• Subscribe
  • Magazine
  • 40 Under 40
  • Supplier's Directory
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
    1. Bus

    MDOT MTA launches new dedicated bus lanes to improve transit along North Avenue corridor

    Nov. 4, 2021
    MDOT MTA is working to enhance the customer experience with improved reliability and reduced travel time.
    Related To: Maryland Transit Administration (MTA)
    MDOT MTA
    Mdot Mta 618340b40fd33

    Seven new miles of dedicated bus lanes with transit signal priority (TSP) are being implemented by the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) along North Avenue in Baltimore as part of the North Avenue Rising revitalization project.

    Dedicated bus lanes and TSP for buses were first installed in Baltimore in 2017 as part of BaltimoreLink and have proven successful in improving on-time performance and reducing travel times by up to 25 percent for bus riders. With the addition of these new lane miles, there are now nearly 13 miles of dedicated bus lanes throughout the MDOT MTA service area.

    “Dedicated bus lanes have improved our system’s reliability,” said MDOT MTA Acting Administrator Holly Arnold. “We anticipate these new lanes along the busy North Avenue corridor will help us to continue improving transit in Baltimore, while also making the transportation system along North Avenue more equitable.”

    “Additional dedicated bus lane miles along North Avenue will improve on-time performance and customer service, resulting in a transit experience that’s more convenient, reliable and attractive to riders,” added MDOT Secretary Greg Slater. “This project is part of MDOT’s commitment to modernize our network, provide high-quality service and prioritize transit as we work with our partners in the city to improve mobility for all users.”

    Only buses, emergency vehicles, school buses and bicycles are permitted to travel in the bus only lanes. Other vehicles are permitted to enter a bus lane in order to make a right turn at the next intersection or to access parallel parking spots next to the bus lane. To make the lanes clear to the public, the full-time dedicated bus lanes are painted red and have the words “BUS ONLY” in the road and have signs on the curb about the bus lane.

    Baltimore City Transportation Enforcement Officers, the Baltimore Police Department and MDOT MTA Police handle violation enforcement. Parking or stopping in a bus lane may result in a $250 fine, and driving in the bus lane may result in a fine up to $500.

    In addition to dedicated bus lanes, the $27.3 million North Avenue Rising project has made improvements throughout the corridor since 2017. These include enhancements to the Penn-North Metro SubwayLink station, safety and rider-comfort improvements at major bus stops and sidewalks, bike facilities, streetscaping and roadway repaving. Last month, a new mural highlighting the history and culture of the Penn-North community was completed for the Penn-North Metro SubwayLink station by Baltimore artist Megan Lewis. 

    The North Avenue Rising revitalization project is a joint initiative between Baltimore City and MDOT, with state, local and federal funding including $14.7 million from MDOT; $1 million from the Baltimore City Department of Transportation; $10 million from a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant; and $1.6 million from USDOT Federal Highway Administration. The project’s construction completion date has been extended to June 30, 2022, and additional transportation investments will be made along North Avenue over the next eight months.