Baltimore's Redesigned Bus System Rolls Out, With Wrinkles to Iron

The reviews were mixed on the first days of service for the highly anticipated BaltimoreLink bus system redesign.

1 minute read

June 27, 2017, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Bus Stop

Elvert Barnes / Flickr

"BaltimoreLink, the Maryland Transit Administration's $135 million redesign of the region's bus system, received mixed reviews on its first weekday commute Monday," report Colin Campbell and Talia Richman.

"Some people balked at the confusing changes, while others welcomed them. Everyone enjoyed the free rides being offered for the system's first two weeks," according to the article. The negative reviews were apparent on social media, is evidenced via the hashtag #BaltimoreLink. The city is offering two weeks of free rides to help mitigate frustrations as transit users familiarize themselves with the changes.

A few days after the initial roll out of BaltimoreLink, Campbell followed up with an article sharing the evaluation of the rollout by acting Maryland Transit Administration Administrator Kevin B. Quinn. According to Quinn, the BaltimoreLink debut went "pretty smoothly."

BaltimoreLink, a redesign of the city's bus system reminiscent of the high frequency network rolled out in Houston in 2015, got a bunch of positive press coverage in May when the Maryland Transit Administration released the new BaltimoreLink map.

Hat tip to Sandy Smith, for sharing all the news with regard to the rollout.

Monday, June 19, 2017 in The Baltimore Sun

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

SunRail passenger train at platform in Poinciana, Florida.

Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion

The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.

November 24, 2024 - Hoodline

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

CLose-up on black and white 25 mph speed limit sign.

Santa Monica Lowers Speed Limits

Posted speed limits will be reduced by 5 miles per hour on dozens of the city’s streets.

December 4 - Streetsblog California

Adult man talking to young woman across wooden garden fence with young girl standing next to him.

For Some, Co-Housing Offers Social and Economic Benefits

Residents of co-living developments say the built-in community helps ease the growing isolation felt by many Americans.

December 4 - NPR

View down San Francisco street with colorful residential buildings and high-rise downtown buildings in distance.

New Map Puts Bay Area Traffic Data in One Place

The Traffic Monitoring site uses community-collected speed and volume data to reveal traffic patterns on local roads.

December 4 - Streetsblog San Francisco

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.