MDOT MTA Proposes Discontinuing, Realigning 38 Routes

MARYLAND — Due to the financial impact fueled by the coronavirus pandemic, the Maryland Department of Transportation's Maryland Transit Administration is proposing service changes to its routes that would allow the agency to maintain a high level of service, especially for transit-dependent households, while meeting budgetary challenges faced by the state.

The proposed changes would focus on connecting Baltimore City with major job centers and would have fewer suburban routes in Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County. Proposed changes will be presented in 10 virtual public hearings from Oct. 5 to Oct. 16 and comments will be accepted through Nov. 16. The changes would take effect Jan. 3, 2021.

Twenty-five routes are proposed to be discontinued, including 16 LocalLink routes and all nine Express BusLink routes: LocalLinks 21, 34, 38, 51, 52, 53, 57, 59, 70, 71, 73, 81, 82, 91, 92 and 95 are proposed to be discontinued. Alternative service would be available nearby. Express BusLinks 103, 104, 105, 115, 120, 150, 154, 160 and 164 are proposed to be discontinued.

Thirteen routes are proposed to have their alignments (street routing) modified and of the 13 modified routes, CityLinks Red, Silver and Lime, and LocalLinks 26, 36, 63 and 94 would be rerouted or extended to cover gaps in access. LocalLink 93 would be rerouted to improve access to jobs along York Road.

Eleven routes are proposed to offer reduced service: reduced frequency on 11 LocalLink routes with lower ridership, including LocalLinks 28, 29, 31, 33, 37, 62, 67, 76, 77, 83 and 87.

Three routes are proposed to offer additional service. Increased frequency on LocalLinks 56 and 78, expanding high-frequency transit to a total of 20 routes and providing more service to Grace Medical Center (formerly Bon Secours Hospital) and Johns Hopkins Hospital. Increased frequency on LocalLink 69, which serves the Baltimore-Washington Medical Center.