Baltimore suspends light rail service

Light rail service was suspended on the 48.3km (30-mile) system serving Baltimore and Maryland suburbs from start of service earlier this month after high voltage electrical problems (evidenced by a fire in jumper cables on one train) were identified as affecting all 53 24-year old LRVs. 

 

30 buses were drafted in to provide replacement service. Alstom has a contract to refurbish all the fleet but has made little progress yet. 

 

Baltimore’s light rail inaugurated operations in April 1992 and uses a fleet of ABB-built high-floor LRVs. The service runs from Hunt Valley to Glen Burnie, with a branch to BWI Airport. 

 

The Maryland Transit Administration launched a new webpage to keep passengers updated on the repairs and progress made on the light rail system. 

 

Limited service will be restored once eight rail cars are available. There is no timeline just yet on when that will be.