HANOVER, MD (October 30, 2025) – Today the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced its newest rewards program to entice commuters in the Baltimore region to try transit. The Ride Together Rewards: Baltimore Transit Incentives Program launches November 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 program is the latest step in MDOT’s broader effort to ease traffic congestion and strengthen travel options across the region, particularly as the state works to expeditiously advance construction 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 Maryland Transportation Acting Secretary Samantha J. Biddle. “Encouraging drivers to switch to transit helps commuters find convenient, affordable and sustainable transportation while easing congestion across the region.”

Under the new program, commuters who are new transit users can receive free transit passes during promotional periods. Employers can also receive up to $3,000 over a three-month period ($1,000 per month) to purchase transit passes for 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 Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. "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.”

This new initiative marks the latest incentive for Baltimore-area commuters. Earlier this year, MDOT introduced vanpool and carpool rewards programs designed to improve daily trips, efficiently move Marylanders to jobs, and help reduce commute costs. Both programs remain available, continuing the Department’s commitment to offering flexible, cost-effective and sustainable transportation options for Maryland workers.

“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 Maryland State Highway Administrator Will Pines. “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.”

Marylanders can also take advantage of CommuterCash, a mobile app that helps travelers find optimal carpool, vanpool, transit, biking and multimodal travel options. Commuters can log their trips in CommuterCash and earn points that can be redeemed for cash, gift cards or transportation credits. Learn more about CommuterCash here.

Through the Ride Together Rewards: Baltimore Transit Incentives Program new transit users can receive complimentary transit passes by downloading CharmPass and completing the quick registration form. Transit passes will then be transferred to the CharmPass account. To learn more about eligibility and how to sign up, visit mdot.maryland.gov/transitincentives. Additional rules and restrictions apply.

Upcoming promotional periods for new CharmPass users are November 1-8, December 1-8 and January 1-8. Additional 2026 promotional periods will be announced on the program website and through MTA’s and MDOT social media accounts.

Additionally, employers utilizing 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 – while gaining recognition as employers who lead by example.

Commuter Choice Maryland is a statewide program from the Maryland Department of Transportation designed to ease traffic congestion and improve commutes for all Marylanders. The program is proud to provide employers and commuters with resources that make commuting easier, safer, cheaper and greener. To learn more, visit commuterchoicemaryland.com, and follow Commuter Choice Maryland on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.