MTA Introduces App For Mobile Payment

In too much of a rush to top off your smart card or buy a ticket before boarding a Light Rail or Metro Subway train? There's an app for that.

The Maryland Transit Administration on Thursday announced the launch of CharmPass, a mobile app now available on iPhone and Android. Riders can easily buy fares for every service the MTA operates, even MARC and commuter bus services.

Also, riders using the app can transfer between local bus, Metro Subway and Light Rail systems when traveling within 90 minutes without any cost. That means that if you get off at the Lexington Market Metro Subway station, you can go upstairs and connect to the Light Rail without paying twice.

“This new mobile ticketing app is another way we’re working to improve our customers’ experience on transit,” MTA Administrator Kevin Quinn said in a statement. “CharmPass is an innovative tool that will eliminate the need for people to fumble with cash, which will help speed the boarding process and improve reliability.”

Riders will be able to buy one-way tickets, day passes as well as weekly and monthly passes right from their smartphones. You'll also be able to get MARC tickets and passes, and one-way and monthly passes for commuter bus routes. You can pay with credit, debit or PayPal, and split charges between two cards if you need to. Reduced fare tickets, including senior and student fares, are also available through the app. It even recognizes what tickets you tend to buy--for instance, a monthly MARC pass for the Penn Line from Baltimore to Washington--and makes tickets available right away.

Tickets that are activated become animated and contain multiple security features and security codes that can be verified by a bus operator, train conductor or station attendant. Tickets are stored on the phone, so they're available even in areas with poor cell phone reception.

The CharmCard smart card isn't going anywhere and will remain interchangable with SmarTrip cards from the Washington Metro. Mobile payment is also coming to Washington transit next year, The Washington Post reported in April.