Getting around Baltimore as a Loyola Student: Costs, Challenges and the Missing Transit Pass

 

Getting around Baltimore as a Loyola Student: Costs, Challenges and the Missing Transit Pass

By Leo Arcelay-Christiano

       https://ggwash.org/view/63391/the-map-for-baltimores-new-bus-system-is-positively-radiant


The Reality of Student Transportation

As a full time senior at Loyola University Maryland, I've been surprised by how often students go out every weekend. Whether that be to Towson, Fells Point, or other local bars. The cost of transportation alone (without a car) is enough to make most people stop and think, but it raises a bigger question: how are students getting around in Baltimore in the first place?

Freshman year, I relied heavily on Uber and Lyft, Paying anywhere from $9 to 30$ per ride depending on the destination. With no allowance or weekly stipend from my parents, I was fully responsible for these costs as well as any extras like food or social activities. And because of this my wallet emptied itself quickly... Some friends split rides, bringing the cost down to $4-$8 per trip, but that strategy didn't work for me due to the "all-or-nothing" approach my friend group carries. 

Learning the Public Transit System

 The only sustainable option left for me was public transit- something I had never explored before, coming from Delaware. Thankfully, my partner, a Towson university graduate student(& NYC native) familiar with the bus and train system, taught me the ropes. In Baltimore, a one way bus ride costs $2 and is valid for up to two hours with transfers. Using the CharmPass to purchase fares and the Transit app to track buses, I can get around easily. 

Even at $2 per ride and fairly frequent commuting(sometimes up to 5 times a week) can quickly add up to $20+, depending on transfers. In contrast, Towson University provides its students with a renewable 30-day transit pass included with tuition, giving them unlimited access to bus fares. 






The Loyola Gap



Unfortunately, Loyola is not apart of the program that offers the pass. While budget constraints are likely a factor, there is also a lack of education for students about navigating public transit in Baltimore. For students without financial support, this gap creates real challenges in getting to internships, jobs etc. 

What Can We Do About it?

The MTA All Access College Transit Pass gives students unlimited rides with CityLink, LocalLink, Express, Light RailLink and the Metro SubwayLink. The pass is only available if your college is enrolled in the program (Loyola is not) and students cannot sign up on their own. Colleges can easily join the program by contacting the MTA Office of Fare Collections at 410-454-7974. 









Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Brunch vs. Brunch: Towson Diner vs. The Sassy Skillet

 Brunch vs. Brunch:  Towson Diner vs. The Sassy Skillet By Leo Arcelay-Christiano Old-School vs. Local Cool Towson's brunch scene might not get as much attention as it's nightlife, but for students looking for a weekend treat or a break from Boulder pizza, I'd have two recommend two different, yet scrumptious, brunch spots uptown: Towson Diner v.s The Sassy Skillet. Both are about equally priced ($-$$) for your whole meal, which is typical knowing Brunch prices. Both are satisfying and filling while maintaining a cozy hometown ambience yet one is more restaraunt style and one is more self-serving.  Towson Diner: A Classic Staple As a Loyola student with a frequent need for escape from my dorm, I've had my fair share of late breakfasts and early brunches at the Towson Diner. It is one of those places you spawn automatically after a previous late night. It's menu is the length of a small novel and there is plush vibrant seating that coats the interior. The exterior is...
Read more

Why the Hippodrome Makes Theater Worth It, Even When the Musical Doesn’t

Image
 Why the Hippodrome Makes Theater Worth It, Even When the Musical Doesn’t By Leo Arcelay-Christiano Falling in Love with the Hippodrome I've seen a lot of shows at the Hippodrome (Hippdrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center). Until a few years ago I had never stepped into a theater so grand and charming. There is a special feeling you get when walking through the doors- the warm lighting and the chandeliers build up the excitement. Even when the show isn't all that great, the experience of just being there makes it all worth it. Ranking my hippodrome experiences If I had to rank all the shows I've seen so far, it would look like this: 1. HadesTown (I have no words for how amazing this show was, and YES I will be seeing it again when it                                 returns March 2026) 2. Jagged Little Pill (Emotional and intense in a way I didnt expect, 10/10) 3. Hami...
Read more