LEONARDTOWN, MD – Starting July 1, 2025, the St. Mary’s Transit System (STS) will offer free rides to all passengers, coinciding with the launch of a new mobile app designed to enhance the transit experience. The fare-free initiative, approved as a one-year pilot project in the FY2026 St. Mary’s County Budget, aims to improve equity, access, and sustainability across the region.
The STS Mobile App, now available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, provides users with real-time schedule information, route maps, and stop locations, making it easier for riders to plan their trips. Allison Swint, Deputy Director of the Department of Public Works & Transportation, stated, “In today’s world, most people rely on their phones for everyday tasks—and now that includes riding the bus. This new app puts real-time transit information right at your fingertips, making it easier than ever to plan your trip, track your bus, and take full advantage of our fare-free service.”
The STS Mobile App was developed by the St. Mary’s County Department of Information Technology, showcasing their innovation and technical expertise. Residents and visitors can download the app by searching “St. Mary’s Transit System” in their mobile app store or by visiting STS Website to scan the QR code.
The introduction of fare-free transit is expected to increase ridership and provide greater accessibility to public transportation for all residents, regardless of their financial situation. By removing the cost barrier, STS aims to encourage more people to use public transit, which can lead to reduced traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions, contributing to a more sustainable community.
The new mobile app complements this initiative by offering a user-friendly tool that enhances the overall transit experience. With real-time updates, riders can make informed decisions about their travel plans, ensuring they arrive at their destinations on time. The app’s features, such as route maps and stop locations, will be particularly helpful for new users or those unfamiliar with the transit system.
Swint’s comments underscore the growing reliance on mobile technology in daily life and how STS is adapting to meet those expectations. By integrating real-time data into a mobile app, STS is not only making transit more accessible but also more appealing to tech-savvy users who value convenience and efficiency.
The successful development of the STS Mobile App is a testament to the technical capabilities within St. Mary’s County government, particularly the Department of Information Technology, which has demonstrated its ability to create practical solutions that benefit the public. As the one-year pilot project progresses, the data collected from the fare-free initiative and the usage of the mobile app will likely inform future decisions regarding public transit in St. Mary’s County, potentially leading to permanent changes or further innovations in service delivery.
Residents are encouraged to provide feedback on the new app and the fare-free service throughout the pilot period, as their input will be crucial in evaluating the success of these initiatives. As St. Mary’s County embraces this new era of fare-free transit and digital accessibility, residents are encouraged to download the STS Mobile App and take advantage of the convenient, cost-free transportation options available starting July 1, 2025.