MDOT MTA Adds 70 New Clean-Diesel Buses to its BaltimoreLink Fleet to Better Serve Customers

Transit riders on the award-winning BaltimoreLink system will see new additions to the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration’s bus fleet as 70 new high-tech, clean-diesel buses hit the streets this summer — bringing the total number of buses in the fleet to 760. MDOT MTA invested nearly $40 million in these New Flyer XDE40 Xcelsior vehicles to improve reliability, provide a safer and more comfortable ride, and reduce emissions.

“These new buses will further modernize our fleet and enhance service reliability for the tens of thousands of people who ride our CityLink, LocalLink and Express BusLink routes each day,” said MDOT MTA Administrator Kevin Quinn. “As BaltimoreLink connects people to where they live, work and play, expanding our fleet with clean-diesel buses is an important component to providing public transportation that strengthens our communities.”

The XDE40 Xcelsior clean-diesel, 40-foot buses have a low-floor design and kneel to allow passengers easier access on and off the vehicles. Each bus is equipped numerous safety features including security cameras, an audible safe turn alert system, curbside and street-side turn aid lights, as well as a factory-installed driver’s barrier to increase bus operator safety. Two monitors on each bus will provide next stop arrival and other transit-related information. 

New Flyer of America Inc, a St. Cloud, Minnesota-based bus manufacturer, is the largest transit bus and motor coach manufacturer and parts distributor in North America and has provided buses for MDOT MTA since 2004.

In July, BaltimoreLink won an award for Operations Excellence from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.  BaltimoreLink — the Hogan Administration’s transit improvement plan to better connect people in the region to jobs and other transit modes – was one of six projects in the Northeast to be recognized in the 11th annual America’s Transportation Awards. AASHTO, which represents all 50 state departments of transportation, honors individuals and transportation departments annually for exemplary service in the transportation field.