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BALTIMORE, Md. — Following the closure of the northwest portion of Baltimore’s Metro SubwayLink system due to safety concerns that may entail the disruption of Metro service for several weeks, Mayor Catherine E. Pugh has called on Maryland Department of Transportation Administrator Kevin Quinn to explore funding options that would make available specially-commissioned buses (“bridge” shuttle buses) to provide interim transport along Metro routes for citizens who rely on this means of transport for work, school and leisure.
“The issues that have closed down our Metro system further amplify our need to prioritize critical infrastructure investment to ensure that our transit system is not only dependable but regarded as vital to quality of life and economic growth in a 21st Century city,” said Mayor Catherine Pugh. “I am grateful to Maryland Transportation Administrator Quinn for putting the safety of our citizens first and foremost and for implementing extraordinary measures to mitigate the inconvenience that this situation places on those who depend on Baltimore’s Metro SubwayLink system day-in and day-out. While we urge the swift resolution of these issues to get the metro up and running, I am urging that the State of Maryland make available emergency funding to provide for dedicated bus transport for citizens who rely on the metro system during what could be a prolonged interruption of service.”
The Maryland Department of Transportation has provided the following resources and services during the interruption of the MetroLink system:
Customer Service Call Center: 410-539-5000
MDOT MTA has expanded our Call Center hours to include weekend coverage from 6:00 am – 4:00 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
Transit Ambassadors:
MDOT MTA will provide Transit Ambassadors from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday at the following stations. These stations represent the highest ridership.
● Mondawmin
● Charles Center
● Johns Hopkins
● Lexington Market
Bus Service:
MDOT MTA ‘s CityLink Lime and LocalLink 82 routes run parallel to the Metro Service.
● Larger, articulated buses have been added to accommodate the increased rider capacity.
Website:
● MDOT MTA website mta.maryland.gov has a link to the alternative service options for the affected stations.
● Customers can also use the trip planner feature to identify best alternative route.
Social Media:
Updates are regularly posted on our Facebook page: facebook.com/mtamaryland or on Twitter @mtamaryland
Customer Outreach:
● Audio announcements are being made at all Metro and Light Rail Stations, and on our transit information station WTTZ-93 FM.
● Email alert blasts were sent to customers.
●Coordinated with SHA to place variable message signs at each Metro Station and at strategic locations around the region.
● MTA Police are assisting with the effort and monitoring station activity.
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