Kevin B.

Quinn, Administrator
Maryland Transit Administration
6 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, MD 21202

Dear Mr. Quinn:

I am writing in opposition to changes to the interchangeability of Maryland’s CharmCard and
Washington D.C.’s SmarTrip Card. Given that I have had several constituents contact me with their
concerns over these changes, I felt compelled to weigh in on this issue and ensure that you were
aware of their frustrations over these proposed changes.
Currently, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) and the Washington Metropolitan Area
Transit Authority (WMATA) have an agreement that the smart cards for each area (CharmCard for
MTA and SmarTrip for WMATA) work in both regions: Washington D.C. riders can use the SmarTrip
card in Maryland in addition to Washington DC, and Maryland riders can use the CharmCard in
Washington D.C. in addition to Maryland.
There is a plan to end this interchangeability in December 2018. WMATA is changing its transit
system, and the MTA is not adapting the CharmCard to the new system. This decision ends the
convenience of a single card for transit payments in both the Washington D.C. area and in Maryland.
I stand in solidarity with Maryland residents who oppose this decision and who will be significantly
inconvenienced by this change.
I am especially troubled that there were no public hearings about this change. Separating from the
Washington D.C. transit system results in a fare adjustment for Maryland riders, and the MTA is
required to hold public hearings when it is making a change that affects fares. It is unacceptable that
the MTA did not let the public know well in advance that this change has been under consideration.
Riders deserve opportunities to voice their position about this important issue.
I would urge you to schedule a public hearing to explain the proposed changes and give residents
the chance to ask questions and voice their concerns in a public forum. It is important that State
and City departments and officials maintain transparency to the people they are representing and
working for.
I look forward to your timely response and please feel free to contact me with your questions via my
office (410-841-3476) or directly via my cell (410-960-4313).  You may also reach my Legislative
Director, Christine Griffin, at (617-823-1352)

In partnership,

Delegate Mary L. Washington, PhD

Maryland’s House of Delegates, 43rd District

Cc: Pete K. Rahn, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation

Cc: Gregory Snyder, Deputy Director, Office of Government Affairs, Maryland Transit Administration
Cc: Mary Pat Clarke, Baltimore City Council
Cc: Kun Sun Sweeley, Co-President, Waverly Improvement Association