Introduction
Maryland Transit Administration or MTA Maryland for short is a state-operated transportation administration in Maryland. This administration is part of the Maryland Department of Transportation, or MDOT, and is the primary operator of transit in Baltimore, MD, and Baltimore County. MTA Maryland is the largest transportation agency in Maryland and the 11th largest in the United States.
Headquarters Location
The Maryland MTA Head Quarters and main offices are located at 6 St Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21202
MTA Maryland Routes and Service
MTA Maryland operates four modes of transit within its boundaries, including commuter rail service under the “Maryland Area Regional Commuter” brand, aka MARC, and bus, subway, and light rail service under the BaltimoreLink brand, as well as a new light rail line in Western Maryland known as the Purple Line. Most of MTA’s services operate to or within the city limits of Baltimore, but some local buses, as well as the Light RailLink, operate out to Glen Burnie, BWI Airport, and Anne Arundel County. MTA Maryland also oversees commuter express service through the state of Maryland and into Washington D.C. MARC Trains on the Brunswick Line do not serve the city of Baltimore.
BaltimoreLink
Since 2017, MTA Maryland adapted a new route system known as the “BaltimoreLink” for the local and rapid routes to and within the City of Baltimore and Baltimore County.
BaltimoreLink Fixed-Route Bus Operations
With the BaltimoreLink system, all fixed bus routes that operate to/through the city of Baltimore and Baltimore County are branded as BaltimoreLink, and use specific “Link” route labels and colors depending on their service.. All BaltimoreLink routes use MTA Maryland branded buses. Buses on these routes come out of bus divisions from within the city of Baltimore.
The naming of MTA Maryland’s BaltimoreLink fixed bus routes can be summarized as the following:
- LocalLink. These are neighborhood-centric local bus routes and can be identified as numbers from 21-39 and 51-95. The higher numbers (51-95) operate to the outskirts of the city, whereas the lower numbers (21-39) are crosstown routes.
- Crosstown LocalLink Routes: 21, 22, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38
- Neighborhood LocalLink Routes: 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 57, 59, 62, 63, 65, 67, 69, 70, 71, 73, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95
- CityLink. These are the more frequent bus routes that operate on central corridors at high frequencies, usually passing through the downtown area. They can be identified as colors aka CityLink Purple PR.
- CityLink Colors and Symbols: Blue BL, Brown BR, Gold GD, Green GR, Lime LM, Navy NV, Orange OR, Pink PK, Purple PR, Silver SV, Red RD, and Yellow YW
- QuickLink – These are rapid transit style, skip-stop, crosstown routes, replacing the previous “QuickBus” system. These routes use numbers in the 40s.
- Currently, the only QuickLink route is 40, Operating between West Gate and Essex, serving West Baltimore, City Hall, and Johns Hopkins Bayview.
- Express BusLink – These routes are express versions of the LocalLink lines, that terminate within Baltimore City. They can be identified by numbers in the 100 series, and usually, run in peak directions during the rush hours only.
- Express BusLink Routes: 103, 104, 105, 115, 120, 150, 154, 160, 164
BaltimoreLink Bus Fleet Roster
Maryland MTA’s fleet for the BaltimoreLink fixed route system consists of about 700 buses, most of which are New Flyer Xcelsior Models built between 2011 and 2019 (as this was the only type of bus MTA had received in this time frame). The numbering is generally based on year, e.g. 21061 would’ve been built in 2021 but 19061 would’ve been built in 2019. There are a few exceptions, like normally the first of a batch was built the year before as a pilot bus, and 17000-17002, which was built in 2016.
| Year | Make/Model | Image | Engine/ Transmission | Fleet Numbers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | New Flyer Xcelsior XDE40 |   | Cummins ISL Allison H-40 EP | 11001-11057 | Mostly Retired |
| 2012 | New Flyer Xcelsior XDE40 |  | Cummins ISL9 Allison H-40 EP | 12001-12053 | |
| 2012 | New Flyer Xcelsior XDE60 |  | Cummins ISL9 Allison H-50 EP | 12081-12090 | |
| 2013 | New Flyer Xcelsior XDE40 |  | Cummins ISL9 Allison H-40 EP | 13001-13040 | |
| 2014 | New Flyer Xcelsior XDE40 |   | Cummins ISL9 Allison H-40 EP | 14001-14041 | |
| 2016 | New Flyer Xcelsior XD40 |  | Cummins ISL9 Allison B3400 xFE | 16001-16039 | |
| 2016 | New Flyer Xcelsior XD40 |  | Cummins L9 Allison B3400 xFE | 16040-16099, 17000 | |
| 2017-2019 | New Flyer Xcelsior XD40 |  | Cummins L9 Allison B3400 xFE | 17001-17072 18001-18070 19001-19070 | 17001 and 17002 are 2016 models |
| 2020 | NovaBus LFS Artic |  | Cummins L9 Allison B500 | 20031-20070 | |
| 2020- 2024 | NovaBus LFS |  | Cummins L9 Allison B3400 xFE | 20001-20030 21001-21070 22001-22070 23001-23070 24001-24070 | |
| 2023 | New Flyer “Xcelsior CHARGE H2” XE40 |  | Siemens Electric Propulsion System | 23091-23094 | First fully electric buses in the fleet |
| 2023 | New Flyer “Xcelsior CHARGE H2” XE60 |  | Siemens Electric Propulsion System | 23095-23097 | |
| Year | Make/Model | Image | Engine/ Transmission | Numbers | Notes |
BaltimoreLink Metro Subway and Light Rail Lines
Light Rail to Cromwell
ABB LRV
Howard Street at Baltimore Street
Taken April 21st, 2012
Since 2017, as part of the BaltimoreLink system, the Baltimore Metro became known as the Metro SubwayLink, and the Baltimore Light Rail became known as the Light RailLink. Both are rail systems that operate between downtown Baltimore and the suburbs. The Light RailLink also serves the BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, with service to the Baltimore Penn Station. The Metro SubwayLink serves Johns Hopkins Hospital and Owings Mills.
- Light RailLink (map)
- These all share space between MT Royal and Camden Yards Station. Some Trains terminate at North Avenue Station, as this is the main train yard for the Light Rail Link. Hunt Valley Service often alternates terminating at Fairgrounds Station during the rush hours. Main Line trips include:
- Light RailLink Hunt Valley => Cromwell Station (Glen Burnie)
- Light RailLink Hunt Valley => BWI Airport
- Light RailLink Camden Yards => Penn Station
- These all share space between MT Royal and Camden Yards Station. Some Trains terminate at North Avenue Station, as this is the main train yard for the Light Rail Link. Hunt Valley Service often alternates terminating at Fairgrounds Station during the rush hours. Main Line trips include:
- Metro SubwayLink (map) – Unlike the Light RailLink, this system is only one line with no branches. All trips operate between Owings Mills and John Hopkins Hospital. Some trips during rush hours operate from Rogers Avenue Station, as this is the main train yard for the Metro SubwayLink
BaltimoreLink Metro and Light Rail Fleet Roster
This is a combination between the Light Rail and Metro fleet. The lines these are used for are noted under the make/model.
BaltimoreLink’s MobilityLink Paratransit Service
MTA Maryland’s MobilityLink is the paratransit service providing service to the city of Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Baltimore counties. Since 2017 as part of the BaltimoreLink system, Mobility was branded as MobilityLink and all vehicles purchased from this point onward would wear a livery similar to the fixed route buses.
Like most transit agencies, MTA Maryland contracts MobilityLink service out to different outfits. Normally, the different outfit is reflected by the suffix on the fleet number.
- F – First Transit
- M or MV – MV Transportation
- T – Transdev
So a unit numbered 3957T would be operated by Transdev.
The fleet mostly consists of Ford Econoline cutaway Buses, with some cars for the taxi service in between.
The roster below is mostly incomplete.
MobilityLink Shared-Ride Fleet
MTA Maryland non-Baltimore Area Service
Although MTA Maryland primarily operates within the city of Baltimore and it’s suburbs. It also oversees and operates multiple services throughout the state of Maryland. These services include bus, light rail, and rail trips
MTA Maryland non-Baltimore Light Rail Services
The Purple Line is a new line that will operate in western Maryland, projected to open in 2027. This system is not connected to the BaltimoreLink rail lines or bus routes.
- Purple Line (projected to open in 2027)
- This line is set to operate between Bethesda and New Carrolton Maryland, and will be the first rail line to operate through Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties without also serving Washington D.C.
- This line will connect with MARC Trains
- B – Brunswick Line at Silver Spring Station
- C – Camden Line at College Park – UMD Station
- P – Penn Line at New Carrollton Station
- This line will not connect with BaltimoreLink services.
- This line will connect with MARC Trains
- This line is set to operate between Bethesda and New Carrolton Maryland, and will be the first rail line to operate through Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties without also serving Washington D.C.
MTA Maryland non-Baltimore Light Rail Roster
This fleet is only for the purple line.
| Year, Make/Model | Image | Fleet Numbers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 CAF Purple Line P3 LRV Purple Line |  | 101-128 | All assembled for the Purple Line Launch in 2027 |
MTA Commuter Express Service
Commuter Express – As the name says, these are commuter express routes that go across the entire state of Maryland, and even to Washington DC. These routes are looked over and managed by MTA Maryland, but operated by other Contractors. These lines do NOT use MTA Maryland branded buses.
- Inter-county-Connector (ICC) – These routes on MD State Route 200
- 201, 203, operated by DILLON’S BUS SERVICE INC.
- 204 operated by ATLANTIC COAST CHARTERS
- Service to Anne-Arndell and Queens Arndell County via US Route 50
- 210, 215 operated by ACADEMY EXPRESS, LLC
- 220, 230, 240, 250, 260 Operated by DILLON’S BUS SERVICE INC.
- Service to Howard County
- 310, 320, 410, 411, 420 operated by ACADEMY EXPRESS, LLC
- 315, 325 operated by MARTZ/GOLD LINE
- 335, 345, operated by DILLON’S BUS SERVICE INC.
- Service to Fredrick and Montgomery Counties
- 505, 515 operated by ATLANTIC COAST CHARTERS
- Service to Charles and Prince George’s Counties to/from Washington DC
- 610, 620, 630, 650 operated by MARTZ/GOLD LINE
- 640 operated by ACADEMY EXPRESS, LLC
- Service to St Mary’s and Prince George’s Counties to/from Washington DC via MD State Route 5
- 705 operated by ACADEMY EXPRESS, LLC
- 715, 725, 735 operated by Keller Transportation, Inc.
- Service to Calvert County
- 810 operated by MARTZ/GOLD LINE
- 820 operated by ACADEMY EXPRESS, LLC
- 830, 840, 850 operated by Keller Transportation, Inc
As of 2017, there is no official commuter express bus fleet. Buses on these routes are managed by their respective contractors.
Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC)
The Maryland Area Regional Commuter, or MARC, operates three rail lines through the state of Maryland, all of which serve the Washington Union Station in Washington DC. These three lines are as follows.
- B – Brunswick Line, which operates on CSX owned tracks, providing service from Washington DC to Martinsburg West Virginia with a branch to Fredrick Maryland. Both branches of the Brunswick Line operate via Silver Spring Maryland. This line is operated by Bombardier Transportation Services on Behalf of the Maryland Transit Administration.
- The Fredrick Branch also serves Monocacy, Maryland
- The Brunswick Line (not the Fredrick Branch) serves Brunswick, Maryland, as well as Martinsburg West Virginia. It is the only MTA Maryland service to enter West Virginia.
- C – Camden Line, which operates on CSX owned tracks, providing service from Washington DC to Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD, with stops in Greenbelt, Savage, and St. Dennis. All stops on the Camden Line, with the exception of Washington Union Station, is with within the state of Maryland. This line is operated by Bombardier Transportation Services on Behalf of the Maryland Transit Administration.
- The Camden Line connects with WMATA Services at Washington Union Station, College Park Station, and Greenbelt Station
- The Camden Line also connects with Central Maryland RTA services at College Park Station, Greenbelt Station, Muirkirk Station, Laurel Station, Savage Station and Dorsey Station
- P – Penn Line which operates on Amtrak owned tracks, providing service from Washington DC to Bowie State University, BWI Airport, Baltimore, and Perryville. All stops on the Penn Line, with the exception of Washington DC, is within the state of Maryland. This line is operated by Amtrak on behalf of the Maryland Transit Administration
- The Penn Line connects with WMATA services at Washington Union Station
- The Penn Line also connects with Anne Arundel Transit at Odenton Station
- Connections with Prince George’s County “THE BUS” can be made at New Carrolton Station
- Connections with Harford County LINK services can be made at Aberdeen Station and Perryville Station
- Connections with Cecil Transit can be made at the Perryville Station
MARC Locomotive Fleet Roster
This is MARC’s Current fleet as of December 18th, 2021
| Year | Make/Model | Image | Numbers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988-1992 | EMD GP40 |  | 70-75: GP39H-2 4145: Ex-NJT GP40PH 68: GP40WH-2 | – All are used as spare engines. – Image Source – 75 Inactive |
| 1998 | Bombardier/Alstom HHP-8 | 4910-4915 | Refurbished in 2017-2018 | |
| 2009-2011 | MPI MP36PH-3C |  | 10-35 | |
| 2018 | Siemens SC-44 Charger | 80-86 | Replaced AEM-7s | |
| Year | Make/Model | Image | Numbers | Notes |
MARC Passenger Car Fleet Roster
| Year | Make/Model | Image | Numbers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991-1993 | Nippon Sharyo/Sumitomo MARC IIB |  | 7716-7735, 7757-7762, 7791-7799 | – 7757–7762 (Cab Cars) |
| 1999-2000 | Kawasaki MARC III |  | 7800-7834, 7845-7858, 7870-7876, 7890-7896 | – First Multilevel cars in service – Labeled as “Bi-Level Coach” by MARC – 7845-7858 (Cab Cars) – 7826-7834 and 7855-7858 EX-VRE coaches, purchased in 2008 |
| 2014-2015 | Bombardier MARC IV |  | 8000-8053 | – 8039-8053 (Cab Cars) |
| 2015 | Bombardier MARC IV (special) |  | 8054-8059 8090-8094 | – 8054-8059 (Cab cars) – Same as New Jersey Transit‘s Multi-levels |
| Year | Make/Model | Image | Numbers | Notes |
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