Take a Trip Down Memory Lane with the MTA

January 2012

• MTA launches new InterCounty Connector (ICC) Commuter Bus routes 203, 204, 205
• MTA assumes management of “Rate Your Ride” program, allowing riders to provide real time feedback regarding their experience aboard the MTA.

February 2012

• MTA ICC Commuter Bus passengers offered access to the new Montgomery County Park & Ride, a facility featuring 202 parking spaces and two bus shelters with benches located immediately adjacent to the passenger drop-off and pick-up area.

March 2012

• MARC Train Union Station commuters give thanks: A new layover yard for MARC Train allows for much smoother operation, more predictable boarding locations and fewer delays for patrons. The $21 million storage area for MARC trains completes a ten-year process.
• Record setting month! The numbers are in and 414,867 people rode MTA in February; the previous record was recorded in September 2008 when MTA moved 411,785 people.

April 2012

• MTA celebrates the 13^th annual “Words on Wheels” program.  The program highlights the works of Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) students.  MTA Buses and Light Rail feature poems written by BCPS students.
• MTA invites public to participate in the agency’s annual Bus and Maintenance Roadeo at Reisterstown Road Plaza. The Roadeo promotes the skills of MTA operators while educating the public on the reliability and safety of mass transit.
• MTA, Baltimore City, the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore (DPOB), and the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) partner to complete $4 million of improvements along the Howard Street corridor.
• Veterans are given the opportunity to participate in the 2012 Veterans Resource Expo.  The expo consisted of the following: workshops covering a wide range of veteran’s issues, resume building, interview training, continuing education, financial fitness, personal budgeting and adjusting to life at home.

May 2012 

• Walk Score ranks Baltimore’s transit ninth in the country. Walk score is an international advocacy group that ranks a city’s “walkability” including access to mass transit.
• MARC Train helps University of Maryland students make the grade by incorporating a “flag stop” to their normal route. This extra stop allows students to arrive on campus well before testing during exam week.

June 2012

• MTA partners with St. Mary’s County to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new $4.1 million Park & Ride commuter bus lot. This partnership strengthens public transportation in southern Maryland by creating 500 new parking spaces for Washington, D.C. Commuter Bus riders.
• MTA receives $5.25 million local transit grant. The Federal Transit Administration’s Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) and New Freedom programs help rural counties offer public transportation services to low income individuals for employment activities and help provide expansion of mobility transportation options to persons with disabilities.  
• MTA and Dunkin Donuts join forces to help replenish the Maryland Food Bank at Owings Mills Metro Subway Station.  Members from the MTA, Dunkin Donuts and the Maryland Food Bank worked on site to accept nonperishable food items or monetary donations.
• The Board of Public Works approves more than $35 million for the MTA to purchase of 53 hybrid diesel electric buses. The new buses continue the commitment to a greener, cleaner more environmentally friendly bus fleet.

July 2012

• MTA receives $40 million in federal funding to replace the aging Kirk Avenue bus maintenance facility in East Baltimore. Construction of the new maintenance facility will create nearly 700 jobs and is a part of a two-phased project designed to upgrade facilities, internalize operations within those facilities, and improve the surrounding environment.

August 2012

• The MTA goes back to school with the new Student Transit Pass (S-Pass), a credit card sized plastic fare card that students can use on any MTA Local Bus, Metro Subway or Light Rail. There are about 36,000 Baltimore City public school students eligible for the S-Pass and it continues the MTA’s commitment to reinvent and improve the way people use Maryland’s transit system.
• MTA “Pace Bus” leads American LeMans Series race cars on parade lap during annual Grand Prix of Baltimore weekend. Administrator Ralign T. Wells, a former bus operator, drove the one of a kind hybrid-diesel electric bus, decked out in race trim and special race car graphics.

September 2012

• MTA MARC Train sets record for its on-time performance during the month of August.  The monthly on-time performance measures were the best ever for the 31-day period. Overall, the MARC system operated at 95% on-time performance.
• MTA unveils $5 million dollar Edgewood, MD MARC Train Station renovation project. Station went from a basic platform to a fully functional station including restrooms, ticket vending machines and ramps for people with disabilities.
• Local youth publicly thank MTA bus operators at reception. Wide Angle Youth Media recognize operators by reading thank you letters and presenting thank you magnets that operators were able to place in their lockers.

October 2012

• The MTA Police department launches “Tip-A-Cop” event to raise money for the Special Olympics of Maryland.  Police officers worked as “celebrity” waiters and all tips collected were donated directly to the Special Olympics. 
• The federally funded “If You See Something, Say Something” internet marketing campaign developed by the MTA earns national recognition from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in its annual AdWheel Awards.  .
• The Board of Public Works approves a third party contract for operation and maintenance for the MTA’s MARC Train Camden and Brunswick lines.  The $205 million contract includes a five year, eight month term for Bombardier Transportation to take over these lines from CSX, who opted out.

November 2012

• MTA gives back: partners with MIX-106.5 FM to help replenish the Maryland Food Bank via the annual “Stuff -a-Bus” event and partners with the Marine Corps for the annual “Toys for Tots” campaign.

December 2012

• MTA presents a new feature for its CharmCard® customers called Auto Reload.  This new feature allows customers to automatically add value to their card without the hassle of relying on Ticketing Vending Machines or repeatedly going online.
• MTA submits the Red Line transit project’s Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The purpose of a FEIS is to identify and address issues raised by agency and public stakeholders throughout the project development phase, and keeps the MTA on schedule in the planning process. MTA planners estimate the Red Line will create 9,800 direct construction and related jobs during the six-year construction period.
• Holiday Spirit: MTA gives back to community with annual “Santa’s Place” at Mondawmin Metro Subway Station where Santa and Mrs. Claus spread holiday cheer to young and young at heart. Annual MTA Holiday Bus hits the street; Santa has his CDL and offers commuters smiles, free rides and candy canes. And MTA Police participate in the 11^th Annual Adopt-a-Family Christmas Program, partnering with local school to help brighten the spirit of families in need.