CityLink Purple (BaltimoreLink)
| Company type | Public transit bus route |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Predecessor | Routes 8 Catonsville, 10 Highlandtown, and 26 Sparrows Point streetcar lines |
| Founded | 1959 |
| Headquarters | Baltimore , United States |
Area served | Baltimore and surrounding suburbs |
| Owner | Maryland Transit Administration |
CityLink Purple (PR) is a bus route managed by the Maryland Transit Administration that operates within Baltimore and its surrounding suburbs. Its path extends from the parking area of Wal-Mart in Catonsville to the Bullneck Road/Turner's Station area in Dundalk, primarily following Frederick Road on the western side and Eastern Avenue on the eastern side. This line connects several important neighborhoods such as Yale Heights, Pigtown, downtown Baltimore, Fells Point, and Highlandtown.
CityLink Purple is the successor to the previous 8 Catonsville, 10 Highlandtown, and 26 Sparrows Point streetcar lines, representing a transition from traditional streetcar routes to a contemporary bus network.
History
The electric streetcar service known as Route 10 began operation in 1893, running between Roland Park and Point Breeze. The segment between Roland Park and downtown Baltimore resembled what is now Route 27, featuring branches to areas such as Union Avenue and the Sweet Air industrial park. From downtown to Point Breeze, the alignment closely paralleled today's route with only minor deviations.
In 1940, Route 10 was truncated to terminate at Highlandtown, while a newly introduced shuttle, Route 20, served the connection to Point Breeze. Although contemporary Route 20 operates in Dundalk, this original no. 20 shuttle was distinct and initially provided service along Baltimore Street.
The year 1959 marked the replacement of streetcars on Route 10 with buses equipped with rubber tires. At that time, the route was extended westward to Pimlico and eastward to Sparrows Point, following a merger with Route 26. Route 26 had originated as an independent streetcar line in 1926 but was downgraded to a shuttle service in 1950 before ceasing operation in 1959 when Route 10 incorporated the Sparrows Point branch.
In 1982, Route 10 was divided into two segments: one retained the Route 10 name running from State Center to Dundalk, while a new Route 27 covered the northern portion from Pimlico to Albemarle Street.
By 1992, due to a road closure, routing to Sparrows Point was shifted onto Wise Avenue. The MTA maintained this adjustment after evaluating passenger usage patterns.
During the 2005 Greater Baltimore Bus Initiative, Route 10 merged with Route 2, extending service westward to Catonsville and directing all trips toward the Bullneck Road loop in Dundalk. Services to Sparrows Point were discontinued because of low ridership and high subsidy requirements, along with other short branches. Additionally, the section running between Lombard Street and State Center Metro station was eliminated; passengers traveling via Wise Avenue were advised to use Route 4 instead.
Initially designated as Route 2/10 during this transition phase, the combined service officially adopted the Route 10 name on February 5, 2006.
On November 1, 2016, a tragic collision involving a Route 10 bus and a school bus resulted in six fatalities, including both drivers and four MTA passengers. The circumstances surrounding this accident continue to be investigated.
BaltimoreLink
On June 18, 2017, the BaltimoreLink restructuring resulted in splitting Route 10 into two distinct lines: CityLink Purple, which operates on the western portion, and CityLink Navy, which serves the eastern area including O'Donnell Heights.
See also
- Route 46 (provides additional service on the west side during peak periods)
- Route 30 (offers supplemental service on the east side during rush hours)
External links
- Schedule and map for Route 10 effective February 10, 2011