A New Way to Ride: Introducing UMBC Transit's Mobile Fare & Boarding System

Dear Retrievers and Valued Riders,

As we welcome back our returning retrievers and greet new retrievers on campus, we're excited to announce a major upgrade to how you board and pay for UMBC Transit services! Starting Wednesday, August 19, 2026, UMBC Transit is launching a new dynamic mobile boarding/fare validation system, powered by Token Transit, replacing our previous system, which required riders to show their physical campus ID when boarding on all routes.

This change is all about making your ride simpler, safer, faster, and more convenient — whether you're headed to Arbutus, Catonsville, Downtown, BWI, Arundel MARC, Paradise, or along Route 40.

What's Changing
Beginning August 19, all riders will use the Token Transit app to claim, purchase, and display their bus pass when boarding. Our buses are equipped with validators, so simply tap or scan your mobile pass as you board — no physical ID is required.

With Token Transit, you can
- Claim or purchase your pass directly from your smartphone
- Choose the pass that fits how you ride
- Skip the line — no more fumbling for your ID
- Access your pass anytime, even offline, once downloaded

Who This Applies To
This new system applies to all UMBC Transit riders, including:
- Current Students
- Faculty & Staff
- Researchers, Interns, UMBC Contractors
- Alumni
- Guests of UMBC

Getting Started
1. Download the Token Transit app** from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Set up your pass. Current Students can claim their pass here using their UMBC Email:     

• Current Students: https://tokentransit.com/umbcmd/students
• Faculty & Staff: Claim a pass by checking your inbox or by emailing riderpass@umbc.edu
• Researchers, Interns, Contractors: Claim a pass by emailing riderpass@umbc.edu
• UMBC Alumni: Claim a pass by emailing riderpass@umbc.edu
• UMBC Guests: Claim a pass by emailing riderpass@umbc.edu

3. Activate your pass before the bus arrives, Board and tap. How-To:

Starting Wednesday, August 19, simply present your mobile pass to the validator when you board—it's that easy.

We strongly encourage all riders to set up their Token Transit account before August 18th to ensure a smooth start to the semester. For students who do not have a mobile device, you can obtain a temporary paper pass from the Student Affairs Business Services Center (SABSC) office in Erickson Hall, Room 042, on Center Road. SABSC office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. A permanent smart rider pass will be available in the coming weeks for riders who do not have a mobile device or prefer a physical card.

Questions or Need Help?
Our team is here to support you through the transition. If you have questions about your account, claiming your pass, or anything else related to this new system, reach out to us via email at riderpass@umbc.edu or by phone at 410.455.2454

We're proud to bring this modernized system to our UMBC community, and we can't wait for you to experience the improved, streamlined way to ride with us this Fall. Thank you for riding with UMBC Transit — we'll see you on board!

Safe Travels,
Your Transit Team ~ "Driving Student Success"