FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Light Rail Free for Riders Until January 2, 2024
BALTIMORE, MD (December 22, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration is pleased to announce resumption of Light Rail service, effective December 23. Service was temporarily suspended to facilitate emergency inspection of the entire Light Rail vehicle fleet on Friday, December 8. Following recent inspections that identified potential issues with punctured conduits on Light Rail vehicles, the Maryland Transit Administration worked closely with its contractor to complete an accelerated inspection and correction plan.
“I thank our dedicated Maryland Transit Administration employees and our contractor’s workforce for all they’ve done to advance these reviews while maintaining safety as our highest priority,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “Above all, I thank the thousands of riders who rely on our services every day. I know this temporary suspension of service has been an inconvenience for many of our customers, and I greatly appreciate their understanding.”
With light rail service resuming on Saturday, shuttle buses that have operated between light rail stations will no longer be in operation. As light rail transitions back to full service, some travel delays may occur. For additional information and real time updates, visit the Maryland Transit Administration website or use the Transit App to track light rail arrivals and departures. As a courtesy to riders, Light Rail service will be free until January 2, 2024.
“We’re thrilled to welcome our valued riders back aboard light rail,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “Safety will always be our top priority, and I thank our riders for their patience as we completed necessary inspections and repairs.”
Additionally, the Maryland Transit Administration has applied for $225 million in federal grant opportunities to support further investment in the Light Rail system. The Rail Vehicle Replacement grant program would directly support the procurement of an entirely new fleet of modern light rail vehicles.
The Maryland Transit Administration is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States, and operates Local Bus, Commuter Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train Service and a comprehensive Mobility paratransit system. The goal of the Maryland Transit Administration is to provide safe, efficient and reliable transit across Maryland with world-class customer service. To learn more, visit mta.maryland.gov check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/mtamaryland and follow us on Twitter @mtamaryland.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Paul Shepard
Office: 410-767-3935
Cell: 443-622-4181
pshepard@mdot.maryland.gov
Courtney Mims
Office: 410-767-8367
Cell: 667-392-0157
cmims@mdot.maryland.gov
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