Department of Budget and Management to allocate funds from the American Relief Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) to offset the impact associated with implementing this legislatively-mandated fare increase. As a result, Core Service riders will continue to pay $1.90 and Mobility riders will continue to pay $2.10 through June 26, 2022.

MDOT MTA’s proposed fall service changes include improved fare options for customers to match riders’ post-pandemic modified commute and travel patterns. New three- and 10-day fare passes would be available for Local Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, Commuter Bus and MARC Train. Available through CharmPass app, the passes may be used on consecutive or non-consecutive days, will be valid up to 12 months after the date of purchase, and will be discounted about 15% from a single day pass. For details, go to mta.maryland.gov/servicechanges/fall2021.

-via Press Release