View source for Baltimore Metro SubwayLink

{{Short description|Rapid transit line in Baltimore, Maryland, US}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Distinguish|text=the [[Baltimore Light RailLink]], a light rail system also in Baltimore}}
{{Infobox rail line
| color           = {{rcr|Maryland Transit Administration|Metro SubwayLink}}
| name            = Metro SubwayLink
| logo            = File:Baltimore Metro SubwayLink Logo for Signage (Blue).svg
| logo_width      = 75px
| image           = MTAMaryland178.jpg
| image_width     = 300px
| caption         = Metro SubwayLink train entering [[Reisterstown Plaza station]] and bound for [[Owings Mills station]]
| type            = [[Rapid transit]]
| depot           = 5801 Wabash Avenue<ref name="Media Guide" />
| system          =
| status          = <!-- Only use when line is not operating normally -->
| locale          = [[Baltimore]], Maryland, U.S.
| start           = [[Owings Mills station|Owings Mills]] (west)
| end             = [[Johns Hopkins Hospital station|Johns Hopkins Hospital]] (east)
| stations        = 14
| website         = {{URL|https://mta.maryland.gov/metro-subway|mta.maryland.gov/metro-subway}}
| routes          =
| daily_ridership = {{American transit ridership|MD Baltimore HR daily}} ({{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}
| ridership2      = {{American transit ridership|MD Baltimore HR annual}} ({{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}
| open            = {{Start date and age|1983|11|21}}
| close           =
| owner           = [[Maryland Transit Administration]]
| character       = Underground, surface, elevated
| stock           = 100 [[Budd Universal Transit Vehicle]] cars<ref name="Roads to the Future" />
| linelength      = {{convert|24.8|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref name="Urban Rail" />
| tracklength     = {{convert|34|mi|km|abbr=on}}<ref name="Media Guide">{{cite web|url=http://mta.maryland.gov/sites/default/files/Media_Guide_2010.pdf|title=MTA Media Guide 2010–2011|publisher=MTA Maryland|pages=4, 9, 10|date=August 2010|access-date=June 30, 2011}}</ref>
| tracks          = 2
| gauge           = {{track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}
| electrification = {{700 V DC|conductor=third rail}}<ref name="Urban Rail" />
| speed           = {{convert|70|mph|abbr=on}}<ref name="Roads to the Future" />
| elevation       = {{convert|28|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="Roads to the Future" />
| map             = {{switcher
| {{maplink-road|from=Baltimore Metro SubwayLink.map}} Metro SubwayLink highlighted in green <hr />
| Show interactive map
| {{Baltimore Metro SubwayLink|inline=yes}}
| Show route diagram
}}
}}

The '''Baltimore Metro SubwayLink''' is a [[rapid transit]] line serving [[Baltimore]], Maryland, and its northwestern suburbs, operated by the [[Maryland Transit Administration]]. The segment in [[Downtown Baltimore]] is underground, while most of the line outside the central city is elevated or at surface grade.<ref name="Roads to the Future">{{cite web|url=http://www.roadstothefuture.com/Baltimore_Metro.html|title=Baltimore Metro Subway|work=Roads to the Future|author=Scott M. Kozel|date=October 13, 2002|access-date=June 28, 2002| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20020808061523/http://www.roadstothefuture.com/Baltimore_Metro.html| archive-date= August 8, 2002 | url-status= live}}</ref> In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the line had a ridership of {{American transit ridership|MD Baltimore HR annual}}, or about {{American transit ridership|MD Baltimore HR daily}} per weekday as of {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}.

== History ==
The origins of the Metro SubwayLink lie in the Baltimore Area Mass Transportation Plan published in 1965, which envisioned six rapid transit lines radiating out from a central city loop. Planning studies from 1968 proposed a rail transit system {{convert|71|mi|km|abbr=on}} long.<ref name="Roads to the Future" />

As the vision was translated into reality, the original concept was trimmed to a {{convert|28|mi|km|abbr=on}} system in the Phase 1 plan, published in 1971. This plan involved two of the original six lines: a northwest line from Downtown Baltimore to Owings Mills and a south line to Glen Burnie and the airport. Phase 1 was approved for funding by the Maryland General Assembly in 1972. In response to lobbying by [[Anne Arundel County, Maryland|Anne Arundel County]] residents, the MTA eliminated the south line from Phase 1 plans in 1975; the [[Baltimore Light RailLink]] was later built over much of the planned south line corridor.<ref name="Roads to the Future" />

When the Metro SubwayLink opened on November 21, 1983, only the "Northwest" line of the 1965 plan had come to fruition. This {{convert|12.2|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} segment provided service between Charles Center in Downtown Baltimore and the Reisterstown Plaza shopping center in the northwest of the city. On July 20, 1987, a {{convert|9.8|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} addition extended the line from Reisterstown Plaza to [[Owings Mills, Maryland|Owings Mills]] in Baltimore County, with a portion running in the median of [[Interstate 795 (Maryland)|Interstate 795]]. A further extension of {{convert|2.5|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} from Charles Center to [[Johns Hopkins Hospital]] opened on May 31, 1995.<ref name="Media Guide" /><ref name="Urban Rail">{{cite web |author=Robert Schwandl |url=http://www.urbanrail.net/am/balt/baltimore.htm |title=Baltimore Metro Subway |website=UrbanRail.Net |access-date=November 27, 2014}}</ref> Once the project was completed in 1995, the total cost for the Metro SubwayLink stood at $1.392 billion.<ref name="Roads to the Future" />

The current system is {{convert|24.8|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} long, consisting of {{convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} underground, {{convert|3.5|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} elevated, and {{convert|11.3|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} at grade. Eight of its 14 stations are underground, at depths from {{convert|16|m|ft|abbr=on|order=flip}} to {{convert|34|m|ft|abbr=on|order=flip}} below street level. Its elevated stations stand from {{convert|25|ft|m|abbr=on}} to {{convert|28|ft|m|abbr=on}} above ground.<ref name="Urban Rail" />

When the system opened, it became the largest single user of [[Susan B. Anthony dollar]] coins in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|last=Valentine |first=Paul W. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1984/04/02/underground-coin/2ef50b92-4d55-4637-a8a6-195e4a6bf46c/ |title=Underground Coin |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 2, 1984 |access-date=May 28, 2019}}</ref>

The installation of underground cellular service in the Metro SubwayLink tunnels began in September 2021 and was originally expected to be completed by June 2022.<ref name="mta-2019-uc">{{cite report|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/mta-website-staging/mta-website-staging/files/Transit%20Projects/Cornerstone/MSCP_MetroSubwayLink.pdf|title=Metro SubwayLink Cornerstone Plan|publisher=Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Transit Administration|date=August 28, 2019|access-date=November 18, 2021|page=36}}</ref><ref name="mta-s-disruptions">{{cite report|url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/17i41fDzgSVJWvfrnuWwpQUqGgOJqHJy9/view|title=Franchise Agreement Report: Summary of Service Disruptions & Asset Conditions – Metro SubwayLink and Light RailLink|publisher=Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Transit Administration|date=June 29, 2021|access-date=November 18, 2021|last=Arnold|first=Holly|page=5}}</ref> As of December 2024, the work has not been completed.

== Operation ==

=== Route ===
The Metro SubwayLink has a single line that is shaped like a reverse "J". Trains head south underground from Johns Hopkins Hospital, turn west as they pass under Baltimore's central business district, turn north at Charles Center, and ultimately turn to face northwest at State Center. The route leaves its tunnel northwest of Mondawmin station, entering an elevated structure that parallels [[Wabash Avenue (Baltimore, Maryland)|Wabash Avenue]] and the [[Hanover Subdivision]] along the former [[Western Maryland Railway]] route. The route then enters the median of Interstate 795, which it occupies until it reaches the Owings Mills terminus.

Trains heading towards Johns Hopkins Hospital are referred to as "eastbound", while trains heading towards Owings Mills are "westbound".<ref name="Metro Subway">{{cite web|url=http://mta.maryland.gov/metro-subway|title=Metro Subway|publisher=MTA Maryland|access-date=June 30, 2011}}</ref>

=== Schedules ===
A trip from one end of the line to the other takes about half an hour. Headways range from eight minutes during daytime peak to fifteen minutes late at night and on weekends. Trains run from 5 a.m. to midnight on weekdays, and from 6 a.m. to midnight on weekends.<ref name="Metro Subway" />

=== Fares ===
{{Main|Maryland Transit Administration#Fares|l1=Current MTA Fares}}

As of 2024, the fare prices for MTA buses, the Metro SubwayLink, and the Light RailLink travel are as follows:<ref name="Maryland Transit Administration">{{cite web |title=Regular Fares |url=https://mta.maryland.gov/regular-fares |access-date=June 27, 2022 |publisher=Maryland Transit Administration}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Type
! Full fare
! Senior/Disability
! Student
! Mobility
|-
| Single trip
| $2.00
| $1.00
| $1.50
| $2.20
|-
| Day Pass
| $4.60
| $2.30
| –
| –
|-
| Weekly Pass
| $22.00
| –
| –
| –
|-
| Monthly Pass
| $77.00
| $23.00
| –
| –
|}
* Note: People who qualify for [[paratransit]] services can use the Metro SubwayLink free of charge.<ref name="Maryland Transit Administration" />

=== Performance ===
For fiscal year 2010, the MTA reported 95% on-time performance for the system. It averaged 3.0 passenger trips per revenue mile, with a total of 13.4 million passenger trips for the year. Vehicles operated at an average cost of $11.59 per revenue mile. Local buses, in comparison, performed at a cost of $13.57 per revenue mile.<ref name="Annual Report">{{cite web |title=2012 Annual Report |url=http://mta.maryland.gov/sites/default/files/2012_MTA_Annual_Report.pdf |access-date=October 10, 2013 |publisher=MTA Maryland |page=30}}</ref>

=== Stations ===
The Metro SubwayLink has a total of 14 stations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Metro Subway Schedule |url=http://mta.maryland.gov/sites/default/files/metro_subway_%20schedule_610.pdf |access-date=June 30, 2011 |publisher=MTA Maryland}}</ref> All stations except Owings Mills, Old Court, and Milford Mill are located in Baltimore.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Location
!Distance ([[mile|mi]] / [[kilometer|km]])
!Station
!Connections
|-
|[[Owings Mills, Maryland|Owings Mills]]
|{{convert|0.0|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|[[Owings Mills station|Owings Mills]]
|[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] LocalLink: [[LocalLink 87 (BaltimoreLink)|87]], [[LocalLink 89 (BaltimoreLink)|89]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Lochearn, Maryland|Lochearn]]
|{{convert|3.6|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|[[Old Court station|Old Court]]
|[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] LocalLink: [[LocalLink 37 (BaltimoreLink)|37]], [[LocalLink 83 (BaltimoreLink)|83]]
|-
|{{convert|5.4|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|[[Milford Mill station|Milford Mill]]
|[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] LocalLink: [[LocalLink 81 (BaltimoreLink)|81]], [[LocalLink 85 (BaltimoreLink)|85]]
|-
|[[Glen, Baltimore|Glen]]
|{{convert|6.1|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|[[Reisterstown Plaza station|Reisterstown Plaza]]
|[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] LocalLink: [[LocalLink 82 (BaltimoreLink)|82]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Arlington, Baltimore|Arlington]]
|{{convert|7.1|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|[[Rogers Avenue station|Rogers Avenue]]
|[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] LocalLink: [[LocalLink 28 (BaltimoreLink)|28]], [[LocalLink 30 (BaltimoreLink)|30]], [[LocalLink 31 (BaltimoreLink)|31]], [[LocalLink 34 (BaltimoreLink)|34]], [[LocalLink 80 (BaltimoreLink)|80]], [[LocalLink 82 (BaltimoreLink)|82]], [[LocalLink 89 (BaltimoreLink)|89]]
|-
|{{convert|8.3|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|[[West Cold Spring station|West Cold Spring]]
|[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] LocalLink: [[LocalLink 28 (BaltimoreLink)|28]], [[LocalLink 82 (BaltimoreLink)|82]]
|-
|[[Mondawmin, Baltimore|Mondawmin]]
|{{convert|10.1|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|[[Mondawmin station|Mondawmin]]
|[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] CityLink: {{rbox|NV|CityLink Navy (BaltimoreLink)|navy}}, {{rbox|LM|CityLink Lime (BaltimoreLink)|lime|black}}, {{rbox|YW|CityLink Yellow (BaltimoreLink)|yellow|black}}<br/>[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] LocalLink: [[LocalLink 22 (BaltimoreLink)|22]], 26, [[LocalLink 29 (BaltimoreLink)|29]], [[LocalLink 82 (BaltimoreLink)|82]], [[LocalLink 83 (BaltimoreLink)|83]], [[LocalLink 85 (BaltimoreLink)|85]], [[LocalLink 91 (BaltimoreLink)|91]]
|-
|[[Penn-North, Baltimore|Penn-North]]
|{{convert|10.8|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|[[Penn-North station|Penn-North]]
|[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] CityLink: {{rbox|LM|CityLink Lime (BaltimoreLink)|lime|black}}, {{rbox|GD|CityLink Gold (BaltimoreLink)|gold|black}}<br/>[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] LocalLink: [[LocalLink 85 (BaltimoreLink)|85]]
|-
|[[Upton, Baltimore|Upton]]
|{{convert|11.3|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|[[Upton–Avenue Market station|Upton–Avenue Market]]
|[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] CityLink: {{rbox|LM|CityLink Lime (BaltimoreLink)|lime|black}}
|-
|[[Mount Vernon, Baltimore|Mount Vernon]]
|{{convert|12.5|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|[[State Center station|State Center]]
|{{rint|baltimore|raillink}} [[Baltimore Light RailLink|Light RailLink]] <small>(at [[Cultural Center station|Cultural Center]])</small><br/>[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] CityLink: {{rbox|LM|CityLink Lime (BaltimoreLink)|lime|black}}, {{rbox|YW|CityLink Yellow (BaltimoreLink)|yellow|black}}<br/>[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] LocalLink: [[LocalLink 54 (BaltimoreLink)|54]], [[LocalLink 73 (BaltimoreLink)|73]]<br/>[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] Express BusLink: [[Route 154 (MTA Maryland)|154]]<br/>{{rint|bus}} MTA Commuter bus: [[Route 410 (MTA Maryland)|410]]
|-
| rowspan="3" |[[Downtown Baltimore|Downtown]]
|{{convert|13.3|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|[[Lexington Market station (Metro SubwayLink)|Lexington Market]]
|{{rint|baltimore|raillink}} Light RailLink <small>(at [[Lexington Market station (Light RailLink)|Lexington Market]])</small><br/>[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] CityLink: {{rbox|BL|CityLink Blue (BaltimoreLink)|blue}}<br/>[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] LocalLink: [[LocalLink 54 (BaltimoreLink)|54]], [[LocalLink 71 (BaltimoreLink)|71]], [[LocalLink 80 (BaltimoreLink)|80]], [[LocalLink 94 (BaltimoreLink)|94]]<br/>[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] Express BusLink: [[Route 105 (MTA Maryland)|105]], [[Route 115 (MTA Maryland)|115]], [[Route 120 (MTA Maryland)|120]], [[Route 150 (MTA Maryland)|150]], [[Route 154 (MTA Maryland)|154]], [[Route 163 (MTA Maryland|163]]<br/>{{rint|bus}} MTA Commuter bus: [[Route 320 (MTA Maryland)|320]]
|-
|{{convert|13.8|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|[[Charles Center station|Charles Center]]
|[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] CityLink: {{rbox|OR|CityLink Orange (BaltimoreLink)|orange}}, {{rbox|GR|CityLink Green (BaltimoreLink)|green}}, {{rbox|SV|CityLink Silver (BaltimoreLink)|silver|black}}, {{rbox|RD|CityLink Red (BaltimoreLink)|red}}, {{rbox|PR|CityLink Purple (BaltimoreLink)|purple}}<br/>[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] QuickLink: [[QuickLink 40 (BaltimoreLink)|40]]<br/>[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] LocalLink: [[LocalLink 51 (BaltimoreLink)|51]], [[LocalLink 56 (BaltimoreLink)|56]], 65, [[LocalLink 67 (BaltimoreLink)|67]], [[LocalLink 71 (BaltimoreLink)|71]], [[LocalLink 76 (BaltimoreLink)|76]], [[LocalLink 78 (BaltimoreLink)|78]], [[LocalLink 95 (BaltimoreLink)|95]]<br/>[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] Express BusLink: [[Route 103 (MTA Maryland)|103]], [[Route 105 (MTA Maryland)|105]], [[Route 120 (MTA Maryland)|120]], [[Route 150 (MTA Maryland)|150]], [[Route 160 (MTA Maryland)|160]]<br/>{{rint|bus}} MTA Commuter bus: [[Route 210 (MTA Maryland)|210]], [[Route 215 (MTA Maryland)|215]], [[Route 310 (MTA Maryland)|310]], [[Route 410 (MTA Maryland)|410]], [[Route 411 (MTA Maryland)|411]], [[Route 420 (MTA Maryland)|420]]<br />{{rint|bus|1}} [[Charm City Circulator|CCC]]: Purple
|-
|{{convert|14.4|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|[[Shot Tower station|Shot Tower]]
|[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] CityLink: {{rbox|OR|CityLink Orange (BaltimoreLink)|orange}}, {{rbox|BL|CityLink Blue (BaltimoreLink)|blue}}, {{rbox|PR|CityLink Purple (BaltimoreLink)|purple}}<br />[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] QuickLink: [[QuickLink 40 (BaltimoreLink)|40]]<br/>[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] LocalLink: [[LocalLink 54 (BaltimoreLink)|54]], [[LocalLink 67 (BaltimoreLink)|67]], [[LocalLink 76 (BaltimoreLink)|76]], [[LocalLink 78 (BaltimoreLink)|78]]<br/>[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] Express BusLink: [[Route 105 (MTA Maryland)|105]], [[Route 150 (MTA Maryland)|150]], [[Route 154 (MTA Maryland)|154]], [[Route 160 (MTA Maryland)|160]]<br/>{{rint|bus|1}} [[Charm City Circulator|CCC]]: Green
|-
|[[Middle East, Baltimore|Middle East]]
|{{convert|15.4|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|[[Johns Hopkins Hospital station|Johns Hopkins Hospital]]
|[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] CityLink: {{rbox|PK|CityLink Pink (BaltimoreLink)|pink|black}}, {{rbox|GD|CityLink Gold (BaltimoreLink)|gold|black}}, {{rbox|BR|CityLink Brown (BaltimoreLink)|brown}}, {{rbox|LM|CityLink Lime (BaltimoreLink)|lime|black}}<br/>[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] LocalLink: [[LocalLink 21 (BaltimoreLink)|21]], [[LocalLink 56 (BaltimoreLink)|56]]<br/>[[File:BaltimoreLink Logo.png|18px|link=MTA BaltimoreLink]] Express BusLink: [[Route 105 (MTA Maryland)|105]], [[Route 115 (MTA Maryland)|115]], [[Route 120 (MTA Maryland)|120]], [[Route 160 (MTA Maryland)|160]]<br/>{{rint|bus}} MTA Commuter bus: [[Route 210 (MTA Maryland)|210]], [[Route 215 (MTA Maryland)|215]], [[Route 310 (MTA Maryland)|310]], [[Route 320 (MTA Maryland)|320]], [[Route 411 (MTA Maryland)|411]], [[Route 420 (MTA Maryland)|420]]<br />{{rint|bus|1}} [[Charm City Circulator|CCC]]: Green
|}

=== Connecting services ===
Most Metro SubwayLink stations are served by a number of MTA bus routes. In 1984, just months after Metro first started operating, many feeder routes were created that were given the designation of a letter (M, P, or R) followed by a number. In 1987, many of these routes were renamed, and only the prefix "M" was used. Over the years, the number of M-lines had shrunk, as many of the routes were consolidated. In 2008, routes designated with the letter "M" were renamed to plain two-digit designations. Finally, on August 30, 2009, the last four were either renumbered or eliminated, with no routing changes made; they continue to act as feeder routes to the Metro SubwayLink.

There is no direct connection from the Metro SubwayLink to the [[Baltimore Light RailLink|Light RailLink]] or [[MARC Train|MARC]] commuter rail. However, the Metro SubwayLink's [[Lexington Market station (Metro SubwayLink)|Lexington Market Station]] is a {{convert|200|yd|adj=on}} walk from the Light RailLink [[Lexington Market station (Light RailLink)|stop of the same name]], and the [[State Center station]] is about 1.5 blocks away from the Light RailLink's [[Cultural Center station]]. [[Baltimore Penn Station]] is about a one-half mile walk from State Center, and MARC [[Camden Station]] is about five blocks from Lexington Market Metro station.

== Rolling stock ==
[[File:MTAM Millford-Mill-departing-train.jpg|thumb|A universal transit vehicle on the Baltimore Metro SubwayLink departing [[Milford Mill station]]]]
As of 2024, the line currently uses cars manufactured by the [[Budd Company]] in [[Northeast Philadelphia]]. The first set of additional, new cars are presently manufactured at [[Hitachi Rail Italy]] in [[Florida]].<ref name="Annual Report" /><ref name="Zawodny 2023a">{{Cite web |last=Zawodny |first=Daniel |date=September 22, 2023 |title=Baltimore subway to get first new railcars in 40 years |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/transportation/baltimore-subway-new-railcars-40-years-37JB576M35HDRJ4A5W4GARCREM/ |access-date=February 7, 2024 |website=The Baltimore Banner |language=en}}</ref><ref name="BATRAK 2023" />

Most of the 100 Budd-built cars were delivered in 1983 with a supplementary set of essentially identical cars being purchased in 1986 for the line expansion. The cars, marketed by Budd as the [[Budd Universal Transit Vehicle|Universal Transit Vehicle]], are identical to those formerly used on the [[Metrorail (Miami-Dade County)|Miami Metrorail]]; the two agencies built their systems at the same time and saved money by sharing a single order.<ref name="Roads to the Future" /> A number of Budd cars have been retired.<ref name="Zawodny 2023a" />

Trains draw power from the electric [[third rail]]. The cars are {{convert|75|ft|m|2}} long, {{convert|10|ft|m|2}} wide, and have a top speed of {{convert|70|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. Cars are semi-permanently attached in married pairs and joined up to form 4-car trains, which is the normal train length. 6-car trains are used during peak rush hours. Each car can hold up to 166 passengers (76 seated, 90 standing).<ref name="Roads to the Future" />

The fleet had a significant overhaul between 2002 and 2005. Seats were reupholstered, and the floors were replaced. External destination [[Destination sign|rollsigns]] were replaced with LED displays; internal systems that display train destinations and upcoming stop announcements were also installed.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Krishnamurthy |first1=B. |last2=Causey |first2=R. |last3=Shockley |first3=T. C. |last4=Garrettson |first4=G. A. |date=2001 |title=METRO HEAVY RAIL MID-LIFE OVERHAUL NEEDS ASSESSMENT: BALTIMORE, MARYLAND |url=https://trid.trb.org/View/688480 |journal=American Public Transportation Association |volume=8}}</ref>

In July 2017, MTA announced the purchase of 78 new railcars to replace the entire subway fleet. The cars are being built in Florida by Hitachi Rail Italy, and will be similar in appearance to those purchased for the Miami Metrorail.<ref name="Zawodny 2023a" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mta.maryland.gov/mdot-mta-wins-approval-4005-million-purchase-metro-subwaylink-railcars-and-train-control|title=Maryland Transit Administration|website=mta.maryland.gov}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=MDOT MTA Wins Approval for $400.5M Purchase of Metro SubwayLink Railcars and Train Control System |url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/press-release/12355722/maryland-transit-administration-mta-mdot-mta-wins-approval-for-4005-million-purchase-of-metro-subwaylink-railcars-and-train-control-system |access-date=November 16, 2021 |work=Mass Transit |date=July 31, 2017}}</ref> The Hitachi railcars generate electricity while braking, thus allowing the energy to power certain train systems and enabling the system to become more energy efficient.<ref name="Zawodny 2023a" /> The first Hitachi cars were delivered in October 2023; the replacement of the rolling stock is set to occur in phases from 2024 to 2026.<ref name="Zawodny 2023a" /><ref name="BATRAK 2023">{{Cite web |last=BATRAK |first=OLEKSANDR |date=October 3, 2023 |title=New Metro Cars from Hitachi Rail for Baltimore |url=https://www.railway.supply/en/new-metro-cars-from-hitachi-rail-for-baltimore/ |access-date=January 14, 2024 |website=Railway Supply |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Incidents ==
On February 11, 2018, the MTA announced a month-long closure of the entire system to complete emergency track repairs identified during a safety inspection. An aboveground portion of the system had already been shut down due to emergency inspections and repairs.<ref>{{cite news |last=Campbell |first=Colin |date=February 11, 2018 |title=Entire Baltimore Metro system to close for a month for emergency repairs |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-subway-emergency-repairs-folo-20180211-story.html |access-date=February 11, 2018 |work=Baltimore Sun}}</ref> The system reopened on March 9, 2018.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Richman |first=Talia |title=Riders relieved as Baltimore Metro Subway reopens after monthlong shutdown |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-bz-metro-reopens-20180309-story.html |access-date=April 1, 2018 |work=baltimoresun.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

In the summer of 2023, a fire damaged a portion of the subway system, prompting a brief closure.<ref name="Zawodny 2023b">{{Cite web |last=Zawodny |first=Daniel |date=July 12, 2023 |title=Repairs continue on Baltimore subway as service resumes days after fire |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/transportation/track-repairs-continue-on-baltimores-subway-system-as-service-resumes-days-after-fire-ESEEGBWZ3FBUVITCLN2RDNVKUU/ |access-date=February 7, 2024 |website=The Baltimore Banner |language=en}}</ref> Regular service resumed a few days later.<ref name="Zawodny 2023b" />

== See also ==
* [[List of metro systems]]
* [[List of United States rapid transit systems by ridership]]
* [[Baltimore Light RailLink]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Attached KML|display=title,inline}}
* {{Commons category-inline}}
* {{official website}}
* [https://www.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/Baltimore%20Region%20Rail%20Plan%20Report.pdf]

{{Maryland Transit Administration rail stations}}
{{MTA Maryland}}
{{Baltimore Transit}}
{{Baltimore}}
{{USSubway}}

[[Category:Baltimore Metro SubwayLink| ]]
[[Category:1983 establishments in Maryland]]
[[Category:700 V DC railway electrification]]
[[Category:Electric railways in Maryland]]
[[Category:Maryland Transit Administration]]
[[Category:Railway lines in highway medians]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 1983]]
[[Category:Rapid transit in Maryland]]
[[Category:Standard-gauge railways in the United States]]
[[Category:Transportation at Johns Hopkins Hospital]]
[[Category:Underground rapid transit in the United States]]