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{{Short description|Rapid transit line in Maryland}}
{{Short description|Rapid transit line in Baltimore, Maryland, US}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Distinguish|text=the [[Baltimore Light RailLink]], a light rail system also in Baltimore}}
{{Infobox rail line
{{Infobox rail line
| name = Baltimore Metro SubwayLink
| color = {{rcr|Maryland Transit Administration|Metro SubwayLink}}
| name = Metro SubwayLink
| logo = File:Baltimore Metro SubwayLink Logo for Signage (Blue).svg
| logo = File:Baltimore Metro SubwayLink Logo for Signage (Blue).svg
| logo_width = 75px
| logo_width = 75px
| image = MTAMaryland178.jpg
| image = MTAMaryland178.jpg
| image_width = 300px
| image_width = 300px
| caption = Metro Subway train entering the Reisterstown Plaza station, bound for Owings Mills
| caption = Metro SubwayLink train entering [[Reisterstown Plaza station]] and bound for [[Owings Mills station]]
| type = [[Rapid transit]]
| type = [[Rapid transit]]
| depot = 5801 Wabash Avenue<ref name="Media Guide" />
| depot = 5801 Wabash Avenue<ref name="Media Guide" />
| system =
| system =
| status = <!-- Only use when line is not operating normally -->
| status = <!-- Only use when line is not operating normally -->
| locale = [[Baltimore, Maryland]]
| locale = [[Baltimore]], Maryland, U.S.
| start = [[Owings Mills (Metro Subway station)|Owings Mills]] (west)
| start = [[Owings Mills station|Owings Mills]] (west)
| end = [[Johns Hopkins Hospital (Metro Subway station)|Johns Hopkins Hospital]] (east)
| end = [[Johns Hopkins Hospital station|Johns Hopkins Hospital]] (east)
| stations = 14
| stations = 14
| website = {{URL|https://mta.maryland.gov/metro-subway|mta.maryland.gov/metro-subway}}
| routes =
| routes =
| daily_ridership = {{American transit ridership|MD Baltimore HR daily}} ({{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}
| daily_ridership = {{American transit ridership|MD Baltimore HR daily}} ({{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}
| ridership2 = {{American transit ridership|MD Baltimore HR annual}} ({{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}
| ridership2 = {{American transit ridership|MD Baltimore HR annual}} ({{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}
| open = {{Start date and age|1983|11|21}}
| open = {{Start date and age|1983|11|21}}
| close =
| close =
| owner = [[Maryland Transit Administration]]
| owner = [[Maryland Transit Administration]]
| character = Underground, surface, elevated
| character = Underground, surface, elevated
Line 27: Line 32:
| tracks = 2
| tracks = 2
| gauge = {{track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}
| gauge = {{track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}
| electrification = [[Third rail]], 700 V DC<ref name="Urban Rail" />
| electrification = {{700 V DC|conductor=third rail}}<ref name="Urban Rail" />
| speed = {{convert|70|mph|abbr=on}}<ref name="Roads to the Future" />
| speed = {{convert|70|mph|abbr=on}}<ref name="Roads to the Future" />
| elevation = {{convert|28|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="Roads to the Future" />
| elevation = {{convert|28|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="Roads to the Future" />
| map = {{Baltimore Metro Green Line}}
| map = {{switcher
| {{maplink-road|from=Baltimore Metro SubwayLink.map}} Metro SubwayLink highlighted in green <hr />
| map_state = collapsed
| Show interactive map
| website = {{URL|https://mta.maryland.gov/metro-subway|mta.maryland.gov/metro-subway}}
| {{Baltimore Metro SubwayLink|inline=yes}}
| Show route diagram
}}
}}
}}
The '''Metro SubwayLink''' is a [[rapid transit]] line serving the greater area of [[Baltimore, Maryland]], in the [[United States]], and is operated by the [[Maryland Transit Administration]]. More than half of the line is underground, and most of the line outside the central city is elevated or at surface grade.<ref name="Roads to the Future">{{cite web|url=http://www.roadstothefuture.com/Baltimore_Metro.html|title=Baltimore Metro Subway|work=Roads to the Future|author=Scott M. Kozel|date=October 13, 2002|access-date=June 28, 2002| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20020808061523/http://www.roadstothefuture.com/Baltimore_Metro.html| archive-date= August 8, 2002 | url-status= live}}</ref> In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the line had a ridership of {{American transit ridership|MD Baltimore HR annual}}, or about {{American transit ridership|MD Baltimore HR daily}} per weekday as of {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}.

The '''Baltimore Metro SubwayLink''' is a [[rapid transit]] line serving [[Baltimore]], Maryland, and its northwestern suburbs, operated by the [[Maryland Transit Administration]]. The segment in [[Downtown Baltimore]] is underground, while most of the line outside the central city is elevated or at surface grade.<ref name="Roads to the Future">{{cite web|url=http://www.roadstothefuture.com/Baltimore_Metro.html|title=Baltimore Metro Subway|work=Roads to the Future|author=Scott M. Kozel|date=October 13, 2002|access-date=June 28, 2002| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20020808061523/http://www.roadstothefuture.com/Baltimore_Metro.html| archive-date= August 8, 2002 | url-status= live}}</ref> In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the line had a ridership of {{American transit ridership|MD Baltimore HR annual}}, or about {{American transit ridership|MD Baltimore HR daily}} per weekday as of {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}.


== History ==
== History ==
The origins of the Metro Subway lie in the Baltimore Area Mass Transportation Plan, published in 1965, which envisioned six rapid transit lines radiating out from a central city loop. Planning studies from 1968 proposed a rail transit system {{convert|71|mi|km|abbr=on}} long.<ref name="Roads to the Future" />
The origins of the Metro SubwayLink lie in the Baltimore Area Mass Transportation Plan published in 1965, which envisioned six rapid transit lines radiating out from a central city loop. Planning studies from 1968 proposed a rail transit system {{convert|71|mi|km|abbr=on}} long.<ref name="Roads to the Future" />


As the vision was translated into reality, the original concept was trimmed to a {{convert|28|mi|km|abbr=on}} system in the Phase 1 plan, published in 1971. This plan involved two of the original six lines: a northwest line from Downtown Baltimore to Owings Mills and a south line to Glen Burnie and the airport. Phase 1 was approved for funding by the Maryland General Assembly in 1972. In response to crime concerns of [[Anne Arundel County, Maryland|Anne Arundel County]] residents, the MTA eliminated the south line from Phase 1 plans in 1975.<ref name="Roads to the Future" />
As the vision was translated into reality, the original concept was trimmed to a {{convert|28|mi|km|abbr=on}} system in the Phase 1 plan, published in 1971. This plan involved two of the original six lines: a northwest line from Downtown Baltimore to Owings Mills and a south line to Glen Burnie and the airport. Phase 1 was approved for funding by the Maryland General Assembly in 1972. In response to lobbying by [[Anne Arundel County, Maryland|Anne Arundel County]] residents, the MTA eliminated the south line from Phase 1 plans in 1975; the [[Baltimore Light RailLink]] was later built over much of the planned south line corridor.<ref name="Roads to the Future" />


When the Baltimore Metro Subway opened on November 21, 1983, only the "Northwest" line of the 1965 plan had come to fruition. This {{convert|12.2|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} segment provided service between Charles Center in Downtown Baltimore and Reisterstown Plaza in the northwest section of the city. On July 20, 1987, a {{convert|9.8|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} addition extended the line from Reisterstown Road Plaza to [[Owings Mills, Maryland|Owings Mills]] in Baltimore County, much of it running in the median of [[Interstate 795 (Maryland)|I-795]]. A further extension of {{convert|2.5|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} from Charles Center to [[Johns Hopkins Hospital]] was opened on May 31, 1995.<ref name="Media Guide" /><ref name="Urban Rail">{{cite web |author=Robert Schwandl |url=http://www.urbanrail.net/am/balt/baltimore.htm |title=Baltimore Metro Subway |website=UrbanRail.Net |access-date=November 27, 2014}}</ref>
When the Metro SubwayLink opened on November 21, 1983, only the "Northwest" line of the 1965 plan had come to fruition. This {{convert|12.2|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} segment provided service between Charles Center in Downtown Baltimore and the Reisterstown Plaza shopping center in the northwest of the city. On July 20, 1987, a {{convert|9.8|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} addition extended the line from Reisterstown Plaza to [[Owings Mills, Maryland|Owings Mills]] in Baltimore County, with a portion running in the median of [[Interstate 795 (Maryland)|Interstate 795]]. A further extension of {{convert|2.5|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} from Charles Center to [[Johns Hopkins Hospital]] opened on May 31, 1995.<ref name="Media Guide" /><ref name="Urban Rail">{{cite web |author=Robert Schwandl |url=http://www.urbanrail.net/am/balt/baltimore.htm |title=Baltimore Metro Subway |website=UrbanRail.Net |access-date=November 27, 2014}}</ref> Once the project was completed in 1995, the total cost for the Metro SubwayLink stood at $1.392 billion.<ref name="Roads to the Future" />


The current system is {{convert|24.8|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} long, consisting of {{convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} underground, {{convert|3.5|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} elevated, and {{convert|11.3|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} at grade. Eight of its 14 stations are underground, at depths from {{convert|16|m|ft|abbr=on|order=flip}} to {{convert|34|m|ft|abbr=on|order=flip}} below street level. Its elevated stations stand from {{convert|25|ft|m|abbr=on}} to {{convert|28|ft|m|abbr=on}} above ground.<ref name="Urban Rail" />
Once the project was completed in 1995, the total cost for the Metro Subway was $1.392 billion.<ref name="Roads to the Future" />


When the system opened, it became the largest single user of [[Susan B. Anthony dollar]] coins in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|last=Valentine |first=Paul W. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1984/04/02/underground-coin/2ef50b92-4d55-4637-a8a6-195e4a6bf46c/ |title=Underground Coin |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 2, 1984 |access-date=May 28, 2019}}</ref>
The current system is {{convert|24.8|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} long, consisting of {{convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} underground, {{convert|3.5|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} elevated, and {{convert|11.3|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} at grade level (with roadways separated). Eight of its 14 stations are underground at depths from {{convert|16|m|ft|abbr=on|order=flip}} to {{convert|34|m|ft|abbr=on|order=flip}} below street level. Its elevated stations stand from {{convert|25|ft|m|abbr=on}} to {{convert|28|ft|m|abbr=on}} above ground.<ref name="Urban Rail" />


The installation of underground cellular service in the Metro SubwayLink tunnels began in September 2021 and was originally expected to be completed by June 2022.<ref name="mta-2019-uc">{{cite report|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/mta-website-staging/mta-website-staging/files/Transit%20Projects/Cornerstone/MSCP_MetroSubwayLink.pdf|title=Metro SubwayLink Cornerstone Plan|publisher=Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Transit Administration|date=August 28, 2019|access-date=November 18, 2021|page=36}}</ref><ref name="mta-s-disruptions">{{cite report|url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/17i41fDzgSVJWvfrnuWwpQUqGgOJqHJy9/view|title=Franchise Agreement Report: Summary of Service Disruptions & Asset Conditions – Metro SubwayLink and Light RailLink|publisher=Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Transit Administration|date=June 29, 2021|access-date=November 18, 2021|last=Arnold|first=Holly|page=5}}</ref> As of January 2024, the work has not been completed.
When the system started operation, it became the largest single user of [[Susan B. Anthony dollar]] coins.<ref>{{cite web|last=Valentine |first=Paul W. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1984/04/02/underground-coin/2ef50b92-4d55-4637-a8a6-195e4a6bf46c/ |title=Underground Coin |work=The Washington Post |date=April 2, 1984 |access-date=May 28, 2019}}</ref>


== Operation ==
On February 11, 2018, the MTA announced a month-long closure of the entire system to complete emergency track repairs identified during a safety inspection. An aboveground portion of the system had already been shut down due to emergency inspections and repairs.<ref>{{cite news |last=Campbell |first=Colin |date=February 11, 2018 |title=Entire Baltimore Metro system to close for a month for emergency repairs |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-subway-emergency-repairs-folo-20180211-story.html |work=Baltimore Sun |access-date=February 11, 2018}}</ref> The system reopened on March 9, 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-bz-metro-reopens-20180309-story.html|title=Riders relieved as Baltimore Metro Subway reopens after monthlong shutdown|last=Richman|first=Talia|work=baltimoresun.com|access-date=April 1, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>

[[Farebox recovery ratio|Farebox recovery]] is only 28%. This is comparable to other similarly sized system in the continental United States, although low for international standards.{{citation-needed|date=November 2021}}

The installation of underground cellular service in the Baltimore Metro subway tunnels began in September 2021 and is expected to be complete by June 2022.<ref name="mta-2019-uc">{{cite report|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/mta-website-staging/mta-website-staging/files/Transit%20Projects/Cornerstone/MSCP_MetroSubwayLink.pdf|title=Metro SubwayLink Cornerstone Plan|publisher=Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Transit Administration|date=August 28, 2019|access-date=November 18, 2021|page=36}}</ref><ref name="mta-s-disruptions">{{cite report|url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/17i41fDzgSVJWvfrnuWwpQUqGgOJqHJy9/view|title=Franchise Agreement Report: Summary of Service Disruptions & Asset Conditions – Metro SubwayLink and Light RailLink|publisher=Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Transit Administration|date=June 29, 2021|access-date=November 18, 2021|last=Arnold|first=Holly|page=5}}</ref>


=== Route ===
=== Route ===
The Metro Subway has a single line that is shaped like a reverse "J". Trains head south underground from Johns Hopkins Hospital, turn west as they pass under Baltimore's central business district, then north and ultimately northwest towards Owings Mills. The route leaves its tunnel northwest of Mondawmin station, entering an elevated structure that parallels [[Wabash Avenue (Baltimore)|Wabash Avenue]] and the [[Hanover Subdivision]]. These tracks used to be part of the [[Western Maryland Railroad]] route. The route eventually leaves the older railroad [[Right-of-way (railroad)|right of way]] to enter the I-795 median, which it occupies all the way to the system's Owings Mills terminus.
The Metro SubwayLink has a single line that is shaped like a reverse "J". Trains head south underground from Johns Hopkins Hospital, turn west as they pass under Baltimore's central business district, turn north at Charles Center, and ultimately turn to face northwest at State Center. The route leaves its tunnel northwest of Mondawmin station, entering an elevated structure that parallels [[Wabash Avenue (Baltimore, Maryland)|Wabash Avenue]] and the [[Hanover Subdivision]] along the former [[Western Maryland Railway]] route. The route then enters the median of Interstate 795, which it occupies until it reaches the Owings Mills terminus.


Trains heading for Johns Hopkins Hospital are referred to as "eastbound" trains, while trains heading towards Owings Mills are said to be "westbound".<ref name="Metro Subway">{{cite web|url=http://mta.maryland.gov/metro-subway|title=Metro Subway|publisher=MTA Maryland|access-date=June 30, 2011}}</ref>
Trains heading towards Johns Hopkins Hospital are referred to as "eastbound", while trains heading towards Owings Mills are "westbound".<ref name="Metro Subway">{{cite web|url=http://mta.maryland.gov/metro-subway|title=Metro Subway|publisher=MTA Maryland|access-date=June 30, 2011}}</ref>


=== Schedules ===
=== Schedules ===
A trip from one end of the line to the other takes about half an hour. Headways range from 8 minutes during daytime peak to 11 minutes late at night and on weekends. Trains run from 5 a.m. to midnight on weekdays, 6 a.m. to midnight on weekends.<ref name="Metro Subway" />
A trip from one end of the line to the other takes about half an hour. Headways range from eight minutes during daytime peak to eleven minutes late at night and on weekends. Trains run from 5 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and from 6 a.m. to midnight on weekends.<ref name="Metro Subway" />


=== Fares ===
=== Fares ===
{{Main|Maryland Transit Administration#Fares|l1=Current MTA Fares}}
{{Main|Maryland Transit Administration#Fares|l1=Current MTA Fares}}


These are the current fare prices for MTA buses, Light Rail, and Metro Subway travel.<ref>{{cite web |title=Regular Fares |url=https://mta.maryland.gov/regular-fares |access-date=June 27, 2022 |publisher=Maryland Transit Administration}}</ref>
As of 2024, the fare prices for MTA buses, the Metro SubwayLink, and the Light RailLink travel are as follows:<ref name="Maryland Transit Administration">{{cite web |title=Regular Fares |url=https://mta.maryland.gov/regular-fares |access-date=June 27, 2022 |publisher=Maryland Transit Administration}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 85: Line 90:
| $4.60
| $4.60
| $2.30
| $2.30
| -
|
| -
|
|-
|-
| Weekly Pass
| Weekly Pass
| $22.00
| $22.00
| -
|
| -
|
| -
|
|-
|-
| Monthly Pass
| Monthly Pass
| $77.00
| $77.00
| $23.00
| $23.00
| -
|
| -
|
|}
|}
* Note: People who qualify for [[paratransit]] services can use the Metro SubwayLink free of charge.<ref name="Maryland Transit Administration" />


==== Farebox recovery ====
* Note: People who qualify for paratransit services can use Metro Subway free of charge.
[[Farebox recovery ratio|Farebox recovery]] in the system is only 28%. This is comparable to other similarly sized systems in the continental United States, but low by international standards.{{citation-needed|date=November 2021}}


=== Connecting services ===
=== Performance ===
For fiscal year 2010, the MTA reported 95% on-time performance for the system. It averaged 3.0 passenger trips per revenue mile, with a total of 13.4 million passenger trips for the year. Vehicles operated at an average cost of $11.59 per revenue mile. Local buses, in comparison, performed at a cost of $13.57 per revenue mile.<ref name="Annual Report">{{cite web |title=2012 Annual Report |url=http://mta.maryland.gov/sites/default/files/2012_MTA_Annual_Report.pdf |access-date=October 10, 2013 |publisher=MTA Maryland |page=30}}</ref>
Most Metro Subway stations are served by a number of MTA bus routes. In 1984, just months after Metro first started operating, many feeder routes were created that were given the designation of a letter (M, P, or R) followed by a number. In 1987, many of these routes were renamed, and only the prefix "M" was used. Over the years, the number of M-lines had shrunk, as many of the routes were consolidated. In 2008, routes that were designated with the letter "M" were renamed to plain two-digit designations. Finally, on August 30, 2009, the last four were either renumbered or eliminated, with no routing changes made; they continue to act as feeder routes to the Metro Subway.

There is no direct connection to the [[Baltimore Light Rail]] or to [[MARC Train|MARC]]. However, the Metro Subway's [[Lexington Market station (Metro SubwayLink)|Lexington Market Station]] is a {{convert|200|yd|adj=on}} walk from the Light Rail stop of the same name and the State Center Station is about 1.5 blocks away from Light Rail's Cultural Center. In addition, MARC Penn Station is about a one-half mile walk from State Center, and MARC Camden Station is about five blocks from Lexington Market.


=== Stations ===
=== Stations ===
The Metro SubwayLink has a total of 14 stations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Metro Subway Schedule |url=http://mta.maryland.gov/sites/default/files/metro_subway_%20schedule_610.pdf |access-date=June 30, 2011 |publisher=MTA Maryland}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
Line 163: Line 169:
|[[State Center / Cultural Center station|State Center / Cultural Center]]
|[[State Center / Cultural Center station|State Center / Cultural Center]]
|BaltimoreLink: [[Route 7 (MTA Maryland)|LIME]], [[Route 5 (MTA Maryland)|YELLOW]], [[Route 19 (MTA Maryland)|54]], [[Route 27 (MTA Maryland)|73]], [[Route 119 (MTA Maryland)|154]], [[Route 410 (MTA Maryland)|410]]
|BaltimoreLink: [[Route 7 (MTA Maryland)|LIME]], [[Route 5 (MTA Maryland)|YELLOW]], [[Route 19 (MTA Maryland)|54]], [[Route 27 (MTA Maryland)|73]], [[Route 119 (MTA Maryland)|154]], [[Route 410 (MTA Maryland)|410]]
[[Baltimore Light RailLink|Light RailLink]] (at [[Cultural Center station|Cultural Center]])
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" |[[Downtown Baltimore|Downtown, Baltimore]]
| rowspan="3" |[[Downtown Baltimore|Downtown, Baltimore]]
|{{convert|13.3|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|{{convert|13.3|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|[[Lexington Market station (Baltimore Metro Subway)|Lexington Market]]
|[[Lexington Market station (Metro SubwayLink)|Lexington Market]]
|BaltimoreLink: [[Route 4 (MTA Maryland)|BLUE]], [[Route 19 (MTA Maryland)|54]], [[Route 27 (MTA Maryland)|71]], [[Route 91 (MTA Maryland)|80]], [[Route 27 (MTA Maryland)|94]], [[Route 105 (MTA Maryland)|105]], [[Route 115 (MTA Maryland)|115]], [[Route 119 (MTA Maryland)|154]], [[Route 320 (MTA Maryland)|320]]<br />[[Baltimore Light RailLink|Light RailLink]] (at [[Lexington Market (Metro Subway station)|Lexington Market]])
|BaltimoreLink: [[Route 4 (MTA Maryland)|BLUE]], [[Route 19 (MTA Maryland)|54]], [[Route 27 (MTA Maryland)|71]], [[Route 91 (MTA Maryland)|80]], [[Route 27 (MTA Maryland)|94]], [[Route 105 (MTA Maryland)|105]], [[Route 115 (MTA Maryland)|115]], [[Route 119 (MTA Maryland)|154]], [[Route 320 (MTA Maryland)|320]]<br />Light RailLink (at [[Lexington Market station (Metro SubwayLink)|Lexington Market]])
|-
|-
|{{convert|13.8|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|{{convert|13.8|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|[[Charles Center station|Charles Center]]
|[[Charles Center station|Charles Center]]
|BaltimoreLink: [[Route 23 (MTA Maryland)|ORANGE]], [[Route 3 (MTA Maryland)|GREEN]], [[Route 64 (MTA Maryland)|SILVER]], [[Route 8 (MTA Maryland)|RED]], [[Route 10 (MTA Maryland)|PURPLE]], [[Route 11 (MTA Maryland)|51]], [[Route 35 (MTA Maryland)|56]], [[Route 65 (MTA Maryland)|65]], [[Route 64 (MTA Maryland)|67]], [[Route 27 (MTA Maryland)|71]], [[Route 35 (MTA Maryland)|76]], [[Route 20 (MTA Maryland)|78]], [[Route 61 (MTA Maryland)|95]], [[Route 103 (MTA Maryland)|103]], [[Route 105 (MTA Maryland)|105]], [[Route 164 (MTA Maryland)|164]], [[Route 120 (MTA Maryland)|120]], [[Route 150 (MTA Maryland)|150]], [[Route 160 (MTA Maryland)|160]], [[Route 310 (MTA Maryland)|310]], [[Route 320 (MTA Maryland)|320]], [[Route 410 (MTA Maryland)|410]], [[Route 411 (MTA Maryland)|411]]<br />[[Charm City Circulator|CCC]]: Purple<br />
|BaltimoreLink: [[Route 23 (MTA Maryland)|ORANGE]], [[Route 3 (MTA Maryland)|GREEN]], [[Route 64 (MTA Maryland)|SILVER]], [[Route 8 (MTA Maryland)|RED]], [[Route 10 (MTA Maryland)|PURPLE]], [[Route 40 (MTA Maryland)|40]], [[Route 11 (MTA Maryland)|51]], [[Route 35 (MTA Maryland)|56]], [[Route 65 (MTA Maryland)|65]], [[Route 64 (MTA Maryland)|67]], [[Route 27 (MTA Maryland)|71]], [[Route 35 (MTA Maryland)|76]], [[Route 20 (MTA Maryland)|78]], [[Route 61 (MTA Maryland)|95]], [[Route 103 (MTA Maryland)|103]], [[Route 105 (MTA Maryland)|105]], [[Route 164 (MTA Maryland)|164]], [[Route 120 (MTA Maryland)|120]], [[Route 150 (MTA Maryland)|150]], [[Route 160 (MTA Maryland)|160]], [[Route 310 (MTA Maryland)|310]], [[Route 320 (MTA Maryland)|320]], [[Route 410 (MTA Maryland)|410]], [[Route 411 (MTA Maryland)|411]]<br />[[Charm City Circulator|CCC]]: Purple
|-
|-
|{{convert|14.4|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|{{convert|14.4|mi|km|abbr=values}}
Line 182: Line 189:
|BaltimoreLink: [[Route 5 (MTA Maryland)|PINK]], [[Route 13 (MTA Maryland)|GOLD]], [[Route 15 (MTA Maryland)|BROWN]], [[Route 10 (MTA Maryland)|PURPLE]], [[Route 13 (MTA Maryland)|21]], [[Route 35 (MTA Maryland)|56]], [[Route 13 (MTA Maryland)|104]], [[Route 105 (MTA Maryland)|105]], [[Route 115 (MTA Maryland)|115]], [[Route 120 (MTA Maryland)|120]], [[Route 160 (MTA Maryland)|160]], [[Route 310 (MTA Maryland)|310]], [[Route 320 (MTA Maryland)|320]], [[Route 411 (MTA Maryland)|411]], [[Route 420 (MTA Maryland)|420]]<br />[[Charm City Circulator|CCC]]: Green
|BaltimoreLink: [[Route 5 (MTA Maryland)|PINK]], [[Route 13 (MTA Maryland)|GOLD]], [[Route 15 (MTA Maryland)|BROWN]], [[Route 10 (MTA Maryland)|PURPLE]], [[Route 13 (MTA Maryland)|21]], [[Route 35 (MTA Maryland)|56]], [[Route 13 (MTA Maryland)|104]], [[Route 105 (MTA Maryland)|105]], [[Route 115 (MTA Maryland)|115]], [[Route 120 (MTA Maryland)|120]], [[Route 160 (MTA Maryland)|160]], [[Route 310 (MTA Maryland)|310]], [[Route 320 (MTA Maryland)|320]], [[Route 411 (MTA Maryland)|411]], [[Route 420 (MTA Maryland)|420]]<br />[[Charm City Circulator|CCC]]: Green
|}
|}
=== Connecting services ===
Source:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mta.maryland.gov/sites/default/files/metro_subway_%20schedule_610.pdf|title=Metro Subway Schedule|publisher=MTA Maryland|access-date=June 30, 2011}}</ref>
Most Metro SubwayLink stations are served by a number of MTA bus routes. In 1984, just months after Metro first started operating, many feeder routes were created that were given the designation of a letter (M, P, or R) followed by a number. In 1987, many of these routes were renamed, and only the prefix "M" was used. Over the years, the number of M-lines had shrunk, as many of the routes were consolidated. In 2008, routes designated with the letter "M" were renamed to plain two-digit designations. Finally, on August 30, 2009, the last four were either renumbered or eliminated, with no routing changes made; they continue to act as feeder routes to the Metro SubwayLink.


There is no direct connection from the Metro SubwayLink to the [[Baltimore Light RailLink|Light RailLink]] or [[MARC Train|MARC]] commuter rail. However, the Metro SubwayLink's [[Lexington Market station (Metro SubwayLink)|Lexington Market Station]] is a {{convert|200|yd|adj=on}} walk from the Light RailLink [[Lexington Market station (Light RailLink)|stop of the same name]], and the [[State Center station]] is about 1.5 blocks away from the Light RailLink's [[Cultural Center station]]. [[Baltimore Penn Station]] is about a one-half mile walk from State Center, and MARC [[Camden Station]] is about five blocks from Lexington Market Metro station.
=== Performance ===
For fiscal year 2010, the MTA reported 95% on-time performance for the system. It averaged 3.0 passenger trips per revenue mile, with a total of 13.4 million passenger trips for the year. Vehicles operated at an average cost of $11.59 per revenue mile. Local buses, in comparison, performed at a cost of $13.57 per revenue mile.<ref name="Annual Report">{{cite web|url=http://mta.maryland.gov/sites/default/files/2012_MTA_Annual_Report.pdf|title=2012 Annual Report|publisher=MTA Maryland|page=30|access-date=October 10, 2013}}</ref>


== Rolling stock ==
== Rolling stock ==
[[File:MTAM Millford-Mill-departing-train.jpg|thumb|A universal transit vehicle on the Baltimore Metro SubwayLink departing [[Milford Mill station]]]]
{{update|date=June 2021}}
As of 2024, the line currently uses cars manufactured by the [[Budd Company]] in [[Northeast Philadelphia]]. The first set of additional, new cars are presently manufactured at [[Hitachi Rail Italy]] in [[Florida]].<ref name="Annual Report" /><ref name="Zawodny 2023a">{{Cite web |last=Zawodny |first=Daniel |date=September 22, 2023 |title=Baltimore subway to get first new railcars in 40 years |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/transportation/baltimore-subway-new-railcars-40-years-37JB576M35HDRJ4A5W4GARCREM/ |access-date=February 7, 2024 |website=The Baltimore Banner |language=en}}</ref><ref name="BATRAK 2023" />
[[File:MTAM Millford-Mill-departing-train.jpg|thumb|right|Budd-built Universal Transit Vehicle as seen on the Baltimore Metro SubwayLink departing the [[Milford Mill (Metro Subway station)|Millford Mill station]].]]

The line currently uses 100 cars manufactured by the [[Budd Company]] at their Red Lion plant in [[Northeast Philadelphia]].<ref name="Annual Report" /> Most were delivered in 1983 with a supplementary set of essentially identical cars being purchased in 1986 for the line expansion. The cars, marketed by Budd as the [[Budd Universal Transit Vehicle|Universal Transit Vehicle]], are identical to those formerly used on the [[Metrorail (Miami-Dade County)|Miami Metrorail]] because the two agencies built their systems at the same time and saved money by sharing a single order.<ref name="Roads to the Future" />
Most of the 100 Budd-built cars were delivered in 1983 with a supplementary set of essentially identical cars being purchased in 1986 for the line expansion. The cars, marketed by Budd as the [[Budd Universal Transit Vehicle|Universal Transit Vehicle]], are identical to those formerly used on the [[Metrorail (Miami-Dade County)|Miami Metrorail]]; the two agencies built their systems at the same time and saved money by sharing a single order.<ref name="Roads to the Future" /> A number of Budd cars have been retired.<ref name="Zawodny 2023a" />

Trains draw power from the electric [[third rail]]. The cars are {{convert|75|ft|m|2}} long, {{convert|10|ft|m|2}} wide, and have a top speed of {{convert|70|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. Cars are semi-permanently attached in married pairs and joined up to form 4-car trains, which is the normal train length. 6-car trains are used during peak rush hours. Each car can hold up to 166 passengers (76 seated, 90 standing).<ref name="Roads to the Future" />

The fleet had a significant overhaul between 2002 and 2005. Seats were reupholstered, and the floors were replaced. External destination [[Destination sign|rollsigns]] were replaced with LED displays; internal systems that display train destinations and upcoming stop announcements were also installed.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Krishnamurthy |first1=B. |last2=Causey |first2=R. |last3=Shockley |first3=T. C. |last4=Garrettson |first4=G. A. |date=2001 |title=METRO HEAVY RAIL MID-LIFE OVERHAUL NEEDS ASSESSMENT: BALTIMORE, MARYLAND |url=https://trid.trb.org/View/688480 |journal=American Public Transportation Association |volume=8}}</ref>


In July 2017, MTA announced the purchase of 78 new railcars to replace the entire subway fleet. The cars are being built in Florida by Hitachi Rail Italy, and will be similar in appearance to those purchased for the Miami Metrorail.<ref name="Zawodny 2023a" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mta.maryland.gov/mdot-mta-wins-approval-4005-million-purchase-metro-subwaylink-railcars-and-train-control|title=Maryland Transit Administration|website=mta.maryland.gov}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=MDOT MTA Wins Approval for $400.5M Purchase of Metro SubwayLink Railcars and Train Control System |url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/press-release/12355722/maryland-transit-administration-mta-mdot-mta-wins-approval-for-4005-million-purchase-of-metro-subwaylink-railcars-and-train-control-system |access-date=November 16, 2021 |work=Mass Transit |date=July 31, 2017}}</ref> The Hitachi railcars generate electricity while braking, thus allowing the energy to power certain train systems and enabling the system to become more energy efficient.<ref name="Zawodny 2023a" /> The first Hitachi cars were delivered in October 2023; the replacement of the rolling stock is set to occur in phases from 2024 to 2026.<ref name="Zawodny 2023a" /><ref name="BATRAK 2023">{{Cite web |last=BATRAK |first=OLEKSANDR |date=October 3, 2023 |title=New Metro Cars from Hitachi Rail for Baltimore |url=https://www.railway.supply/en/new-metro-cars-from-hitachi-rail-for-baltimore/ |access-date=January 14, 2024 |website=Railway Supply |language=en-US}}</ref>
Trains draw power from the electric [[third rail]]. The cars are {{convert|75|ft|m|2}} long, {{convert|10|ft|m|2}} wide, and have a top speed of {{convert|70|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. Cars are semi-permanently attached in married pairs and joined up to form 4-car trains, which is the normal train length. Each car can hold up to 166 passengers (76 seated, 90 standing).<ref name="Roads to the Future" />


== Incidents ==
The fleet had a significant overhaul between 2002 and 2005. Seats were reupholstered, and the floors were replaced. External destination [[rollsign]]s were replaced with LED displays; internal systems that display train destinations and upcoming stop announcements were also installed.{{Citation needed|date = June 2017}}
On February 11, 2018, the MTA announced a month-long closure of the entire system to complete emergency track repairs identified during a safety inspection. An aboveground portion of the system had already been shut down due to emergency inspections and repairs.<ref>{{cite news |last=Campbell |first=Colin |date=February 11, 2018 |title=Entire Baltimore Metro system to close for a month for emergency repairs |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-subway-emergency-repairs-folo-20180211-story.html |access-date=February 11, 2018 |work=Baltimore Sun}}</ref> The system reopened on March 9, 2018.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Richman |first=Talia |title=Riders relieved as Baltimore Metro Subway reopens after monthlong shutdown |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-bz-metro-reopens-20180309-story.html |access-date=April 1, 2018 |work=baltimoresun.com |language=en-US}}</ref>


In the summer of 2023, a fire damaged a portion of the subway system, prompting a brief closure.<ref name="Zawodny 2023b">{{Cite web |last=Zawodny |first=Daniel |date=July 12, 2023 |title=Repairs continue on Baltimore subway as service resumes days after fire |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/transportation/track-repairs-continue-on-baltimores-subway-system-as-service-resumes-days-after-fire-ESEEGBWZ3FBUVITCLN2RDNVKUU/ |access-date=February 7, 2024 |website=The Baltimore Banner |language=en}}</ref> Regular service resumed a few days later.<ref name="Zawodny 2023b" />
In July 2017, the MTA announced the purchase of 78 new railcars to replace the entire subway fleet. The cars will be built in Florida by [[Hitachi Rail Italy]], formerly AnsaldoBreda, and will be similar in appearance to those purchased for the Miami Metrorail.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mta.maryland.gov/mdot-mta-wins-approval-4005-million-purchase-metro-subwaylink-railcars-and-train-control|title=Maryland Transit Administration|website=mta.maryland.gov}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=MDOT MTA Wins Approval for $400.5M Purchase of Metro SubwayLink Railcars and Train Control System |url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/press-release/12355722/maryland-transit-administration-mta-mdot-mta-wins-approval-for-4005-million-purchase-of-metro-subwaylink-railcars-and-train-control-system |access-date=November 16, 2021 |work=Mass Transit |date=July 31, 2017}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[List of metro systems]]
* [[List of metro systems]]
* [[List of United States rapid transit systems by ridership]]
* [[List of United States rapid transit systems by ridership]]
* [[Light RailLink]]
* [[Baltimore Light RailLink]]


== References ==
== References ==
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== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Attached KML |display=title,inline}}
{{Attached KML|display=title,inline}}
* {{Commons category-inline}}
* {{Commons category-inline}}
* {{official website}}
* {{official website}}
* [https://www.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/Baltimore%20Region%20Rail%20Plan%20Report.pdf]
* [https://www.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/Baltimore%20Region%20Rail%20Plan%20Report.pdf]


{{Maryland Transit Administration rail stations}}
{{Baltimore Metro Subway}}
{{MTA Maryland}}
{{MTA Maryland}}
{{Baltimore Transit}}
{{Baltimore Transit}}
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[[Category:Baltimore Metro SubwayLink| ]]
[[Category:Baltimore Metro SubwayLink| ]]
[[Category:Rapid transit in Maryland]]
[[Category:Maryland Transit Administration]]
[[Category:Underground rapid transit in the United States]]
[[Category:Transportation at Johns Hopkins Hospital]]
[[Category:Electric railways in Maryland]]
[[Category:1983 establishments in Maryland]]
[[Category:1983 establishments in Maryland]]
[[Category:700 V DC railway electrification]]
[[Category:700 V DC railway electrification]]
[[Category:Electric railways in Maryland]]
[[Category:Maryland Transit Administration]]
[[Category:Railway lines in highway medians]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 1983]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 1983]]
[[Category:Rapid transit in Maryland]]
[[Category:Standard gauge railways in the United States]]
[[Category:Standard gauge railways in the United States]]
[[Category:Railway lines in highway medians]]
[[Category:Transportation at Johns Hopkins Hospital]]
[[Category:Underground rapid transit in the United States]]

Latest revision as of 20:21, 19 September 2024

Metro SubwayLink
Metro SubwayLink train entering Reisterstown Plaza station and bound for Owings Mills station
Overview
OwnerMaryland Transit Administration
LocaleBaltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Termini
Stations14
Websitemta.maryland.gov/metro-subway
Service
TypeRapid transit
Depot(s)5801 Wabash Avenue[1]
Rolling stock100 Budd Universal Transit Vehicle cars[2]
Daily ridership16,900 (weekdays, Q2 2024)[3]
Ridership1,988,300 (2023)[4]
History
OpenedNovember 21, 1983; 40 years ago (1983-11-21)
Technical
Line length15.4 mi (24.8 km)[5]
Track length34 mi (55 km)[1]
Number of tracks2
CharacterUnderground, surface, elevated
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
ElectrificationThird rail700 V DC[5]
Operating speed70 mph (110 km/h)[2]
Highest elevation28 ft (8.5 m)[2]
Route map
Map Metro SubwayLink highlighted in green
Parking
Owings Mills
Parking
Old Court
Parking
Milford Mill
Baltimore County
Baltimore City
Parking
Reisterstown Plaza
Maintenance and Storage Facility
Parking
Rogers Avenue
Parking
West Cold Spring
Parking
Mondawmin
Penn-North
Upton–Avenue Market
State Center
Lexington Market
Charles Center
Shot Tower
Johns Hopkins Hospital

Handicapped/disabled access All stations are accessible

The Baltimore Metro SubwayLink is a rapid transit line serving Baltimore, Maryland, and its northwestern suburbs, operated by the Maryland Transit Administration. The segment in Downtown Baltimore is underground, while most of the line outside the central city is elevated or at surface grade.[2] In 2023, the line had a ridership of 1,988,300, or about 16,900 per weekday as of the second quarter of 2024.

History

[edit]

The origins of the Metro SubwayLink lie in the Baltimore Area Mass Transportation Plan published in 1965, which envisioned six rapid transit lines radiating out from a central city loop. Planning studies from 1968 proposed a rail transit system 71 mi (114 km) long.[2]

As the vision was translated into reality, the original concept was trimmed to a 28 mi (45 km) system in the Phase 1 plan, published in 1971. This plan involved two of the original six lines: a northwest line from Downtown Baltimore to Owings Mills and a south line to Glen Burnie and the airport. Phase 1 was approved for funding by the Maryland General Assembly in 1972. In response to lobbying by Anne Arundel County residents, the MTA eliminated the south line from Phase 1 plans in 1975; the Baltimore Light RailLink was later built over much of the planned south line corridor.[2]

When the Metro SubwayLink opened on November 21, 1983, only the "Northwest" line of the 1965 plan had come to fruition. This 7.6 mi (12.2 km) segment provided service between Charles Center in Downtown Baltimore and the Reisterstown Plaza shopping center in the northwest of the city. On July 20, 1987, a 6.1 mi (9.8 km) addition extended the line from Reisterstown Plaza to Owings Mills in Baltimore County, with a portion running in the median of Interstate 795. A further extension of 1.6 mi (2.5 km) from Charles Center to Johns Hopkins Hospital opened on May 31, 1995.[1][5] Once the project was completed in 1995, the total cost for the Metro SubwayLink stood at $1.392 billion.[2]

The current system is 15.4 mi (24.8 km) long, consisting of 6.2 mi (10 km) underground, 2.2 mi (3.5 km) elevated, and 7.0 mi (11.3 km) at grade. Eight of its 14 stations are underground, at depths from 52 ft (16 m) to 112 ft (34 m) below street level. Its elevated stations stand from 25 ft (7.6 m) to 28 ft (8.5 m) above ground.[5]

When the system opened, it became the largest single user of Susan B. Anthony dollar coins in the United States.[6]

The installation of underground cellular service in the Metro SubwayLink tunnels began in September 2021 and was originally expected to be completed by June 2022.[7][8] As of January 2024, the work has not been completed.

Operation

[edit]

Route

[edit]

The Metro SubwayLink has a single line that is shaped like a reverse "J". Trains head south underground from Johns Hopkins Hospital, turn west as they pass under Baltimore's central business district, turn north at Charles Center, and ultimately turn to face northwest at State Center. The route leaves its tunnel northwest of Mondawmin station, entering an elevated structure that parallels Wabash Avenue and the Hanover Subdivision along the former Western Maryland Railway route. The route then enters the median of Interstate 795, which it occupies until it reaches the Owings Mills terminus.

Trains heading towards Johns Hopkins Hospital are referred to as "eastbound", while trains heading towards Owings Mills are "westbound".[9]

Schedules

[edit]

A trip from one end of the line to the other takes about half an hour. Headways range from eight minutes during daytime peak to eleven minutes late at night and on weekends. Trains run from 5 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and from 6 a.m. to midnight on weekends.[9]

Fares

[edit]

As of 2024, the fare prices for MTA buses, the Metro SubwayLink, and the Light RailLink travel are as follows:[10]

Type Full fare Senior/Disability Student Mobility
Single trip $2.00 $1.00 $1.50 $2.20
Day Pass $4.60 $2.30
Weekly Pass $22.00
Monthly Pass $77.00 $23.00
  • Note: People who qualify for paratransit services can use the Metro SubwayLink free of charge.[10]

Farebox recovery

[edit]

Farebox recovery in the system is only 28%. This is comparable to other similarly sized systems in the continental United States, but low by international standards.[citation needed]

Performance

[edit]

For fiscal year 2010, the MTA reported 95% on-time performance for the system. It averaged 3.0 passenger trips per revenue mile, with a total of 13.4 million passenger trips for the year. Vehicles operated at an average cost of $11.59 per revenue mile. Local buses, in comparison, performed at a cost of $13.57 per revenue mile.[11]

Stations

[edit]

The Metro SubwayLink has a total of 14 stations.[12]

Location Distance (mi / km) Station Connections
Owings Mills 0.0 (0) Owings Mills BaltimoreLink: 87, 89
Lochearn 3.6 (5.8) Old Court BaltimoreLink: 37, 83
5.4 (8.7) Milford Mill BaltimoreLink: 81, 85
Glen, Baltimore 6.1 (9.8) Reisterstown Plaza BaltimoreLink: 82
Arlington, Baltimore 7.1 (11.4) Rogers Avenue BaltimoreLink: 28, 30, 31, 34, 80, 82, 89
8.3 (13.4) West Cold Spring BaltimoreLink: 28, 82
Mondawmin, Baltimore 10.1 (16.3) Mondawmin BaltimoreLink: NAVY, LIME, YELLOW, 22, 26, 29, 82, 83, 85, 91
Penn-North, Baltimore 10.8 (17.4) Penn – North BaltimoreLink: LIME, GOLD, 85
Upton, Baltimore 11.3 (18.2) Upton – Avenue Market BaltimoreLink: LIME
Mount Vernon, Baltimore 12.5 (20.1) State Center / Cultural Center BaltimoreLink: LIME, YELLOW, 54, 73, 154, 410

Light RailLink (at Cultural Center)

Downtown, Baltimore 13.3 (21.4) Lexington Market BaltimoreLink: BLUE, 54, 71, 80, 94, 105, 115, 154, 320
Light RailLink (at Lexington Market)
13.8 (22.2) Charles Center BaltimoreLink: ORANGE, GREEN, SILVER, RED, PURPLE, 40, 51, 56, 65, 67, 71, 76, 78, 95, 103, 105, 164, 120, 150, 160, 310, 320, 410, 411
CCC: Purple
14.4 (23.2) Shot Tower BaltimoreLink: ORANGE, BLUE, PURPLE
CCC: Green
Middle East, Baltimore 15.4 (24.8) Johns Hopkins Hospital BaltimoreLink: PINK, GOLD, BROWN, PURPLE, 21, 56, 104, 105, 115, 120, 160, 310, 320, 411, 420
CCC: Green

Connecting services

[edit]

Most Metro SubwayLink stations are served by a number of MTA bus routes. In 1984, just months after Metro first started operating, many feeder routes were created that were given the designation of a letter (M, P, or R) followed by a number. In 1987, many of these routes were renamed, and only the prefix "M" was used. Over the years, the number of M-lines had shrunk, as many of the routes were consolidated. In 2008, routes designated with the letter "M" were renamed to plain two-digit designations. Finally, on August 30, 2009, the last four were either renumbered or eliminated, with no routing changes made; they continue to act as feeder routes to the Metro SubwayLink.

There is no direct connection from the Metro SubwayLink to the Light RailLink or MARC commuter rail. However, the Metro SubwayLink's Lexington Market Station is a 200-yard (180 m) walk from the Light RailLink stop of the same name, and the State Center station is about 1.5 blocks away from the Light RailLink's Cultural Center station. Baltimore Penn Station is about a one-half mile walk from State Center, and MARC Camden Station is about five blocks from Lexington Market Metro station.

Rolling stock

[edit]
A universal transit vehicle on the Baltimore Metro SubwayLink departing Milford Mill station

As of 2024, the line currently uses cars manufactured by the Budd Company in Northeast Philadelphia. The first set of additional, new cars are presently manufactured at Hitachi Rail Italy in Florida.[11][13][14]

Most of the 100 Budd-built cars were delivered in 1983 with a supplementary set of essentially identical cars being purchased in 1986 for the line expansion. The cars, marketed by Budd as the Universal Transit Vehicle, are identical to those formerly used on the Miami Metrorail; the two agencies built their systems at the same time and saved money by sharing a single order.[2] A number of Budd cars have been retired.[13]

Trains draw power from the electric third rail. The cars are 75 feet (22.86 m) long, 10 feet (3.05 m) wide, and have a top speed of 70 mph (110 km/h). Cars are semi-permanently attached in married pairs and joined up to form 4-car trains, which is the normal train length. 6-car trains are used during peak rush hours. Each car can hold up to 166 passengers (76 seated, 90 standing).[2]

The fleet had a significant overhaul between 2002 and 2005. Seats were reupholstered, and the floors were replaced. External destination rollsigns were replaced with LED displays; internal systems that display train destinations and upcoming stop announcements were also installed.[15]

In July 2017, MTA announced the purchase of 78 new railcars to replace the entire subway fleet. The cars are being built in Florida by Hitachi Rail Italy, and will be similar in appearance to those purchased for the Miami Metrorail.[13][16][17] The Hitachi railcars generate electricity while braking, thus allowing the energy to power certain train systems and enabling the system to become more energy efficient.[13] The first Hitachi cars were delivered in October 2023; the replacement of the rolling stock is set to occur in phases from 2024 to 2026.[13][14]

Incidents

[edit]

On February 11, 2018, the MTA announced a month-long closure of the entire system to complete emergency track repairs identified during a safety inspection. An aboveground portion of the system had already been shut down due to emergency inspections and repairs.[18] The system reopened on March 9, 2018.[19]

In the summer of 2023, a fire damaged a portion of the subway system, prompting a brief closure.[20] Regular service resumed a few days later.[20]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "MTA Media Guide 2010–2011" (PDF). MTA Maryland. August 2010. pp. 4, 9, 10. Retrieved June 30, 2011.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Scott M. Kozel (October 13, 2002). "Baltimore Metro Subway". Roads to the Future. Archived from the original on August 8, 2002. Retrieved June 28, 2002.
  3. ^ "Transit Ridership Report Second Quarter 2024" (PDF). American Public Transportation Association. September 3, 2024. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  4. ^ "Transit Ridership Report Fourth Quarter 2023" (PDF). American Public Transportation Association. March 4, 2024. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d Robert Schwandl. "Baltimore Metro Subway". UrbanRail.Net. Retrieved November 27, 2014.
  6. ^ Valentine, Paul W. (April 2, 1984). "Underground Coin". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  7. ^ Metro SubwayLink Cornerstone Plan (PDF) (Report). Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Transit Administration. August 28, 2019. p. 36. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  8. ^ Arnold, Holly (June 29, 2021). Franchise Agreement Report: Summary of Service Disruptions & Asset Conditions – Metro SubwayLink and Light RailLink (Report). Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Transit Administration. p. 5. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  9. ^ a b "Metro Subway". MTA Maryland. Retrieved June 30, 2011.
  10. ^ a b "Regular Fares". Maryland Transit Administration. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  11. ^ a b "2012 Annual Report" (PDF). MTA Maryland. p. 30. Retrieved October 10, 2013.
  12. ^ "Metro Subway Schedule" (PDF). MTA Maryland. Retrieved June 30, 2011.
  13. ^ a b c d e Zawodny, Daniel (September 22, 2023). "Baltimore subway to get first new railcars in 40 years". The Baltimore Banner. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  14. ^ a b BATRAK, OLEKSANDR (October 3, 2023). "New Metro Cars from Hitachi Rail for Baltimore". Railway Supply. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  15. ^ Krishnamurthy, B.; Causey, R.; Shockley, T. C.; Garrettson, G. A. (2001). "METRO HEAVY RAIL MID-LIFE OVERHAUL NEEDS ASSESSMENT: BALTIMORE, MARYLAND". American Public Transportation Association. 8.
  16. ^ "Maryland Transit Administration". mta.maryland.gov.
  17. ^ "MDOT MTA Wins Approval for $400.5M Purchase of Metro SubwayLink Railcars and Train Control System". Mass Transit. July 31, 2017. Retrieved November 16, 2021.
  18. ^ Campbell, Colin (February 11, 2018). "Entire Baltimore Metro system to close for a month for emergency repairs". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 11, 2018.
  19. ^ Richman, Talia. "Riders relieved as Baltimore Metro Subway reopens after monthlong shutdown". baltimoresun.com. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  20. ^ a b Zawodny, Daniel (July 12, 2023). "Repairs continue on Baltimore subway as service resumes days after fire". The Baltimore Banner. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
[edit]
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