RTA — Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland, home
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Reduced Fare Programs

Free and discounted fares for those who qualify.

Affordable Access

Reduced fare programs

RTA is committed to keeping transit affordable for everyone in our community.

Seniors 60+

Ride free on RTA fixed-route buses. Show a driver’s license, State ID, passport, Medicare card or RTA Certified FREE Ride Card when you board. The free fare does not apply to RTA Mobility.

Riders with disabilities

Ride free on RTA fixed-route buses with valid ID or an RTA Certified FREE Ride Card. Riders certified for RTA Mobility also ride fixed-route buses free.

Students

HCPSS middle and high school students and Howard Community College students ride free with an approved student fare application. Other college, trade-school and non-HCPSS students can buy a $20 Student Monthly Pass in the Transit app.

Veterans

Registered RTA Mobility riders who are U.S. military veterans ride free to the Baltimore VA Medical Center.

Student passes

HCPSS & HCC students — free

  1. Apply online with your school-issued email address.
  2. With a smartphone: download the Transit app, create an account with your school email and apply for the student fare in the app. The app asks for a payment method, but your card is not charged — a parent or guardian may need to help with this step.
  3. Without a smartphone: bring your current student ID to your school office for a physical pass.
  4. To ride, activate your pass — a pulsing red circle appears around the RTA logo — and show your phone to the operator.

Passes are valid through the end of summer. Reapply each school year.

Other students — $20 a month

College, trade-school and non-HCPSS students with a valid student ID or proof of enrollment can buy a Student Monthly Pass for unlimited rides on RTA fixed-route buses.

  1. In the Transit app, choose RTA of Central Maryland.
  2. Choose General, then Student, then Apply Now.
  3. Upload proof of current enrollment.
  4. Once you’re approved, buy your pass in the app.

Student pass holders agree to follow RTA’s rider rules.

How to qualify

Seniors and riders with disabilities can show a qualifying ID when they board, or apply for an RTA Certified FREE Ride Card. Students apply online with their school-issued email address; a confirmation is emailed once the application is approved. HCPSS and HCC students reapply each school year.

FREE Ride Card application (PDF) Student fare application