QuickLink 40 (BaltimoreLink)
| Company type | Public transit service |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | October 23, 2005 |
| Defunct | June 18, 2017 |
| Fate | Discontinued in 2017, reinstated in 2023 |
| Headquarters | Baltimore , United States |
Area served | Baltimore and surrounding suburbs |
| Parent | Maryland Transit Administration |
QuickLink 40 is a limited-stop bus service managed by the Maryland Transit Administration that operates within Baltimore and its surrounding suburbs. Initially introduced as Quickbus 40 in 2005, this service was discontinued in June 2017 amid the BaltimoreLink network overhaul. It was reinstated on August 27, 2023, under the updated designation QuickLink 40.
Route
The QuickLink 40 route starts at the North Bend Loop located in Westgate and proceeds along Edmondson Avenue to reach West Baltimore station. From there, it travels via the Franklin-Mulberry Expressway into Downtown Baltimore, utilizing the Baltimore and Fayette couplet. Eastbound buses then divert through Central Avenue onto Fayette Street. The route continues southward on Highland Avenue, turns east on Lombard Street, and heads south along Bayview Avenue, passing through the Bayview Medical Center campus. It then follows Eastern Avenue before concluding at Selig Avenue.
Differing from LocalLink and CityLink routes, QuickLink 40 functions as a limited-stop line, pausing exclusively at major transfer hubs, prominent landmarks, and heavily trafficked intersections selected by MTA. It effectively serves as a more direct alternative to the CityLink Blue and CityLink Orange, which succeeded the original QuickBus 40.
History (2005–2017)
Route 40 commenced operations on October 23, 2005, as part of the Greater Baltimore Bus Initiative, a transit enhancement program initiated by then-governor Robert L. Ehrlich. The route was designed to replicate the corridor planned for the Red Line without constructing rail infrastructure. Initially, it ran between Security Square Mall and Essex Park-and-Ride on Eastern Avenue, offering service every 10 minutes during weekday peak and midday periods. On February 5, 2006, the route extended eastward to Middle River, with frequencies adjusted to intervals of 12–15 minutes.
Several operational modifications were implemented over time: on June 10, 2007, the eastern layover point moved to Old Eastern and Vincent Avenues; on February 8, 2009, the western layover shifted to CMS; additionally, the Security Square Mall stop was relocated from within the mall’s parking lot to Security Boulevard adjacent to the mall.
QuickBus 40 PLUS Service
An upgraded version of QuickBus 40 was introduced on October 25, 2015, aiming to enhance frequency and dependability between the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid in Baltimore County and Baltimore City Hall. This included additional trips on the western segment between CMS and City Hall to improve off-peak and weekend transit access to employment areas.
Criticism
Following its launch, Route 40 encountered considerable criticism from passengers, elected officials, and media outlets. This feedback led to multiple revisions in routing, scheduling, and operational procedures.
Although initially expected to attract approximately 27,000 daily riders, actual ridership numbers fell significantly short of projections. Passengers frequently observed Route 40 buses arriving with low occupancy at popular stops, which contributed to a reduction in weekday service frequency.
The combination of insufficient ridership and overly ambitious scheduling resulted in poor on-time performance and bus bunching, where delayed buses were followed closely by others catching up after clearing stops, causing inconsistent intervals between vehicles.
Funding for Route 40’s operation was partially obtained by reducing local bus services along overlapping corridors—most notably cutting Route 23’s frequency by nearly half—thereby limiting local transit availability along these busy routes.
At its inception, the eastern terminal at Essex Park-and-Ride was situated over a mile away from critical transfer points for Routes 24 and 55. The extension to Middle River in February 2006 addressed this by facilitating more direct transfers. On the western end, no dedicated Park-and-Ride facility serves QuickLink 40 riders; Security Square Mall lacks designated parking spaces for transit users, while the closest lot near I-70 is not conducive to pedestrian access.
Unlike conventional rapid transit systems designed primarily for commuters with automobiles, QuickBus services focus chiefly on individuals who rely on nearby neighborhood bus stops without access to private vehicles.
Bus Tracking Technology
Towards the end of 2006, a pilot GPS-based system was introduced at 11 designated stops along the route, equipped with electronic displays that provided live updates on bus arrivals. The MTA has explored the possibility of extending this technology to cover more routes.
Despite its innovative approach, the system has drawn criticism due to its substantial expenses and limited reach. Questions have been raised about the allocation of funds to this initiative given the pressing need to enhance overall bus service quality in Baltimore. Even with full implementation, these electronic signs would only be installed at a small portion of stops, limiting their usefulness for many passengers.
QuickBus Development
On December 21, 2006, Bus Route 40 was rebranded as "QuickBus" to enhance its market appeal. Distinctive pylons were placed at select stops to clearly identify these locations.
The "QuickBus" designation remained unique to Route 40 until August 30, 2009, when Route 48 was introduced along the Greenmount Avenue/York Road corridor. The MTA further expanded the QuickBus system by adding Routes 46 and 47 on August 29, 2010.
History (2017-present)
During the BaltimoreLink restructuring on June 18, 2017, QuickBus 40 was discontinued and replaced by CityLink Blue (westbound) and CityLink Orange (eastbound). In April 2022, MTA proposed reinstating the route under the name QuickLink 40. This service was reintroduced on August 27, 2023, operating on weekdays only and ending at North Bend Loop in Westgate rather than the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in Woodlawn.