CharmPass vs PermitConnect Baltimore
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
CharmPass
Purchase and use transit fares instantly from your phone. Securely register payment methods and buy tickets for local services, trains, and buses. Avoid paper tickets, cash, and ticket machines.
- Instant fare purchase
- No paper tickets
- Multiple transit options
- Secure payment options
- Group fare purchase
- Offline ticket activation
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The CharmPass app lets you purchase and use fares instantly on your phone—anywhere, anytime. Just download the free app, register your debit/credit card or PayPal account in our secure system, and you're ready to go. WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS APP: • No paper fares to track. • Purchase BaltimoreLink Local Service, MARC Train, and Commuter Bus tickets all from one app. • No need to carry cash, count exact change, or find a ticket machine. • Buy and use fares instantly using a debit/credit card or your PayPal account. • Pay a single fare or multiple fares for a group of riders. HOW IT WORKS: 1. CHOOSE SERVICE 2. CHOOSE FARE 3. SELECT TICKET TYPE 4. CHOOSE QUANTITY 5. CHECK OUT COMMON QUESTIONS: Q: Do I need to be connected to the Internet? A: Cellular network or a wireless Internet connection is required to purchase tickets, but you can activate your pre-purchased tickets offline. Q: What if my battery dies? A: Just like with paper tickets, you're responsible for making sure you have a valid fare at all times, so be sure to plan ahead! IMPORTANT REMINDERS: • Don't uninstall the CharmPass app or erase your phone while you have active tickets on it. Your tickets are stored on your phone (which makes it possible to use them without a cellular network or a wireless Internet connection), so uninstalling the app can permanently erase your tickets! • Purchase your ticket anytime and activate your fare as you’re boarding. • Show your ticket to the operator of the vehicle. • Watch your battery level! Just like with paper tickets, you're responsible for making sure you have a valid fare at all times.
PermitConnect Baltimore
Manage virtual parking permits for Baltimore residents. Easily handle existing permits, purchase new ones, and update vehicle and payment information. Access purchase history and contact support for assistance.
- Manage existing permits
- Purchase new permits
- Manage vehicles
- Manage credit cards
- View purchase history
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The PermitConnect app is the simple, fast way for Baltimore, MD Virtual Permit Parking residents to manage their permits. Residents in Riverside (48) and Ridgley’s Delight(5) will be able to: App Features: • Manage existing permits • Purchase new permits • Manage Vehicles • Manage Credit Cards • View Virtual Permit Purchase History If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the PermitConnect Baltimore app, please contact us via: • Call the 24/7 Call Center at 866-412-2827 • Email us at notifications@digitalpermits.com • Visit the PABC website at https://parking.baltimorecity.gov
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: CharmPass at 4.9 against PermitConnect Baltimore's 2.4. CharmPass also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 18 months) and ratings volume (32K vs 5). PermitConnect Baltimore's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
CharmPass holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 2.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CharmPass has 32K ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two.
CharmPass ships an update every 2 months, PermitConnect Baltimore every 18 months. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | CharmPass | PermitConnect Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (32K ratings) — better | 2.4 (5 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 60.2% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 32K — better | 5 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 18 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 31 MB | 22 MB |
| Age rating | 9+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Maryland Transit Administration | IPT LLC |
Customer experience
CharmPass
PermitConnect Baltimore
Bugs and requests
CharmPass
Reported bugs
4 issues- Tickets disappearing from the app
- Tickets not activating properly
- Compatibility issues with newer devices
- Unreliable location tracking
Requested features
5 requests- Loyalty program or incentives
- Improved ticket management and refund options
- Real-time transit updates and alerts
- Apple Watch integration
- Better offline support
PermitConnect Baltimore
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
CharmPass
No in-app purchases
PermitConnect Baltimore
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is CharmPass free?
Is PermitConnect Baltimore free?
Which has better reviews, CharmPass or PermitConnect Baltimore?
Do CharmPass or PermitConnect Baltimore have ads?
Which is updated more often, CharmPass or PermitConnect Baltimore?
Other comparisons
