Baltimore Metro SubwayLink
{{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
| color = {{rcr|Maryland Transit Administration|Metro SubwayLink}}
| name = Metro SubwayLink
| logo = File:Baltimore Metro SubwayLink Logo for Signage (Blue).svg
| logo_width = 75px
| image = MTAMaryland178.jpg
| image_width = 300px
| caption = Metro SubwayLink train entering Reisterstown Plaza station and bound for Owings Mills station
| type = Rapid transit
| system =
| status =
| locale = Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
| start = Owings Mills (west)
| end = Johns Hopkins Hospital (east)
| stations = 14
| website = {{URL|https://mta.maryland.gov/metro-subway|mta.maryland.gov/metro-subway}}
| routes =
| 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}}
| open = {{Start date and age|1983|11|21}}
| close =
| owner = Maryland Transit Administration
| character = Underground, surface, elevated
| stock = 100 Budd Universal Transit Vehicle cars
| linelength = {{convert|24.8|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}}
| tracklength = {{convert|34|mi|km|abbr=on}}{{cite web|url=http://mta.maryland.gov/sites/default/files/Media_Guide_2010.pdf|title=MTA Media Guide 2010–2011|publisher=MTA Maryland|pages=4, 9, 10|date=August 2010|access-date=June 30, 2011}}
| tracks = 2
| gauge = {{track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}
| electrification = {{700 V DC|conductor=third rail}}
| speed = {{convert|70|mph|abbr=on}}
| elevation = {{convert|28|ft|m|abbr=on}}
| map = {{switcher
| {{maplink-road|from=Baltimore Metro SubwayLink.map}} Metro SubwayLink highlighted in green
| Show interactive map
| {{Baltimore Metro SubwayLink|inline=yes}}
| Show route diagram
}}
}}
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.{{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}} 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
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.
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 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.
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 in Baltimore County, with a portion running in the median of 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.{{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}} Once the project was completed in 1995, the total cost for the Metro SubwayLink stood at $1.392 billion.
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.
When the system opened, it became the largest single user of Susan B. Anthony dollar coins in the United States.{{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}}
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.{{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}}{{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}} As of December 2024, the work has not been completed.
Operation
= Route =
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".{{cite web|url=http://mta.maryland.gov/metro-subway|title=Metro Subway|publisher=MTA Maryland|access-date=June 30, 2011}}
= Schedules =
= Fares =
{{Main|Maryland Transit Administration#Fares|l1=Current MTA Fares}}
As of 2024, the fare prices for MTA buses, the Metro SubwayLink, and the Light RailLink travel are as follows:{{cite web |title=Regular Fares |url=https://mta.maryland.gov/regular-fares |access-date=June 27, 2022 |publisher=Maryland Transit Administration}}
| class="wikitable" |
| 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.
= 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.{{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}}
= Stations =
The Metro SubwayLink has a total of 14 stations.{{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}} All stations except Owings Mills, Old Court, and Milford Mill are located in Baltimore.
| class="wikitable" |
| Location
!Station !Connections |
|---|
| Owings Mills
|{{convert|0.0|mi|km|abbr=values}} |File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png LocalLink: 87, 89 |
| rowspan="2" |Lochearn
|{{convert|3.6|mi|km|abbr=values}} |File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png LocalLink: 37, 83 |
| {{convert|5.4|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png LocalLink: 81, 85 |
| Glen
|{{convert|6.1|mi|km|abbr=values}} |File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png LocalLink: 82 |
| rowspan="2" |Arlington
|{{convert|7.1|mi|km|abbr=values}} |File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png LocalLink: 28, 30, 31, 34, 80, 82, 89 |
| {{convert|8.3|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png LocalLink: 28, 82 |
| Mondawmin
|{{convert|10.1|mi|km|abbr=values}} |File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png CityLink: {{rbox|NV|CityLink Navy (BaltimoreLink)|navy}}, {{rbox|LM|CityLink Lime (BaltimoreLink)|lime|black}}, {{rbox|YW|CityLink Yellow (BaltimoreLink)|yellow|black}} |
| Penn-North
|{{convert|10.8|mi|km|abbr=values}} |File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png CityLink: {{rbox|LM|CityLink Lime (BaltimoreLink)|lime|black}}, {{rbox|GD|CityLink Gold (BaltimoreLink)|gold|black}} |
| Upton
|{{convert|11.3|mi|km|abbr=values}} |File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png CityLink: {{rbox|LM|CityLink Lime (BaltimoreLink)|lime|black}} |
| Mount Vernon
|{{convert|12.5|mi|km|abbr=values}} |{{rint|baltimore|raillink}} Light RailLink (at Cultural Center) |
| rowspan="3" |Downtown
|{{convert|13.3|mi|km|abbr=values}} |{{rint|baltimore|raillink}} Light RailLink (at Lexington Market) |
| {{convert|13.8|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png CityLink: {{rbox|OR|CityLink Orange (BaltimoreLink)|orange}}, {{rbox|GR|CityLink Green (BaltimoreLink)|green}}, {{rbox|SV|CityLink Silver (BaltimoreLink)|silver|black}}, {{rbox|RD|CityLink Red (BaltimoreLink)|red}}, {{rbox|PR|CityLink Purple (BaltimoreLink)|purple}} |
| {{convert|14.4|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png CityLink: {{rbox|OR|CityLink Orange (BaltimoreLink)|orange}}, {{rbox|BL|CityLink Blue (BaltimoreLink)|blue}}, {{rbox|PR|CityLink Purple (BaltimoreLink)|purple}} |
| Middle East
|{{convert|15.4|mi|km|abbr=values}} |File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png CityLink: {{rbox|PK|CityLink Pink (BaltimoreLink)|pink|black}}, {{rbox|GD|CityLink Gold (BaltimoreLink)|gold|black}}, {{rbox|BR|CityLink Brown (BaltimoreLink)|brown}}, {{rbox|LM|CityLink Lime (BaltimoreLink)|lime|black}} |
= Connecting services =
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 {{convert|200|yd|adj=on}} 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
File:MTAM Millford-Mill-departing-train.jpg]]
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.{{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}}
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. A number of Budd cars have been retired.
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).
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.{{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}}
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.{{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}}{{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}} 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. 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.{{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}}
Incidents
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.{{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}} The system reopened on March 9, 2018.{{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}}
In the summer of 2023, a fire damaged a portion of the subway system, prompting a brief closure.{{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}} Regular service resumed a few days later.
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Attached KML|display=title,inline}}
- {{Commons category-inline}}
- {{official website}}
- [https://www.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/Baltimore%20Region%20Rail%20Plan%20Report.pdf]
{{Maryland Transit Administration rail stations}}
{{MTA Maryland}}
{{Baltimore Transit}}
{{Baltimore}}
{{USSubway}}
Category:1983 establishments in Maryland
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:Rapid transit in Maryland
Category:Standard-gauge railways in the United States