What we know about the indefinite suspension of Baltimore’s light rail service

The Maryland Transit Administration indefinitely suspended light rail services early this month, affecting commuters from Hunt Valley through downtown Baltimore and points south. Here’s what we know about the shutdown.

Why was light rail service suspended?

The surprise announcement Dec. 7 came as the MTA is undergoing a $160 million overhaul of its light rail service, which, compared with other rail modes, operates smaller vehicles that can operate in mixed traffic on city streets at lower speeds.

The move came two days after the Maryland Department of Transportation announced $3.3 billion in proposed budget cuts. Managers in each agency within the department, including the MTA, have been asked to reduce 8% of their operating budgets. MTA Administrator Holly Arnold said at a news conference that the cuts were unrelated to the light rail suspensions.

The MTA said service will be restored when it’s safe. In the past four months, problems with inter-car connecting cables have led to three smoke events resulting in minor injuries for a rider and a police officer.

Last week, the MTA determined that a light rail fire Oct. 21 was not unique to the specific vehicle in question, according to a spokesperson with the MTA’s office of communications and marketing. As a result, the MTA grounded the light rail fleet to begin to inspect all light rail vehicle conduits and inter-car connector cables.

At the news conference, MTA representatives said full service would resume when 19 railcars have been repaired and are available.

When did the light rail service begin?

In 1968, Maryland wanted to create a rapid transit corridor and started the process by conducting the Baltimore Region Rapid Transit System, Feasibility, and Preliminary Engineering Study. Construction on the light rail began in 1988, and the service opened in 1992, the same day as the Orioles’ first game ever at Camden Yards. This project, unlike most large transit projects, was finished without any federal money.

Initially running from Timonium to Cromwell, the light rail was extended in 1997 to also serve Hunt Valley, BWI Marshall Airport and Penn Station. The initial portion of the light rail received service improvements in 2005; at that time, the Hamburg Street station opened for service.

In 2017, the light rail system was renamed the Light RailLink and joined the BaltimoreLink initiative, an overhaul and rebranding of the transit system operating throughout the region.

In 2021, Baltimore City pushed for state investment in the Maryland Transit Administration to fund light rail maintenance and other needs.

How is it used nowadays?

Light RailLink has 33 stations, 58 miles of track and 53 light rail vehicles, and typically serves 10,000 riders per day from Hunt Valley through downtown Baltimore, past its sports stadiums, to BWI Marshall Airport.

Over 550,000 jobs are located within a 30-minute walk or transit ride of light rail stations, with over 290,000 of those within 15 minutes.

During Orioles games, Ravens games and other special events, service is provided with three-car trains, instead of the typical two-car trains, to handle higher ridership volumes. An average of 7,000 to 10,000 riders use light rail for Ravens games.

What are the fares?

One-way tickets cost $2 for regular commuters, $1 for seniors, $1.50 for students and $2.20 for mobility commuters. Day passes cost  $4.60 for regular commuters and $2.30 for seniors. Weekly/7-day passes cost $22 for regular commuters while monthly/31-day passes cost $77 for regular commuters and $23 for seniors.

Is this the first time MTA has updated its light rail services?

A double-track project, completed Feb. 26, 2006, included updated electronics for all 53 cars and grading work.

In 2013, Alstom was awarded a $150 million contract by MTA to overhaul Baltimore’s entire fleet. The project, which began in October 2013, was supposed to add about 15 years to the life span of the trains.

How can people commute during suspension?

The Department of Transportation is trying to make up for the suspended service with extra buses for commuters. Express buses from larger park-and-ride lots will be provided for people attending Ravens games.

MTA also offers the MARC service, the Metro subway and buses. Commuters can plan their trip at mtamaryland.com.