MTA Offers Free Rides for Earth Day 2026

Maryland Transit Administration offers free rides on all services for three days starting April 20

MTA Offers Free Rides for Earth Day 2026

Maryland Transit Administration riders won't pay fares during a three-day Earth Day promotion starting April 20. The agency announced all Local Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC, Commuter Bus and MobilityLink services will be free from 10:15 AM Sunday through 11:59 PM Tuesday, April 22. More than 60 routes and transit lines across the system are participating in the initiative.

System-Wide Promotion Marks Environmental Holiday

The free ride initiative celebrates Earth Day 2026 by encouraging residents to experience public transit as an alternative to driving, transit officials said. The MTA typically promotes transit use during environmental awareness events to demonstrate how public transportation reduces carbon emissions and traffic congestion. The agency said the promotion aims to attract both regular riders and people who haven't used the system before. Officials encourage new riders to plan trips in advance to familiarize themselves with routes and schedules.

All MTA Services Included in Free Fare Period

The promotion covers the agency's complete service network, including CityLink routes in Yellow, Silver, Red, Purple, Pink, Orange, Navy, Lime, Green, Gold, Brown and Blue, according to the transit system. Light RailLink and Metro SubwayLink services are also included in the free fare period. MARC commuter rail and regional Commuter Bus services will operate without charge during the promotion. MobilityLink paratransit riders can also travel free during the three-day period, officials confirmed.

Promotion Begins Sunday Morning

The free ride period starts at 10:15 AM on Sunday, April 20, and continues through the end of service on Tuesday, April 22, transit officials said. The timing allows riders to use transit without fares throughout the entire Earth Day holiday and the surrounding weekend. Officials said riders don't need special tickets or passes during the promotion period. Fare collection will resume on regular schedules after 11:59 PM on April 22.

Riders Can Plan Trips Through Multiple Channels

The MTA said both regular and new riders can take advantage of the complimentary service during the three-day promotion. Transit officials encourage people unfamiliar with the system to plan their trips before traveling. Riders can check schedules and routes through station information or by contacting customer service. Moovit provides real-time arrival information and trip planning for all MTA services, helping riders navigate Local Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC and other routes during the free fare period and year-round.