ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore is rolling out free transit options for federal employees as the state braces for continued fallout from the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The initiative, announced Friday at a federal workers’ resource fair in Howard County, allows federal employees to ride MARC Train and Commuter Bus services free of charge for the duration of the shutdown.
The policy, Moore said, is designed to help ease the burden on thousands of Marylanders affected by halted federal operations and missed paychecks.
Key Points
- Federal workers can ride MARC and Commuter Bus systems free with a valid federal ID.
- Maryland officials say the state has lost over 15,000 federal jobs since 2021.
- The state is expanding housing, food, health, and unemployment assistance during the shutdown.
Free rides for federal employees
Effective immediately, any federal worker showing a valid government ID can travel free on Maryland Transit Administration’s MARC and Commuter Bus systems. The program will remain in place until the shutdown ends.
“This is what Maryland does in times of crisis: we band together and help each other out,” Governor Moore said. “While Maryland is mobilizing to ease the burden on our people, no state can fill the gap created by the federal government. The longer this shutdown lasts, the more pain we will feel.”
Acting Transportation Secretary Samantha J. Biddle said the program recognizes the financial stress on the state’s large federal workforce. “We fully understand the strain many of our riders are experiencing,” she said. “This is one way to help ease that hardship.”
Federal workforce hit hard in Maryland
Maryland is home to one of the highest concentrations of federal employees in the country. Before this year’s cuts, more than 269,000 residents were employed by the federal government, with over 160,000 jobs located within the state.
Since the Trump Administration took office, Maryland has lost more than 15,000 federal positions — the largest decline of any state. Previous shutdowns have had measurable economic impacts; the 2018–2019 partial shutdown alone cost Maryland workers an estimated $778 million in wages.
State leaders mobilize resources
At the Howard County resource fair, agencies from across the state provided direct support to furloughed and laid-off workers. Available programs included eviction and foreclosure protections, unemployment insurance, and short-term financial assistance.
The Department of Labor outlined a Federal Shutdown Loan Program offering zero-interest loans of up to $700 for “excepted” employees working without pay. The Department of Health promoted access to mental health support via the 988 Crisis Lifeline, while the Department of Human Services helped families apply for food and cash assistance through marylandbenefits.gov.
Ongoing relief efforts and essential services
Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth praised the joint response, calling Moore and Howard County Executive Calvin Ball “incredible partners throughout these uncertain times.” Ball, speaking at the event, said, “Thousands of Marylanders are facing the unnecessary stress of living without a paycheck. We’re here to help ensure no one is left behind.”
The Moore–Miller administration confirmed that state agencies are working to maintain federal programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, Head Start, and veterans’ services during the shutdown, with the expectation of eventual federal reimbursement.
As the standoff in Washington drags on, Moore said Maryland will continue doing what it can to protect its workers — but warned that state resources can only stretch so far.