Facility Optimizes Efficiency, Minimizes Community and Neighborhood Impact
BALTIMORE, MD (June 15, 2021) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) today celebrated the opening of the $148 million Kirk Avenue Bus Division project with a ribbon cutting of the Transportation and Storage building. The state-of-the-art facility in northeast Baltimore will increase efficiency for the transit agency while reducing impacts for neighbors in the Kirk Avenue community. The agency will begin operating full bus service from the new building on Sunday, June 20.
“The Kirk Bus Division complex is truly a transformative facility that brings benefits for community residents and for MDOT MTA,” said MDOT MTA Acting Administrator Holly Arnold. “This project provides the agency with a modern facility to maintain its bus fleet well into the future and helps improve reliability for transit riders in the region.”
The Kirk Avenue Bus division modernization project replaces original buildings constructed nearly 75 years ago, in 1947. The new Transportation and Storage building will house and maintain approximately 175 MTA buses and provide fueling, washing and dispatching functions. The fully enclosed building will reduce noise, bus emissions and vehicle visibility to the surrounding community. It also includes administrative and training offices and operator support facilities. Phase One, construction of the Mechanical Maintenance and Repairs Building, was completed in 2018.
“This facility exemplifies the importance of building connections for our communities while minimizing environmental impacts,” said MDOT Secretary Greg Slater. “Continued investment in transit infrastructure is critical to supporting our transportation network for years to come.”
Completion of the Kirk Avenue Bus Division marks a successful partnership between MDOT MTA and the Kirk Avenue community that has allowed the agency to promote public transportation, add jobs to the region, advance green technology and a healthier environment for the community.
As part of the project, MDOT MTA created a 15,600 square-foot recreational area for residents, called Midway Park. The park features shade trees, bird houses, ornamental shrubs and a gazebo with seating and lighting.
Video of Kirk Bus Division Ribbon Cutting: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmW11srz (Courtesy of MDOT MTA)
MDOT MTA is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States. MDOT MTA operates LocalLink and commuter buses, Light RailLink, Metro SubwayLink, MARC Train service and a comprehensive Mobility (paratransit) system. MDOT MTA's goal is to provide safe, efficient and reliable transit across Maryland with world-class customer service. As a participating agency in APTA's Health and Safety Commitment Program, MDOT MTA is dedicated to keeping our employees and passengers safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more, visit mta.maryland.gov, check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/mtamaryland and follow us on Twitter @mtamaryland.
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