Accessibility

MTA is committed to provide a public transit system that everyone can use. We have made many improvements to make our system more accessible for people with disabilities and seniors. It is our hope that all the information we offer in this section will enable you to travel safely and comfortably within our service area.

If you have a Service Animal please note that the MTA welcomes service animals on all our services.

People with Disabilities and Seniors Fare Program

Senior citizens (age 65+), Persons with Disabilities, and Medicare Cardholders must show one of the following to be eligible for reduced fares on MTA transit services:

• a valid MTA Senior/Disability photo ID card, OR any valid government issued      photo ID with proof of age,
• OR a valid disability ID from another transit agency and any valid government issued photo ID,
• OR a Medicare card and any valid government issued photo ID.

Senior photo ID cards are issued at the MTA Certification Office located in the lobby of 6 St. Paul St. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Senior photo ID cards are also issued at various locations throughout the MTA service area.

The one way Senior Reduced Fare is 55 cents. A Senior Day Pass is available for core services (Local Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway and Neighborhood Shuttle Bus). This Day Pass allows seniors to ride all day for $1.20. Express and premium charges apply. Reduced fare Monthly Passes are also available for $16.50. The passes must be used with a valid MTA photo Senior ID card.

For further information or a current list of locations, email the MTA or call the Certification Office at 410-767-3441, TTY 410-333-2051 for people who are hearing and/or speech impaired.

Download Reduced Fare Application for Certification Reduced Fare Program.

MARC train fares are based on distance. For more information please visit the MARC home page and check the fare shcedules.

Purchase MTA passes on-line at the Transit Store.

For the most convenient Pass Sales Outlet, please view the Pass Sales Outlet page.

For more information on the Mobility/Paratransit Description Fare Program please visit the Mobility/Paratransit Home Page.

Bus Accessibility

All of our Buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and/or kneeling capability. There are seats in the front of each our buses that are designated as priority seats for seniors and people with disabilities The MTA requires that these seats be made available for our disabled and senior customers upon request. Look for the international accessibility symbol on the front and side of the bus. Wheelchair tie-downs are available on all buses. In addition, we include stop announcements and electronic information boards on our service

Bus Accessibility Features:

• Lift: A platform that deploys from the base of the Bus and raises or lowers a passenger to the floor or curb level.
• Ramp: An angled platform that deploys from the floor of the bus to assist passengers in boarding.
• Kneeler: For persons who have difficulty stepping up, buses will “kneel” for you. This feature lowers the front step of the bus and makes it easier to board the bus.
• Securement Area: An area inside the bus designated for riders using mobility devices. Straps and clamps ensure a safe ride. There are two securement areas on each of our buses. If you need to use the lift, ramp, or “kneeler” to help you board, just ask the operator.
• Route identification devices: Assist the visually and hearing impaired.
• New bus shelters: With wider spaces for wheelchairs and better lighting.

Using Bus Accessibility:

• Please arrive at the Bus stop at least 5 minutes early. Be sure that you are near the Bus stop so the operator can see you.
• If you require use of the lift or ramp; please stay at least 6 feet away from the Bus so that the lift or ramp can be lowered into place safely.
• If it is a kneeling Bus, please let the operator know. The operator will lower to make boarding easier.
• If you use the lift to board the Bus in your wheelchair, you may face forward or backward. In some cases it is easier to board by backing your device onto the lift because after you are safely on board the Bus, you will not have to turn around to enter the securement area.
• If you use a mechanized mobility (wheelchair, scooter) device, please turn off the device and lock the wheels while you are on the lift. When you are safely secured, please keep the mobility device turned off.
• With Low Floor Buses, boarding is faster and more convenient using the ramp, you will board directly onto the bus.

For wheelchair users:

A common wheelchair as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is one that does not exceed 30 inches in width and 48 inches in length (when measured 2 inches from the ground) and does not exceed 600 pounds when occupied.  Under the ADA, public transportation providers are not mandated to accommodate mobility devices falling outside of these specifications on a fixed route.

Metro Subway Accessibility

Elevators and Escalators: The Metro system has renovated elevators and escalators at station entrances to include the repositioning of control panels and railings to make these controls more accessible. We provide elevator and escalator service from the street entrance of a station to train platform.

Tactile Warning Strips: There are tactile warning strips in place at the edge of Metro Subway train boarding platforms.  Please stand behind the tactile warning strip to ensure that you will be out of danger from the approaching train.

Accessible Parking: Accessible parking spaces are available for our customers who drive to a Metro Subway Station. You must display a valid MVA permit or have the license plates.

Automatic Voice Annunciators: Automatic voice annunciators and interior destination signs along with Braille station guides has improved mobility for the visually impaired community.

Priority Seating: There are seats in the front of each Metro Subway car that are designated as priority seats for seniors and people with disabilities. The MTA requires that these seats be made available to eligible customers upon request.

Light Rail Accessibility

Purchase a ticket from the ticket vending machine before boarding Light Rail.  Tickets are not available onboard. Ticket Vending Machines have audio instructions. Braille and raised letter instructions are on each machine. Please have a valid disability photo ID available to validate purchase of disability fare if asked by fare inspectors on board trains.

Ticket Vending Machine: Ticket Vending Machines have audio instructions. Braille and raised letter instructions are on each machine.

Tactile Warning Strips: There are yellow tactile warning strips in place at the edge of Light Rail train boarding platforms.  Please stand behind the tactile warning strip to ensure that you will be out of danger from the approaching train.

Access Buttons: Press the button on the outside of the train to gain access. To exit, press the green button next to the door.

Level Boarding Platforms: We also provide level boarding (High-Block) platforms at each of our Light Rail Stops for our customers who may be unable use the steps to board. At the first car in the train, the operator will deploy a boarding ramp to assist passengers in boarding from the High-Block Platform. Please do not try to board the train until the boarding ramp is down. Operator will also deploy the ramp when you alight at your destination.

Priority Seating: There are seats in the front of each Light Rail car that are designated as priority seats for seniors and people with disabilities. The MTA requires that these seats be made available to eligible customers upon request.