About MARC Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs)
Registering for Discounted Fares
Registering to Use Employer SmartBenefits
Frequently-Asked Questions About TVMs
Contact Staff
There's a new way to purchase MARC and MTA Commuter Bus tickets and passes. MARC Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) are free-standing kiosks located at MARC stations and the MTA Transit Store in Baltimore.?
This section of CommuterDirect.com is provide for registration for special features of the TVMs. Eligible customers may purchase discounted tickets for seniors and disabled persons, after registering on this website. Customers who receive SmartBenefits from their employers will be able to apply SmartBenefits to purchases at TVMs, after registering on this website.
Effective August 10, 2025, CommuterDirect will no longer accept student discounts via the Student Advantage program, as directed by the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA).
We recommend exploring alternative discount options or contacting your school's administration for potential resources. We understand this change may impact your plans and budgeting, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.
This decision is mandated by the MTA and beyond our control. For questions or assistance, please contact us Monday - Friday, 7am - 6pm at 703-228-7433. Thank you for your understanding and for being a valued customer.
From the home page, mta.commuterdirect.com/tvm, click "Register your Senior or Disabled to purchase reduced-price fares." You will be taken to a form to register to use this feature at MARC TVMs. Notes about the form:
The phone number you enter will be your login ID at TVMs. We will also send text messages to this number, if you elect to receive text messages. We will send a text to alert you when your account has been activated, and when you request a PIN reset. We will not share your phone number with anyone.
When registering for discounted fares, an ID will be required. If you are registering as a disabled person, and you have an MTA Disability ID, you will be able to enter the ID number. If you don't have an ID number, or are registering for Senior discounts, you will be asked to email, text, or fax a photo or scan of your ID. Accepted types of ID are:
Effective August 10, 2025, CommuterDirect will no longer accept student discounts via the Student Advantage program, as directed by the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA).
We recommend exploring alternative discount options or contacting your school's administration for potential resources. We understand this change may impact your plans and budgeting, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.
This decision is mandated by the MTA and beyond our control. For questions or assistance, please contact us Monday - Friday, 7am - 6pm at 703-228-7433. Thank you for your understanding and for being a valued customer.
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Before you can register to use SmartBenefits at a TVM, you must:
After completing these steps, you can register to use SmartBenefits at MARC TVMs. On the home page of the MARC TVM website, click "Register to use SmartBenefits" on the left side of the screen, and follow the prompts.
Customers must register to use SmartBenefits at TVMs on or before the 16th of the month in order to have SmartBenefits available for the following month. Customers moving SmartBenefits to TVMs after the 16th won't have benefits available the following month, but the month after that.
Q: If I purchase a MARC ticket at a TVM, will I be eligible for free parking at BWI Airport?
A: No. Only customers who purchase MARC tickets online at CommuterDirect.com, or from a Commuter Store, are eligible for free parking at BWI.
Q: Can I use my SmartBenefits at CommuterDirect and also at the TVMs?
A: No, if you assign your SmartBenefits to the TVMs they cannot also be used on CommuterDirect.com. However, if you assign your SmartBenefits to the TVMs they may also be used at the Commuter Stores.
Contact CommuterDirect.com staff about Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) or your TVM account by calling 703-228-RIDE (703-228-7433) or by email at questions@CommuterDirect.com.