MTA's Light Rail Modernization Program (LRMP) is an investment to deliver more reliable, faster, safer, and more accessible service for Light Rail riders. The LRMP is a more than $1 billion program of investments in light rail vehicles, signal systems, stations, track, and maintenance facilities for Baltimore’s Central Light Rail Line.

Why Modernize the Light Rail?

The current Light Rail operation has not been modernized since the initial construction and later expansion of the original system. The federal grant received in 2024 to replace MTA’s current Light Rail vehicles is an opportunity to improve the entire Light Rail system that is only presented once every several decades. The 2025 Moore-Miller transportation budget provides additional revenue that fully funds the overall modernization program. It’s time to rebuild our system to meet the needs of a growing, connected city.

What’s Changing?

We’re upgrading the entire system—top to bottom. Overall, the LRMP will bring these changes to the Central Light Rail Line:

  • New Vehicles: 52 fully modern, low-floor trains for faster, all-door boarding
  • Better Stations: Investment in all 33 stations with platforms upgraded for accessibility and comfort
  • Optimized Traffic: Updated traffic operations to reduce delay and increase safety
  • Upgraded Infrastructure: New track, power, and control systems
  • Modern Maintenance: Facilities equipped for increased service and reliability

Project Benefits

How This Will Improve Your Ride?

You’ll notice the difference in every ride:

  • Shorter Waits: Service every 7 minutes instead of 15
  • Faster Boarding: All passengers, including those with disabilities, board more easily
  • More Reliable Travel: Fewer service interruptions due to maintenance
  • Safer Intersections: Traffic and train signals will work better together
  • Modern Design: Stations that are more welcoming and secure

Program Timeline

What’s Happening Now?

MTA is currently developing performance requirements for all the LRMP elements and initiating procurements for contractors. Once contractors are onboard, the LRMP elements will advance through design and construction.

The team is working with stakeholders in Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County, and Baltimore County on this program to ensure an integrated design, lower-impact construction, and overall coordinated implementation of LRMP.

Key Milestones

The forecasted timeline reflects MTA's analysis as of Spring 2025 and is subject to refinement and collaboration with program delivery partners.

  • 2025 - 2026 – Procurement for design and construction activities
  • 2027 - 2029 – Vehicle design, construction, & delivery; Train control & signal upgrades
  • 2027 - 2029 – Cromwell Maintenance and Storage Facility construction
  • 2027 - 2030 – Phase 1 station construction and new vehicle testing
  • 2031 – 2032 – Mixed-fleet operations while old vehicles are phased out
  • 2032 – 2033 – Phase 2 station construction to remove high blocks on platforms
  • 2032 – 2034 – North Avenue Maintenance and Storage Facility construction
  • 2034 – LRMP implementation complete

Minimized Disruptions

The MTA will work closely with contractors, the public, and other stakeholders throughout the LRMP to minimize construction impacts and disruptions to transit service.

Materials from Industry Day with MTA

The Maryland Transit Administration hosted an “Industry Day” on Thursday, June 26 to provide prime contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and other interested businesses an opportunity to learn more about the Light Rail Modernization Program and associated program timelines.

Recordings of the event presentations and event materials can be accessed below:

Small, disadvantaged, veteran-owned and minority-owned businesses are highly encouraged to visit eMMA and register to ensure you receive procurement information.

Event Recording

Learn More

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Please provide contact information below to subscribe to periodic updates about the LRMP.

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Contact the Team

Have questions or comments? Reach out to the team via email or phone:
Email: lightrailmodernization@mta.maryland.gov
Phone (Voice-mailbox): 410-767-9099

For more information, or to request this document in an alternate format or translated into another language, please contact the department listed below.

MDOT MTA Transit Information Contact Center • 410-539-5000 • 866-743-3682 • TTY 410-539-3497 • Maryland Relay Users Dial 7-1-1