August 8, 2016
Dear City Schools Students and Families,
The Maryland Transit Authority (MTA) is changing how eligible City Schools students will use
public transportation in the coming school year.
As in previous years, all middle and high school students who ride MTA will be permitted to ride
the bus, subway or light rail for free for the first five days of school. However, after that period,
monthly S-Passes for middle and high school students who use the MTA to travel to and from
school will be replaced with annual One Card passes. To use the One Card, students just tap the
fare box on any local MTA bus or at the fare gate at a Metro subway or light rail station.
Students should continue to use S-Passes until new cards are received, but any student previously
eligible for an S-Pass (e.g. those who live more than 1.5 miles away from the school they attend)
will receive a One Card in September or October.
Students should keep the following in mind when using a One Card:





The One Card is valid from Monday to Friday between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. except
when schools are closed for holidays or teacher professional days.
The One Card provides two, 120-minute trips each day. For example, if a student taps a
One Card at 7:00 a.m., he or she can travel with unlimited transfers until 9:00 a.m.
The One Card pays the MTA fare just like a ticket and identifies the rider as an eligible
City Schools student. One Cards must therefore not be shared with classmates, friends or
relatives.
Students who do not have their card when boarding MTA transport will have to purchase
a ticket or pay the full fare. (Students who lose their One Card should notify their school
as soon as possible and may be subject to a $5.00 replacement fee for each occurrence of
a lost fare card.)
For special school events that finish later than 6:00 p.m. or happen on the weekend, there
will be no change from the current practice. Students who are directly involved or
participating in official school- or district-sponsored events after 6 p.m. or on weekends
will be issued pre-paid tickets. These are valid until 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and can also
be used on Saturday or Sunday.
Please update your address at the school office if you move during the year as your eligibility for
One Card may change as a result of your move.
City Schools and the MTA hope that students and school staff will find the One Card convenient
and easy to use. If you have questions, e-mail [email protected].
Sincerely,
Keith Scroggins
Chief Operating Officer