FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Event Offers Key Insights, Partnership Opportunities for One of the Region’s Largest Transit Investments
BALTIMORE, MD (June 25, 2025) - The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration will host an Industry Day for the Light Rail Modernization Program on Thursday, June 26 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the BWI Sheraton. Prime contractors, subcontractors, consultants and suppliers – including small, disadvantaged, veteran-owned and minority-owned businesses – are highly encouraged to attend the event to learn more about the transformative project to revitalize Baltimore’s Central Light Rail Line. A virtual option is available. Registration information is available on the project website mta.maryland.gov/modern-lr.
“Advancing this light rail project is not just about building infrastructure – it’s about building opportunity,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “We’re looking for partners who share our commitment to innovation and recognize this project will dramatically improve the transit system used by thousands of Marylanders daily to access jobs, healthcare, education and opportunity.”
The Light Rail Modernization Program 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. In 2024, the agency was awarded a $213 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration’s Rail Vehicle Replacement program. In addition to the federal grant, the 2025 Moore-Miller transportation budget provides additional revenue that fully funds this critical investment in Baltimore to modernize the light rail system, improve reliability, expand access and enhance safety for riders.
Modernizing the light rail system will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, driving transit-oriented development around high-quality transit stations. The program represents a long-term commitment to building vibrant, walkable communities and will support the revitalization efforts of Howard Street.
The Light Rail program will deliver substantial benefits to riders and the region, including:
- Increased frequency and reliability of service
- Faster boarding and reduced travel times
- Improved accessibility across the system
- Enhanced traffic safety
- Improved security measures at transit stations
- Refreshed and modern station design features
The Industry Day event will provide a first look at the scope, timeline and procurement opportunities related to one of the most significant transit infrastructure projects the agency is undertaking. A Q&A session with agency staff will follow the presentations. Attendees will gain key insights into the program and will be able to connect with other businesses to explore partnership opportunities.
The Maryland Transit Administration is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States, operating systems that include Local Bus, Commuter Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train Service and a comprehensive Mobility paratransit network. Our goal 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, Instagram at MTA Maryland and follow us on X @mtamaryland and bluesky@mta.maryland.gov.
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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