99 replies to this topic

[NewMarketSean]

So years later, what's the final verdict on the impact of that? At the time it seemed like little more than window dressing drawn up to try and appease the constituency that was angry over losing the Red Line. Any indications the incoming governor wants to make changes, or even try to revive the Red Line?

It was really just a rebranding. I remember the changes caused some people to get angry when they first went into effect but overall it seems a lot like it was before.

 

I just downloaded the Charm Pass. Basically an app to buy tickets on your phone but that's all it does. No schedules, no maps, no GPS, no "next bus will arrive in 4 minutes".  Any route help takes you to a page to download a separate transit app. Ugh.

[BSLMikeLowe]

Well that is why building mass transit is so unpopular, it's expensive.

 

It's also because many don't see the full perspective on the returns. Mass transit isn't going to pay for itself via fare revenue, so obviously the agencies that build and operate the systems will require other sources of funding. But when you look at how people utilize those systems to go to jobs where they earn a living, the businesses that profit off those employees' productivity, and other businesses that profit when people go out to spend their money, you start to get closer to evening the scales.

[BSLMikeLowe]

I just downloaded the Charm Pass. Basically an app to buy tickets on your phone but that's all it does. No schedules, no maps, no GPS, no "next bus will arrive in 4 minutes".  Any route help takes you to a page to download a separate transit app. Ugh.

 

That's pretty weak. Portland has had mobile ticketing for what seems like 10 years now. They did change apps a few years back, which I think caused some headaches, but nothing major. Though truth be told while I used to use the system here frequently, I haven't used it at all since COVID. Not that I'm uncomfortable getting on a train or bus now, just haven't had the occasion yet.

[NewMarketSean]

That's pretty weak. Portland has had mobile ticketing for what seems like 10 years now. They did change apps a few years back, which I think caused some headaches, but nothing major. Though truth be told while I used to use the system here frequently, I haven't used it at all since COVID. Not that I'm uncomfortable getting on a train or bus now, just haven't had the occasion yet.

It feels like Baltimore (Maryland, actually) is ashamed of its transit. It's not perfect, but it's safe and cheap. It works great to get in and out of the city for sporting events. They should be proud of what they have and advertise it as such and make the apps cool and fun and helpful. We basically got the MASN app version of a transit app. It does one thing and barely even does that.

 

Still, it's better than what we had before: A Charm Pass that worked like the DC metro pass but still required a paper ticket to be generated for light rail and metro.

[BSLMikeLowe]

It feels like Baltimore (Maryland, actually) is ashamed of its transit. It's not perfect, but it's safe and cheap. It works great to get in and out of the city for sporting events. They should be proud of what they have and advertise it as such and make the apps cool and fun and helpful. We basically got the MASN app version of a transit app. It does one thing and barely even does that.

 

Still, it's better than what we had before: A Charm Pass that worked like the DC metro pass but still required a paper ticket to be generated for light rail and metro.

 

When I was back there working at Hopkins and before I lived in Canton, I lived in Owings Mills a couple years. So I definitely rode the metro to work every day. As long as I didn't have to work too late (since the trains ran a lot less frequently as soon as rush hour was over) it was absolutely perfect. A lot of my coworkers that lived out in the suburbs that weren't in that NW area were pretty envious and wished the rail system went out their way.

[NewMarketSean]

Gov. Moore resurrects Red Line plan

 

https://www.thebalti...FDJGYXSASJGIP4/

[BSLMikeLowe]

If the original was going to cost $2.9 billion, expect it to be more like $5 billion now for the same thing. Shoulda got that built when they had the chance.

[NewMarketSean]

If the original was going to cost $2.9 billion, expect it to be more like $5 billion now for the same thing. Shoulda got that built when they had the chance.

Yup. Things only get more expensive.

 

They SHOULD have built it back in the 60s, 70s or 80s and an east-west transit line is something we've been using for 40+ years.

[NewMarketSean]

Just wanna give props to the MTA. I've been taking the LR a lot to Ravens games this season after having driven for the last few years and it's worked great. Some kinks should still be addressed but overall I'm glad it exists. 

 

Now build the damn Red Line.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Just wanna give props to the MTA. I've been taking the LR a lot to Ravens games this season after having driven for the last few years and it's worked great. Some kinks should still be addressed but overall I'm glad it exists. 

 

Now build the damn Red Line.

 

 

Tried it years ago -- too crowded for me.  Glad it's working for you though

[makoman]

Just wanna give props to the MTA. I've been taking the LR a lot to Ravens games this season after having driven for the last few years and it's worked great. Some kinks should still be addressed but overall I'm glad it exists. 

 

Now build the damn Red Line.

I took it to O's game 1 last month and it was easy and fast. Crowded but no big deal, no worse than say DC or NYC subway at busy times.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Apparently the light rail will be suspended, starting tomorrow.  Unclear why or for how long, but there's a press conference at 5:30.  Possibly related to Maryland's huge transportation deficit?

 

Light rail services to be suspended effective Friday (wbaltv.com)

[Mike in STL]

Apparently the light rail will be suspended, starting tomorrow. Unclear why or for how long, but there's a press conference at 5:30. Possibly related to Maryland's huge transportation deficit?

Light rail services to be suspended effective Friday (wbaltv.com)

The article says why. But not surprising they didn’t make preventative maintenance a priority. Or if they will need to scramble the find the money to fix it now.

[You Play to Win the Game]

Better this than to just move forward like DC and have metro accidents because they weren't keeping up. 

[NewMarketSean]

Awful. How the hell does this happen in a US city in 2023?

 

Ironically, I just watched a video on YouTube that ranked transit access for every NFL stadium and Baltimore ranked #2.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Awful. How the hell does this happen in a US city in 2023?

Ironically, I just watched a video on YouTube that ranked transit access for every NFL stadium and Baltimore ranked #2.

What was 1? I’ve been thinking about all the ones I’ve visited and not a lot seemed to be too mass transit friendly.

[NewMarketSean]

Seattle.

[Nigel Tufnel]

If you ever wanted an MTA-themed ugly holiday sweater, I have good news for you:

 

Introducing the MTA's First-Ever Holiday Sweater! | Maryland Transit Administration

[CantonJester]

If you ever wanted an MTA-themed ugly holiday sweater, I have good news for you:

 

Introducing the MTA's First-Ever Holiday Sweater! | Maryland Transit Administration

 

That sweater probably works in some outfits. There’s no discombobulation to it though. Not ugly enough. Not pleasing, but otherwise forgetful. No? 

[CantonJester]

Yeah no that sweater is ugly.