What Mobility customers need to know about our new service changes

Guy Henderson



One of the many friendly faces and voices ready to respond to our Mobility customers.

MTA  Mobility service is offering its customers new options in the next couple of months. The changes are highlighted by free travel training as well as some adjustments to the Mobility service area, eligibility requirements, and a no-show policy that keeps everyone’s needs in mind. Here’s a brief look at what to expect.

Free Travel Training is an opportunity for Mobility customers to expand their travel options by learning to ride fixed route transportation services like Local Bus, Light Rail and Metro Subway confidently. Training is voluntary, covers just about everything you’ll need to know to ride without being tied to Mobility services, and will not affect your current or future Mobility status. Short story – with free travel training you’ll have more options to go where you want, when you want to, more easily and confidently than ever.

Conditional Eligibility places conditions on some individuals who can ride fixed-route services at some times, but not others. For instance, a person with visual impairment may be able to ride regular MTA service during the day, but would require Mobility service at night. The idea behind the eligibility conditions is to enable participants to reserve Mobility service for times when they need it most, so we can serve more customers more efficiently.

No-Show Policy changes are being put into effect so that Mobility can better serve the vast majority of customers. Customer with repeated and unexcused no-show occurrences will face the possibility of a temporary loss of service. 

Service Area Changes have been introduced that will maximize efficiency and cost savings, as well as align MTA with federal standards. Federal regulations state that Mobility service can be provided within ¾ of a mile from fixed route Local Bus, Light Rail and Metro Subway service. (Commuter Bus and MARC Train Service is excluded from these regulations.)

MTA has established a comprehensive program to assist customers who travel from outside the service area to procure transportation with third-party providers.  The vast majority of Mobility customers are not affected by this service area change. Letters have been sent to those who are affected. If you did not receive a letter, chances are you will not be affected by the service area change.

For more information about all these changes and service enhancements, please visit www.mta.maryland.gov/mobility and click on the link that says “NOTICE: Mobility Service Changes PDF” or call Mobility at 410-764-8186.