RAILFAN GUIDES of the U.S.

Todd's Railfan Guide to
BALTIMORE MD

Map of the Light Rail and Metro Systems

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The map below shows the two rail transit systems Baltimore employs for movin' people around.  When they put in the Metro system in the early 80's, I don't think Light Rail was on their minds.  Then, when the Light Rail system was finally opened in 1990, they had done it on a budget and did not include an easy way to transfer between the two systems.  A big mistake. 

Both systems have been long criticized for one thing or another, but mostly for not putting the things where they would be of most benefit to the riding public.  The choice for the Light Rail system was made on the availability of existing freight railroad right-of-ways, basically taking them over by claiming imminent domain.  That move pretty much spelled doom for the two freight operations on the Baltimore & Annapolis RR (on the south end), and Conrail (then Norfolk Southern) on the "top" side.

Now, enter the 2009-2011 timeframe, and the MTA announced and is proceeding with plans to build yet another unconnected E/W light rail line that will tear up Baltimore to construct, and not connect in any convenient manner to either of the existing systems.  I know one should not allow personal opinion be known on pages like this, but I can't help myself.... What is wrong with the people running the MTA?  If they can "re-design" bus routes to take advantage of Light and Heavy Rail stops, then why can't they do the same when designing the rail system so people have a reason to abandon their cars? 

Please Guys - Make the system user friendly!

New 09/05/2005
Last Modified: 12/22/2011