MTA BaltimoreLink
| Company type | Public agency |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Headquarters | Baltimore , United States |
Area served | Baltimore metropolitan area, Maryland |
| Products | Bus transportation services, commuter routes, integrated transit with Metro Subway, Light Rail, MARC Train |
| Website | mta |
The Maryland Transit Administration provides the main public bus transportation services within the Baltimore metropolitan area as well as commuter routes throughout Maryland. The system comprises 76 distinct bus lines, including 45 LocalLink routes, 12 CityLink routes characterized by high frequency, eight express routes connecting suburban areas to downtown Baltimore, 19 commuter lines, and five Intercounty Connector (ICC) routes that facilitate travel between central Maryland and Washington, D.C. along with nearby Washington Metrorail stations. These bus operations are integrated with one Baltimore Metro Subway line, three Baltimore Light Rail lines, and MARC Train services, enabling comprehensive multimodal transit options across the region.
Operation
The MTA’s bus network extends service throughout the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area and additional regions of Maryland. It includes 12 CityLink routes distinguished by color-coded high-frequency service; LocalLink routes numbered 21 through 95; Express BusLink routes such as 103, 105, 115, 120, 150, 154, 160, and 163; Intercounty Connector routes from 201 to 205; and commuter bus routes ranging from 310 to 995.
Local buses
In June 2017, Governor Larry Hogan introduced the BaltimoreLink initiative aimed at enhancing transit services in Baltimore. Local bus lines are identified by one- or two-digit numbers, many of which trace their origins to historic Baltimore streetcars that once operated along similar corridors.
The majority of local bus routes operate every day of the week for most hours, with some providing round-the-clock service. Certain lines function exclusively on weekdays, during peak periods, or according to specific employer schedules.
Prior to 2009, routes serving northwest city and suburban areas were known as Metro connection buses. These were designated by an "M" followed by a number and connected Metro stations with various destinations or other stations. The system began in 1984 using prefixes such as M (Mondawmin), R (Rogers Avenue), or P (Plaza). After the Metro extension reached Owings Mills in 1987, the "M" prefix came to signify "Metro."
Following consolidations and route eliminations starting in 1988, the number of M-designated lines decreased significantly. By 2005, only seven remained active; this count rose to eight after reinstating the M-6 route. Between 2008 and 2009, all M lines were renumbered into two-digit designations ranging from 52 to 54 and from 56 to 60. This restructuring involved merging some routes, splitting others, and discontinuing portions of Route M-17.
Express, Commuter, and Intercounty Connector buses
MTA’s express services distinguish themselves from local route “express” trips by restricting stops to provide faster transit times. The total number of express lines has diminished over time due to the introduction of new rapid-transit alternatives and the consolidation of less efficient routes.
Express buses generally operate in areas already served by local bus lines but offer expedited travel options. In contrast, commuter buses connect points where local service is unavailable. Both categories utilize three-digit route numbers and primarily run during weekday peak hours between downtown hubs and suburban Park-and-Ride facilities. Commuter services typically carry higher route numbers and are managed by contracted operators rather than directly by MTA staff.
Since its inception in 2010, the Intercounty Connector (ICC) commuter bus has provided a link between Gaithersburg and key destinations such as BWI Marshall Airport, University of Maryland College Park campus, and Fort Meade via Maryland Route 200 expressway.
Neighborhood Shuttle Bug
In the early 2000s, MTA launched two neighborhood shuttle services known as Shuttle Bugs, designed to offer affordable, community-focused transit for $1 per trip (GO-passes accepted). The Mondawmin route utilized three uniquely painted 30-foot Opus buses acquired in 2006. Distinctive signage identified each shuttle: a ladybug symbol marked the Hampden Shuttle, while a grasshopper represented the Mondawmin Shuttle.
Although initially intended to include seven routes covering Baltimore and its suburbs, only the Hampden and Mondawmin routes were established. A planned Randallstown–Owings Mills route was ultimately shelved due to local residents' concerns about noise.
During the Greater Baltimore Bus Initiative between 2005 and 2006, MTA recommended discontinuing Route 98 and scaling back Route 97. However, by 2008, Route 98 was modified to restore service lost on Roland Avenue. The Shuttle Bug service ceased operations under BaltimoreLink in 2017; Route 97 was succeeded by LocalLink 82, and most of Route 98 was replaced by LocalLink 21.
QuickBus
MTA introduced an expedited bus service in 2005 with Route 40, later branded as QuickBus, running every 10 to 15 minutes between Baltimore’s western and eastern suburbs through downtown. This service focused on major intersections and transfer hubs, charging standard local fares.
The QuickBus network expanded in 2009 with Route 48, which closely followed Route 8 except north of Towson Town Center. Plans for a Route 43 along Route 3 were postponed.
Between August 2010 and June 2017, Routes 46 and 47 were added to QuickBus, operating during weekday peak periods alongside existing routes. Route 46 connected the Paradise Avenue loop with Cedonia Loop, while Route 47 linked Walbrook Junction to Overlea Loop.
In 2022, MTA Maryland proposed reviving QuickBus-style service under the QuickLink name as part of fall schedule adjustments. The pilot QuickLink 40 would provide limited-stop east–west transit every 20 minutes during rush hours and every half-hour midday from North Bend to Essex Park and Ride. This pilot was temporarily suspended to prioritize system-wide reliability but may be reintroduced in future updates.
Fares
- Refer to: Current MTA Fares
Fleet
... [Entries for diesel New Flyer XD40 buses from years 2016 through 2019 excluded for brevity] ... NovaBus LFS 40 ft (12 m) 2020 Diesel- Cummins L9
- Allison B3400xFE
- Cummins L9
- Allison B3400xFE
- Cummins L9
- Allison B3400xFE
- Cummins L9
- Allison B3400xFE
- Cummins L9
- Allison B3400xFE
- Siemens ELFA3
- ZF AVE130 (Motor)
- Siemens ELFA3
- ZF AVE130 (Motor)
- Cummins L9
- Allison B3400xFE
| Image | Manufacturer | Model | Length (ft/m) | Year | Fuel Type | Powertrain (Engine/Transmission) |
Fleet Numbers (Quantity) |
Livery | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Flyer | XDE40 | 40 ft (12 m) | 2011 | Hybrid |
|
11001-11057 (57) |
CityLink
LocalLink |
Currently being phased out; 16 remain active as of March 2025. | |
| New Flyer | XDE40 | 40 ft (12 m) | 2012 | Hybrid |
|
12001-12053 (53) |
CityLink & LocalLink |
| |
| New Flyer | XDE60 | 60 ft (18 m) | 2013 | Hybrid |
|
12081-12090 (10) |
CityLink | ||
| New Flyer | XDE40 | 40 ft (12 m) | 2013 | Hybrid |
|
13001-13040 (40) |
CityLink & LocalLink | Unit 13008 retired June 17, 2023. | |
|
13041-13050 (10) |
CityLink & LocalLink | Units retired and kept in storage. | ||||||
| New Flyer | XDE40 | 40 ft (12 m) | 2014 | Hybrid |
|
14001-14041 (41) |
LocalLink, CityLink & LocalLink |
Bus Yards
Baltimore's MTA local bus network operates out of four separate divisions, each supported by its own maintenance facility. The initial digit of a bus's block number, visible through the windshield, identifies the division it belongs to, while a letter suffix corresponds to the division's designation. The Eastern Bus Division is planned to close in 2026 for a comprehensive rebuild that will include the addition of electric bus charging stations, upgraded staff amenities, and new training spaces—mirroring the enhancements completed at the Kirk Avenue Division when it reopened in 2021. During this redevelopment phase, a temporary yard will handle operations, with project completion anticipated around 2030. These improvements are part of MTA’s broader initiative to shift toward electric vehicle adoption.
| Base (No.) | Base (Letter) | Division | Routes | Yard Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | Bush Street | OR, BL, SV, YW, PR, BR, 26, 29, 32, 38, 40, 56, 67, 69, 70, 71, 73, 75, 76, 77, 78, 94, 95, 103, 115, 150, | 1515 Washington Boulevard |
| 2 | E | Eastern | NV, PK, OR, BL, 21, 22, 36, 40, 56, 59, 62, 63, 65, 105, 120, 160, 163 | 201 South Oldham Street |
| 3 | K | Kirk Avenue | GR, PK, RD, SV, 21, 28, 30, 33, 51, 52, 53, 54, 57, 93, 103, 105, 154 | 2226 Kirk Avenue |
| 4 | N | Northwest | LM, YW, NV, GD, 22, 28, 30, 31, 34, 37 ,79 ,80 ,81 ,82 ,83 ,85 ,87 ,89 ,91 ,92 ,94 | 4401 Mount Hope Drive |