Transportation

Transportation in Baltimore

Transportation has been a major concern here at AWE. We want to make sure that you are able to navigate Baltimore efficiently as well as safely. This page features information regarding mass transit here in Baltimore. Information on the Metro, Light Rail and Bus systems is provided below, along with a some helpful tips.

Baltimore Light Rail and Metro Map

Baltimore Light Rail / MetroMap
Baltimore Light Rail / MetroMap

 

Light Rail

The light rail is an above ground, electric train that runs from BWI Airport, through the heart of Baltimore city, all the way into Hunt Valley. It also connects to Penn Station and several bus stops, making it a great primary source of public transportation. The route parallels highway I-83 and runs North to South. The train, runs on dedicated tracks allowing for it to often move faster than congested, rush hour traffic.

Stops are marked on charts above the train’s doors in a very basic order. A dot on a yellow line represents each stop the train will make, the operator will announce each stop as the train approaches it. It is important to pay attention to what stops are close by, or will be coming up since if you miss a stop, you’ll need to get off and catch another train going the opposite direction.

Each light rail station has tracks running in both north and south directions. Above the tracks there will be an automated display that features the estimated arrival times of approaching trains, as well as the direction that side of the tracks runs. Again, paying attention to North/South is important. The electronic signs also display the time, date, and stop name to help you keep your bearings on your location. Near the automated machines where tickets are purchased there is usually a large map of the light rail system with a helpful “you are here” circle to mark the location of the station you are nearest. This can also be helpful in planning your trips around the city.

Stations

Many of the stations have parking lots as well as bus stops allowing for easy connections and parking when journeying into the city. There will be automated machines near each station at which you select your trip options and pay for your ticket. You will want to use smaller bills and/or exact change to pay for your tickets to keep the process simple. You are able to move freely amongst the cars and can sit wherever there is space available, just remember that the sideways bench style seats, closest to the doors, are prioritized for the handicapped.

Light Rail Tracker Link
Link to Light Rail tracker here: http://mta.maryland.gov/LRTracker

Hours

Monday – Friday

5:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Saturday

6:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Sunday

11:00 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Metro

The Baltimore Metro serves as a connector from the Owings Mills area of Baltimore County to downtown Baltimore. The train runs both above and below ground, with stations above and below ground as well. Just like the light rail system, you will purchase your tickets at automated ticket booths positioned at each station. The turn styles near the tracks have a slot to accept and scan your ticket, allowing for entry.

Upcoming stops are announced over the intercom by the operator on board the train. Stations also usually feature display boards with instructions on connecting to other bus or light rail routes nearby.

Hours

Monday – Friday 5:00 am to 12:00 am

Saturday – Sunday 6:00 am to 12:00 am

Bus

Unlike the metro or light rail, you will not buy your bus ticket until you are on the bus itself. Bus stops are marked by blue and white signs on poles that stick out of the sidewalk, often but not always near intersections or busy roads. As you step up onto the bus you’ll insert your payment into machine that looks very similar to the ones you’ll see at a light rail or metro station. This machine is very close to the bus driver, who can help you if you have any problems. You will want to use smaller bills and/or exact change to pay for your ticket to keep the process simple and quick. Remember there will probably be people behind waiting to get on and pay as well. You’ll collect your change and then have a seat in an open spot.

Bus fares are the same prices as light rail or metro tickets. If a day pass is purchased, the rider can take as many rides as they want to, on any form of local transportation, making this a good option if a bus ride is combined with light rail or Metro usage.

One way trips are $1.70, a transferrable day pass is $4.00, a weekly pass is $22.00, a monthly pass is $68.00. Senior fares are slightly discounted at $0.70 one way, $2.00 for a day pass and $20.00 for a monthly pass.
A breakdown of prices for riding the bus, light rail or metro in Baltimore.

BWI

The BWI airport is a large airport south of Baltimore City. Various flights both nationally and internationally enter and exit through this major transportation hub. It is usually a good idea to try to arrive 3 hours before your flight is scheduled to take off. Due to its size, it may take you awhile to orient yourself appropriately once you are inside. You will want to make sure to enter the correct terminal, and then enter the line to begin being checked by security. Once past the security line, you can move about freely, just remember to keep track of the time so you do not miss your flight!

Transportation Connectivity

There are both light rail and bus stops at BWI to help you travel either to or from the airport from the surrounding areas. A taxi from the airport to downtown Baltimore is an estimated $35.00, while this is more expensive then a bus or light rail ticket, the direct route is certainly nice and taxi’s are usually waiting in lines outside of the terminals/entrances. An alternative to a taxi is the airport shuttle service. These shuttles are generally less expensive than the taxi, but are also less direct in their routes.

MARC Train/AMTRAK

The MARC Train system runs in and out of Penn Station in Mt. Royal. The light rail and bus both connect to this station, allowing for easy access to this system. For those looking to reach Baltimore from other east coast cities or commute further distances, the MARC train and AMTRAK provide many options.

Penn Station also can be easily accessed by light rail, bus or taxi.

https://mta.maryland.gov/marc-train

Bibliography

Alpert, Benjamin Joseph. “Measuring New York City Transit: A Brief Overview and Critique of MTA Metrics.” Civic Analytics & Urban Intelligence A graduate class at NYU’s Center for Urban Science & Progress — Fall 2016. N.p., 5 Dec. 2016. Web. 18 Apr. 2017. <https://medium.com/cusp-civic-analytics-urban-intelligence/measuring-new-york-city-transit-a-brief-overview-and-critique-of-mta-metrics-5444d7e3d98d>.

The author of this article is Benjamin Joseph Alpert, a graduate student of urban sciences in New York City. He discusses the pro’s and con’s of using mass transit in New York. The primary intended audience is people looking for feedback on mass transit.

The strengths of this article are the data he cites and the way in which he evaluates the quality and consistency of the transit system. Everything from delays to crowding is covered. For feedback on mass transit in general this could be a valuable resource.

Bose, Pablo. “Transportation, Equity, and Communities at Risk: Refugee Population and Transportation Accessibility in Vermont.” University of Vermont Transportation Research Center, Mar. 2011, pp. 1–67. Google, www.uvm.edu/~transctr/research/trc_reports/UVM-TRC-10-018.pdf. Accessed 20 Mar. 2017.

The author of this article is Pablo Bose, a professor at the University of Vermont. He has done a fairly large amount of research on helping refugees/asylees navigate a foreign country using mass transit. One of the primary intended audiences is the Vermont state government, but anyone looking to learn more or help with the problem is also targeted.

The strengths of this article are its suggestions, possibilities and analysis regarding the transportation problems refugees’ face. The information does support out project as many Vermont refugees face similar problems that are comparable to those working with AWE. This information is highly relevant to our topic.

“Maryland Transportation Resource Information Point | MDTrip.” Maryland Transportation Resource Information Point – MDTrip.org, www.mdtrip.org/. Accessed 20 March. 2017

The author of this article appears to be the Maryland Transit Association, they speak with authority as the site breaks down and explains how to use their own services. The primary intended audience is anyone looking to navigate Maryland using public transportation. The secondary audience would be someone looking to help others navigate Maryland’s transit system.

The strengths are mainly the amount of information regarding the MTA and how it works, as well as how to use it. The information does support our work with AWE as it would help asylees navigate the city. The material is relevant to our class project as it offers both maps and guides to navigating the greater Baltimore area.

Jones, David W. Mass Motorization + Mass Transit : An American History and Policy Analysis. Indiana University Press, 2008. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.stevenson.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=242096&site=eds-live&scope=site/Accessed 3 April, 2017.

The author of this article is David Jones, a researcher focusing on the social and economic forces surrounding mass transit, specifically in the United States. He explores the various legislative, economic and cultural aspects of mass transit, how these factors affect transit and how transit also affects these factors.

The strengths of this source are the details and lengths he went to in his research. The weakness is that it doesn’t relate specifically to Baltimore or the refugee crisis, it is more historical in its perspective. This lack of direct relation means that this may be a good source to fall back on, but it isn’t particularly relevant to our cause.

Annotated Bibliography – Transportation

Bose, Pablo. “Transportation, Equity, and Communities at Risk: Refugee     Population and Transportation Accessibility in Vermont.” University of  Vermont Transportation Research Center, Mar. 2011, pp. 1–67. Google, www.uvm.edu/~transctr/research/trc_reports/UVM-TRC-10-018.pdf.  Accessed 20 Mar. 2017.

      The author of this article is Pablo Bose, a professor at the University of Vermont. He has done a fairly large amount of research on helping refugees/asylees navigate a foreign country using mass transit. One of the primary intended audiences is the Vermont state government, but anyone looking to learn more or help with the problem is also targeted.

      The strengths of this article are its suggestions, possibilities and analysis regarding the transportation problems refugees’ face. The information does support out project as many Vermont refugees face similar problems that are comparable to those working with AWE. This information is highly relevant to our topic.

“Maryland Transportation Resource Information Point | MDTrip.” Maryland Transportation Resource Information Point – MDTrip.org, www.mdtrip.org/. Accessed 20 March. 2017

      The author of this article appears to be the Maryland Transit Association, they speak with authority as the site breaks down and explains how to use their own services. The primary intended audience is anyone looking to navigate Maryland using public transportation. The secondary audience would be someone looking to help others navigate Maryland’s transit system.

      The strengths are mainly the amount of information regarding the MTA and how it works, as well as how to use it. The information does support our work with AWE as it would help asylees navigate the city. The material is relevant to our class project as it offers both maps and guides to navigating the greater Baltimore area.

Jones, David W. Mass Motorization + Mass Transit : An American History and   Policy Analysis. Indiana University Press, 2008. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.stevenson.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=242096&site=eds-live&scope=site/Accessed 3 April, 2017.

    The author of this article is David Jones, a researcher focusing on the      social and economic forces surrounding mass transit, specifically in           the United States. He explores the various legislative, economic and             cultural aspects of mass transit, how these factors effect transit and           how transit also effects these factors.

     The strengths of this source are the details and lengths he went to in     his research. The weakness is that it doesn’t relate specifically to                 Baltimore or the refugee crisis, it is more historical in its perspective. This lack of direct relation means that this may be a good source to fall back on, but it isn’t particularly relevant to our cause.