The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced a new rewards program encouraging commuters in the Baltimore region to try using local transit.
The Ride Together Rewards: Baltimore Transit Incentives Program launches Nov. 1 and will help new transit users and employers take advantage of services offered by the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) – including local bus, Metro Subway, Light Rail, Commuter Bus, and MARC train. The goal is to ease traffic congestion and strengthen travel options across the region, especially as the state works to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
“During a time when costs are top of mind, the expanded Ride Together program reduces expenses for commuters and employers in the Baltimore region while encouraging first-time transit users to try MTA’s extensive network of buses and trains,’’ said Samantha J. Biddle, acting secretary for Maryland Transportation, in a statement. “Encouraging drivers to switch to transit helps commuters find convenient, affordable and sustainable transportation while easing congestion across the region.”
The new program gives new transit users free transit passes during promotional periods. Employers can also get up to $3,000 over a three-month period ($1,000 per month) to buy transit passes for their employees through MTA’s FareShare employer transit benefits program.
“Maryland’s transit system is the easiest, most affordable, and safest way to travel throughout the region,” said Holly Arnold, Maryland Transit Administrator. “The complimentary transit passes available as part of the transit incentive program is a great way for more people to experience all the benefits transit has to offer.”
Earlier this year, MDOT introduced vanpool and carpool rewards programs to reduce traffic and commute costs. Both of those programs are still available. Commuters can also use CommuterCash, a mobile app that helps travelers find the best carpool, vanpool, transit, biking and multimodal travel options. When they log their trips in the app, they earn points that can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, or transportation credits.
“Maryland is focused on delivering a reliable multimodal transportation network – providing access and connectivity for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and those using Maryland’s various transit options,” said Will Pines, Maryland State Highway Administrator, in a statement. “By encouraging people to utilize our highway, sidewalk and trail connections to access transit, we’re working together to ease congestion, preserve our infrastructure, benefit the environment and maximize economic opportunity.”
To get complimentary transit passes through the Ride Together Rewards: Baltimore Transit Incentives Program, download the CharmPass app and complete the registration form. The transit passes will be transferred to the CharmPass account. To learn more, visit the Transit Incentives page of MDOT.
Upcoming promotional periods for new CharmPass users are Nov. 1-8, 2025, Dec. 1-8, 2025, and Jan. 1-8, 2026. Additional 2026 promotional periods will be announced on the program website and through MTA’s and MDOT social media accounts.
Employers who participate in the FareShare incentive will be registered in the Commuter Choice Maryland Employer Partner Program, which offers free resources and tools to help organizations offer commuter benefits to employees.
