Metro Subway to Join Other Transit Modes in Offering Riders Improved Trip Planning Information
BALTIMORE, MD (December 20, 2021) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) announces the launch of real-time location and arrival information for Metro SubwayLink. The expansion of real-time technology to the Transit app provides Metro SubwayLink passengers with vehicle location and predicted arrival updates every 15 to 30 seconds, along with step-by-step navigation. Transit app is a free-to-download smartphone application currently in use in more than 175 metropolitan areas around the world.
“As our local economy recovers from the pandemic and more riders are using public transit, we are proud to launch real-time technology on our Metro SubwayLink system,” said MDOT MTA Administrator Holly Arnold. “This launch is the latest step in MDOT MTA’s commitment to provide world-class customer service by keeping our customers informed and satisfied with every aspect of their transit experience.”
Metro SubwayLink riders with an active Internet connection will be able to use the Transit app to view each train in real time, giving more options in determining which train to take and when to expect its arrival. In addition, riders will receive service alerts. The app also features a “pathways” feature that shows walking directions to each Metro SubwayLink entrance and elevator location.
“The modernization of Maryland’s transit system takes advantage of technology to make our entire network more integrated, convenient and customer-friendly,” MDOT Secretary Greg Slater said. “Real-time information on Metro SubwayLink arrivals is a feature riders want and need, and will help make our system more attractive for day-to-day use by residents, commuters and visitors.”
Real-time position and predicted arrival capabilities for MDOT MTA vehicles have steadily expanded since first introduced in June 2018 for Local Bus. The technology was then extended to Commuter Bus in June 2019 and MARC Train in August 2020. Light RailLink is expected to put real-time technology into service in spring 2022.
The launch of real-time for Metro SubwayLink riders is part of a broader effort at MDOT MTA to provide a seamless, equitable door-to-door transit experience for all passengers. That effort includes the establishment of new digital kiosks and monitors that display bus and rail real-time arrivals for transfer hubs at select locations throughout the MDOT MTA service area.
MDOT MTA is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States. MDOT MTA operates LocalLink Bus service, Commuter Bus, 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 https://www.mta.maryland.gov or check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/mtamaryland, YouTube.com/TheMTAMaryland and follow us on Twitter @mtamaryland.
Media Contacts
Brittany Marshall
Office: 410-767-8367
Cell: 443-970-0424
bmarshall1@mdot.maryland.gov
Paul Shepard
Office: 410-767-3935
Cell: 443-622-4181
pshepard@mdot.maryland.gov
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