News

Actions

BaltimoreLink starts second week, riders not impressed

Monday's town hall packed with angry riders
Posted at 11:16 PM, Jun 26, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-27 07:19:07-04

It's week two for The BaltimoreLink, which MTA officials says delivers faster service, but riders aren't happy, citing confusing routes, branding and inconvenient routes.

"I've been getting to work late and I've never been late for work and the bus drivers don't know the routes. People on the bus have to tell them how to get to destinations and things of that nature and I really think it should never have been changed," said rider, Towanda Barnhill.

Expanded services are being added to better accommodate riders and high demand. 

"We're at a point where I think we can make some adjustments, some real adjustments to meet the demand that's out there but for now the BaltimoreLink system is here and we want to work with our riders to make this the best system possible," said acting MDOT/MTA Administrator, Kevin Quinn.

Union leaders say buses not arriving on time is a major issue, also citing that proximity to bus stops poses a problem for elderly riders.

"These people are dependent on this type of service so what are we going to do? Put it back the way it was," Baltimore Local 1300 representative, David McClure said.

MTA officials say the next step is to compile all the rider concerns and take them to the governor.

"It's just hard. We work and we're late everyday since this line started where they made the big change. I feel as though they should change everything back the way it used to be," said one rider.

Free rides are being offered through June 30 and those leading the transportation service are asking for public's help to make the line more efficient.

"We want public feedback, we want public input we've been responsive to changes just a few days ago you heard some frustration tonight about some early morning trips on some of our city link lines and already we're responding," said Quinn.