Maryland Transit Times

Transit Times podcast host Amy Freedman interviews Deputy Administrator and WTS- Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award winner Minilla “Mini” Malhortra. Tune in now at https://on.soundcloud.com/8FviY #WomensHistoryMonth

This edition of MD. Transit Times features MTA Bus Roadeo Champion Antawan Briscoe discussing the MTA Rodeo, the national rodeo competition and his reign as champion.

This edition of MD. Transit Times is dedicated to the upcoming Older Adults Thriving in Baltimore Senior Health Summit taking place Tuesday, December 12th at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor.

Transit Times: MD State Fair 2023 by MTA Maryland

Transit Times host Amy Freedman speaks with Pride Parade Organizer Richard Finger. As well as MDOT MTA Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Kelly Fenner.

This Transit Times podcast is dedicated to the upcoming Jazz on the Rails event Saturday June 17th, 2023, The Steven P. Vann Foundation is presenting the 1st Annual Jazz on The Rails.

Transit Times host Amy Freedman sits down the MDOT MTA's Deputy Director of the Office of Customer and Community Relations, Eleni Flannery, to discuss Preakness in Maryland and how transit makes it easy to get there. Listen in!

MDOT MTA's Manager of Project Development in the Office of Planning, Jamie Richardson, talks about her career as an engineer, the women's STEM mentoring program she's a part of, and women engineers at the agency.

Transit Times host Amy Freedman sits down with MDOT MTA Acting Director of Metro Operations Carissa Nichols who discusses her career path and the important position she has within the agency.

Maryland Transit Times host Amy Freedman sits down with B&O Museum Executive Director Kris Hoellen to talk about the museum's new permanent exhibit- The Underground Railroad: Freedom Seekers on the B&O Railroad.

MDOT MTA Transit Times host Amy Freedman talks about the 20th Annual Pigtown Festival taking place Saturday October 8, 2022 from 12:00pm to 7:00pm. Accessible via the CityLink Yellow and a short walk from Light Rail at Camden Yards.

MDOT MTA Administrator Holly Arnold sits down with the Transit Times team to discuss the five year anniversary of the launch of BaltimoreLink and what the future holds

In celebration of Earth Month, Maryland Transit Times host Amy Freedman speaks with MDOT MTA's Environmental Planning Manager Lauren Molesworth about the agency's zero-emission bus pilot program.

As we come to the end of Women's History Month, Maryland Transit Times host Amy Freedman speaks with several of MDOT MTA's engineering superstars.

In this episode of Maryland Transit Times host, Amy Freedman talks about the new exhibit at the B&O Railroad Museum called "Working Women on the Rails". This tour will focus on pioneering women railroad workers throughout history and how their lives and achievements in the railroad industry have left a lasting impact on our world to this day. The B&O Railroad has impacted American history in more ways than just transportation. To get to the museum on transit, take CityLink Navy, Orange, and LocalLink #76 to the 900s block of West Pratt Street. #ExploreBaltimore

In observance of Black History Month, this edition of Maryland Transit Times features a discussion about late Pioneer Civil Rights Activist Dr. Lillie Carroll Jackson and the Baltimore civil rights museum, which bears her name. #MDOTcares

MDOT MTA is seeking public input on the 50-year Statewide Transit Plan during the comment period, which ends on Friday, February 18, 2022. To learn more about this draft transit plan, click the link below to hear our latest podcast, or visit mta.maryland.gov/statewide-plan. #MDOTcares

Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger chats with MDOT MTA Director of the Office of Customer and Community Relations Roan Bennett to talk about how to prepare for inclement winter weather. Every year MDOT MTA publishes a Snow Guide brochure as part of its Know Before You Go winter storm campaign, with key information and numbers to call in case of a winter storm. This year we also include all service alerts on the Transit App. For the latest printable Snow Guide brochure, please visit www.mta.maryland.gov/ #snowmd #MDOTsafety

The Holiday Bus is a Baltimore tradition for the last 41 years. #MDOTcares

Have you downloaded your CharmPass yet? If you haven’t yet, you just might after you hear this. Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger interviews MDOT MTA Director of Treasury Tom Randall about the success of CharmPass in the last year. With over 1.7 million fares purchased on the app, it’s one of the fastest growing mobile transit fare apps in the nation. Interested in downloading the app? Visit https://www.mta.maryland.gov/charmpass. #OneInAMillion #MDOTinnovates #MDOTmoves

Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger interviewed Lee Sessions who recently celebrated his 50th anniversary with MDOT MTA. Working with the agency has given Lee the ability to provide for his family and also make a significant contribution to the community. He started his career in 1969 when the agency was called the Baltimore Transit Company. Let’s congratulate Lee for his dedication to his job and MDOT MTA passengers. To hear the full interview, click on the link below. #MDOTExperts

Maryland Transit Times Host Ken Berger sits down with Andy Cashman the General Manager of the 138th Maryland State Fair. During the interview, Andy talks about the history of the State Fair, what the best attractions are at the Fair, and also encourages Fair goers to get there by Light RailLink. #ExploreBaltimore

Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger visited the B&O Railroad Museum and had a chance to speak with Kris Hoellen, the executive director of the museum about their new WWI exhibit that tells the story of B&O railroaders who went overseas to run the trains that carried supplies and armament to the frontline. The First to Fight Railroaders in WWI exhibit will run until the end of August. The museum also has several other events and programs for students to participate in, such as First Responders Day on September 14th and Restore Baltimore a workforce development program that works with inner-city youth and is part of CCBC's youth tech program. To get to the museum on transit, take CityLink Navy, Orange and LocalLink #76 to the 900s block of West Pratt Street. #ExploreBaltimore

Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger spoke with Bianca Trayham from the Transit Information Contact Center (TICC) about the various services TICC provides MDOT MTA passengers. The Contact Center is open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM providing riders with real-time bus information, help answer customer’s concerns and informing passengers of bus diversion and street closure when they call in. TICC also provides transit information to the hearing impair community and can be reached at 410-539-3497. To contact TICC call 410-539-5000.

Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger sat down with MDOT MTA’s Human Resources Director Brian Hoffmaster to talk about job opportunities and the departments vital role in putting potential employees into the right jobs, from bus operators and police officers to supervisors and senior level management positions. Visit https://mta.maryland.gov/content/employment-mta to see where you might fit it.

The Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower by MTA Maryland

MDOT MTA Transit Times host Joanna Campbell spoke with MDOT MTA Chief Engineer Vernon Hartsock about the scheduled replacement of the Metro SubwayLink railcars and signaling system. This welcome enhancement to the way Baltimore gets around is the result of a combined federal and state grant of $400.5 million dedicated to the mission of MDOT MTA to provide safe, efficient, reliable transit with world-class customer service. #mdotnews

MDOT MTA Joanna Campbell and Sandy Arnette met with Acting Administrator Kevin Quinn to talk about the Launch of BaltimoreLink on June 18. Over night, 5000 bus stop signs were unveiled, every bus route in the system changed and over 17,000 calls were handled by the call center. MDOT MTA also had 300 Transit Ambassadors throughout the city assisting riders with the new system on the day of the launch. We continue to take comments from the public and bus operators for future adjustments to the system. For details about the new bus routes, visit BaltimoreLink.com.

Maryland Transit Time host Joanna Campbell met with BaltimoreLink Coordinator Laura Getty to talk about educating the public on the new routes when BaltimoreLink launches on June 18. This outreach program seeks to educate riders by engaging with senior centers, schools, places of worship, community associations, employers, elected officials and key stakeholders to inform them that changes are coming soon. The goal of the BaltimoreLink education plan is to ensure riders know their route will change on June 18th. To learn about your route, visit www.BaltimoreLink.com #WeAreYourMTA #MDOTNews

Maryland Transit Times Host Joanna Campbell, attended the 1st Annual Superstar Awards Ceremony at the Mt. Washington Conference Center. After the ceremony, she interviewed MTA Administrator Paul Comfort and Baltimore City Council President Barnard C. “Jack” Young who spoke about the importance of the award and recognizing these outstanding employees. MTA congratulates Astrea Narcis, MTA 2016 Bus Operator Superstar; James Jackson, MTA 2016 Rail Operator Superstar; Light Rail RailCar Shop, Maintenance Division of the Year and Jeff Ensor, winner of the MTA Administrator’s Award.

MTA's Joanna Campbell interviews Charles Burley and Shani Artis from the Office of Customer Information and Community Relations to discuss MTA's 2016 Maryland Charity Campaign (MCC)official “Kick-Off” on Wednesday, October 19, at the lobby of 6 St. Paul. MCC’s goal is to exceed last year’s total of $3.1 million and raise $3.3 million in employee contributions.

Maryland Transit Times host Amy Freedman takes you on a magical MTA sleigh ride throughout the area to Baltimore's best holiday events. To learn more, click on the link below. #ExploreBaltimore #MDOTmoves

Maryland Transit Times host Amy Freedman talks with Morgan State University Assistant Professor Dr. Jewell Debnam about the legendary singer Billie Holiday. Who is honored and memorialized throughout Baltimore City. To hear the full interview, click on the link below.

Maryland Transit Times host Amy Freedman talks about the new exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Industry called Women of Steel. This exhibit highlights and honors the dignity of the women who worked at Bethlehem Steel in Sparrow Point. To hear how this exhibit came together, click on the link below.

As we come to the end of Women's History Month, Maryland Transit Times host Amy Freedman talks with Kate Sylvester, MDOT MTA Director of Planning and Capital Programming, who was recently named 40 under 40 in transit by Mass Transit Magazine. Kate is an innovator who combines civil engineering and community planning to make transit more accessible in the Baltimore area. To hear the full interview, click on the link below. #MDOTexpert

MDOT MTA's MARC Tracker recently has undergone a complete makeover. Maryland Transit Times host Amy Freedmen talked with MARC Train Cheif Transportation Officer David Johnson about the new updates and integration of MARC Tracker to the Transit app. #MDOTmoves

The Baltimore County Farmers Market is considered an essential food source by the MD Department of Agriculture and is open every Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM now until October 28th at the Maryland State Fair Grounds. "Our market offers high-quality, fresh from the farm produce, flowers and more," said Baltimore County Farmers Market Manager Bill Langlotz. To hear the full interview on Maryland Transit Times with Amy Freeman, click on the link below. To get to the market on transit, take Light RailLink to Timonium Fairgrounds. Also, a friendly reminder to help us continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a face-covering. #MDOTcares

The Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar is one of Baltimore’s best weekend traditions and is open every Sunday from 7:00 AM to Noon now until December 20th. After a brief delay from their scheduled opening in April, the market has undergone changes to provide a safe shopping experience for its customers and vendors. According to Samuel Hanson from the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA), face masks are required to enter the market. They have also redesigned the vendor's layout to provide enough space between the vendors as well as customers. To hear the full podcast with our new Maryland Transit Times host Amy Freedman, click on the SoundCloud link below or hear us on iTunes Podcast: Maryland Transit Times. To get to the market, you can take CityLink Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, or LocalLink 54. #MDOTmoves #BaltimoreFamersmarket #ExploreBaltimore

Theresa Laster joined MDOT MTA back when the agency was called the Mass Transit Administration in 1974 and she is the longest-serving female employee. A lot has changed since Theresa joined MDOT MTA as a bus operator, from no power steering on buses to Light RailLink and SubwayLink services. Theresa has seen it all in the 45 years she’s been at MDOT MTA. #MDOTStories

The Addielicious Walk to Help, family fun walk will be held on Saturday, March 28th at the Towson Town Center Mall to raise awareness and support for epilepsy through the Stroup Kids For Kids Epilepsy Foundation. The event starts at 9:00 AM and will take place inside the mall. To learn more about the event, visit their website http://stroupkidsforkids.org/walktohelp. To get to the mall by bus, take CityLink Red, Green, LocalLink 36, 51 or 93. #MDOTcares

Before there were light rails trains and buses in Baltimore, streetcars enables residents to travel from one end of the city to the other. And even though the street car system ended in 1963 its rich history is still with us. The Baltimore Streetcar Museum is dedicated to preserving the city’s public transit history and if you are interested in learning more about this wonderful museum, visit http://www.baltimorestreetcar.org. To get to the museum, take CityLink Green, Silver, LocalLink 51, and 95. #ExploreBaltimore

The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum are calling for entries for The Saturday Visitor Awards. This new award is presented by Poe Baltimore and recognizes Edgar Allan Poe's continued legacy in the arts and literature around the world. To learn more about the museum and to submit our work in The Saturday Visitor Awards, visit https://www.poeinbaltimore.org. The Poe House and Museum is located at 203 N. Amity Street in Baltimore. To get to the museum on transit take CityLink Orange and LocalLink 80. For #ExploreBaltimore

Considered a prominent scientist in earlier American history, Benjamin Banneker was born on November 9, 1731, in Baltimore County. He had little formal education and was largely a self-taught scientist, astronomer, and surveyor who is known for being part of the team that surveyed the borders in the District of Columbia. In 1998 a park and museum on the site of his former farmstead located in Catonsville, Maryland was dedicated to his honor. #MDOTscenes

2020 is the 15th anniversary of the Reginal F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture here is Baltimore City and Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger talked with the museum’s executive director Jackie Copeland to learn more about its history and the exhibits that are on display. To hear the full interview, click on the link below. #ExploreBaltimore

Keeping MDOT MTA’s buses clean is a 24/7 process at all four bus divisions. In this episode of Maryland Transit Times, Ken Berger chats with “A” Repairman Doug Reed and Mike Millar, Superintendent of Bus Maintenance at Bush Division. Keeping the buses clean and ready for our riders at all times is just one part – but a very important part – of MDOT MTA’s commitment to world-class customer service. Click on the SoundCloud link to hear more. #MDOTexperts

Toys for Tots at Union Station is right around the corner starting on Wednesday, December 11th and runs through Thursday, December 12th from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In the last five years, the Toys for Tots campaign at Union Station has averaged over 1,300 toys per drive and collected over $41,000 in donations. #MDOTcares

The Maryland Charity Campaign (MCC) ends on December 17th and MDOT MTA is encouraging State Employees to sign up before the deadline ends. MCC provides State Employees and MDOT MTA employees a platform where they can contribute to charitable organizations in an orderly and uniform process through one annual campaign. And this year MCC has made it easier than ever by creating a new platform to donate through automatic payroll deductions. For more details, click on the following link https://mcc.maryland.gov. This year’s goal of $2.8 million will provide over 1000 pre-screened charities with the funds needs to make a difference in their communities. #MDOTcares

You can discover seven thousand years of artwork right here at the Walters Art Museum. The wonderful art collection at the Walters Art Museum is open to the public and admission is free. The museum is located on Charles Street in the Mt. Vernon area and you can get there by taking CityLink Green, Silver, Pink, LocalLink 51, or 95. To hear the full interview, click on the link below. #ExploreBaltimore

The Baltimore Book Festival and Light City have combined forces to present a ten day, one-of-a-kind international event at the Inner Harbor, beginning November 1st thru the 10th. Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger met with Baltimore Office of Promotion and Arts Festival Manager Susan Fortkiewicz, who was happy to share her view of why the festival’s showcase of books, performances, food and the art of light will make this the place to be in November. For more about the festival, visit https://brilliantbaltimore.com. #ExploreBaltimore #BrilliantBaltimore (Photo Credit – BOPA)

Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger met with Baltimore Running Festival Founder Lee Corrigan to talk about the upcoming race that will take place this Saturday, October 19, 2019 from 6:00 AM and 3:00 PM. With participants coming from all 50 States and 17 counties, this festival contributes a significant economic impact to the city. The Baltimore Running Festival will also bring numerous bus diversions to many routes throughout Baltimore City during the race. And in order to help riders get around the city, MDOT MTA’s TICC will be open this Saturday, October 19th from 5:00 am to 5:00 pm and the Mondawmin kiosk will be open from 7:00 am – 3:00 pm. We encourage riders to plan accordingly for potential delays. For more information visit https://www.mta.maryland.gov/2019-running-festival. (Photo Credit - Baltimore Running Festival) #MDOTmoves

MDOT MTA celebrated the opening of the new Camden Station in the downtown Baltimore area earlier this month with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. MDOT Secretary Pete Rahn and MDOT MTA Administration Kevin Quinn spoke about the historical significance surrounding the station; it is the oldest continuously operating transportation terminal in the country. The newly completed, $7 million facility will provide an improved transit experience for MARC Train and Light RailLink riders. To hear the full interview on Maryland Transit Times with host Kent Berger, click on the link below. #MDOTScenes

Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger visited the Baltimore Museum of Art to speak with Senior Communication Director Anne Brown about their current exhibits as well as their screening of Solange Knowles’ new film “When I Get Home” at their Lexington Market BMA branch. The BMA is located next to the Johns Hopkins Homewood campus and is free to everyone looking to enjoy great works of art. To get to the museum you can take CityLink Silver and LocalLink 51 to Charles and Art Museum Dr. To learn more about their film screening and art exhibits, visit https://www.artbma.org.

Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger talks about the 2018 MDOT MTA Superstars winners in his latest podcast. Let’s congratulate the following winners: Bus Operator of the Year goes to Bruce Brown from Northwest Bus Division, Rail Operator of the Year is Mark Williams from Light Rail, the Administrator’s Award goes to both Heidi Tarleton from the Office of Finance and Steve Gladstone from the Office of Communications & Marketing. Last but not least, the Brake Shop team received the Maintenance Division of the Year award for the second year in a row. Job well done. #MDOTExperts

Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger met up with MDOT MTA Bus Operator Juarez Lee Shelton of Northwest Bus Division to talk about his passion for sharing historical point of interest insights with this passengers along his route. Juarez is not your typical bus operator for MDOT MTA, he has a background in history and loves to share these historical insights with his passengers. He is currently driving on the LocalLink 80 route and connects with his passengers through history.

One of the best places to see Baltimore’s finest plants and flowers is at the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory in Druid Hill Park. Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger met with the Executive Director of the Rawlings Conservatory Ann Green to talk about the history of the conservatory, the programs they have and how you can visit them. There is also a farmers market every Wednesday starting in June and runs until September from 3:30 PM to 7:30 pm. You can take LocalLink 82, 83, 85, 91 and CityLink Lime to get to the conservatory. To learn more about the conservatory, visit http://www.rawlingsconservatory.org.

The Maryland Film Fest continues through Sunday, May 12th at the Parkway Theatre in the Station North Arts and Entertainment District. The 4 day and 5 night event will feature over 40 full-length films and 80 shorts. You could also get the chance to meet the filmmakers, attend special events and hear from guest speakers. To get more information about the festival, visit https://mdfilmfest.com. To get to the Parkway Threatre you can take CityLink Gold, Green, Silver and LocalLink 51 and 95 to Station North as well as the Light RailLink on North Ave and walk two blocks. #ExploreBaltimore

Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger met with Todd Webster Founder of Baltimore Beach Volleyball to talk about the history of the program. Baltimore Beach Volleyball was established in 1998 and, due to popular demand from its participants, they started hosting volleyball leagues and tournaments in 2001. The beach volleyball courts are located at Rash Field in the Inner Harbor along Key Highway and is accessible by transit on the CityLink Silver, Brown, Navy, LocalLink 71 and 67, and is walking distance from Light RailLink and Metro SubwayLink. To hear the full interview, click on MDOT MTA’s SoundCloud podcast below. #ExploreBaltimore

Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger talks with Maryland Book Bank Program Manager Kim Crout about the 5th Annual Books for Kids held by the Maryland Book Bank. The organization is committed to cultivating literacy in children from under-resourced neighborhoods with a huge collection of books that children, parents, and teachers can take home and enjoy. Every year the Maryland Book Bank hosts their Books for Kids drive to collect a massive assortment of new and gently-used books from individuals and groups in the community. This year the event will be held on Saturday, May 4th at 1794 Union Avenue, Baltimore MD 21211 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and can be reached by transit on LocalLink 21 or Light RailLink to Woodbury. To learn more about the Maryland Book Bank, visit https://www.mdbookbank.org. #ExploreBaltimore

Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger interviews Sam Hanson from the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts about the Baltimore Farmers’ Market and Bazaar under the Jones Fall Expressway on the corner of E. Saratoga and Holliday Street. The Farmers’ Market and Bazaar is open every Sunday until December 22, 2019, and is accessible by transit on the CityLink Yellow, Green, Red and LocalLink 54, and 56. To hear the full interview, click on the SoundCloud link below. #ExploreBaltimore

Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger interviews MDOT MTA Acting Director of the Operations Control Center James Newton about using the various transit modes to get to the Orioles' game this season. There are 8 bus routes that go near the stadium CityLink Navy, Yellow and Brown lines; LocalLink 51, 54, 73, 76 and 94. As well as Metro SubwayLink and Light RailLink. To hear the full interview click on the SoundCloud link below, or visit our website mta.maryland.gov for schedule information. #ExploreBaltimore

Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger talks with MARC Chief Transportation Office David Johnson about the new bike racks on weekday MARC Train Penn Line service. Passengers can now take their bikes to work on select MARC Penn Line trains during rush and peak hours. To get more details how to take you bike to work on the MARC Penn Line Trains, hear the full interview on our SoundCloud or on iTunes podcast.

Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger talks with MDOT MTA Police Capt. Kelly Holman at the Reisterstown Plaza Metro Station about the recent safety awards that the department has been recognized with. In 2018, MDOT MTA Police Force has been recognized for being the safest transit system out of the top 12 transit agencies in the country. To hear the full interview, click on the SoundCloud link below. #MDOTinnovates

Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger met with MDOT MTA MARC Train Chief Transportation Officer David Johnson to talk about MARC's control center. The team at the control center monitors all three MARC Train lines: Camden, Penn, and Brunswick. They make announcements at stations when there are delays, send email service alerts to customers and post regularly on Twitter. MARC transports over 40k passengers every week, including weekends on the Penn Line.

Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger chats with MDOT MTA Acting Director of the Office of Customer and Community Relations Roan Bennett to talk about how to prepare for inclement winter weather. Every year MDOT MTA publishes a Snow Guide brochure as part of its Know Before You Go winter storm campaign, with key information and numbers to call in case of a winter storm. For the latest printable Snow Guide brochure, please visit https://www.mta.maryland.gov/ #snowmd #MDOTsafety

Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger sits down with MDOT MTA Bus Operator Dexter Craig to talk about Dexter’s heroic actions that helped save a family from a burning house. Dexter has been a bus operator with MDOT MTA for just over a year and a half and we are proud to have him among our ranks. Thank you for stepping up and helping a family in their time of need. #MDOTcares

Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger sat down with MDOT MTA Community Relations Manager Eleni Flannery to talk about the Holiday Bus and the history of spreading good cheer and joy throughout Baltimore since 1969.

Maryland Transit Times host Ken Burger speaks with MDOT MTA MARC Train’s Chief Transportation Officer David Johnson to talk about the Marine Toys for Tots program. To learn more about the Marine Toys for Tots program or to make a donation, visit https://www.toysfortots.org.

MDOT MTA recently remodel the Reduced Fare Certification Office on 6 St. Paul Street to provide a more spacious location for customers. The new office is a pleasant environment to help seniors and folks with a medical disability apply for reduce fare. Maryland Transit Times Ken Berger visited the new facility and had a chance to sit down with the Director of Fare Collection Systems & Services Tom Randall and Reduce Fare Supervisor Darlene Young to talk about the new office. To hear the full interview on SoundCloud, click on the link below or follow us on iTunes Podcast: Maryland Transit Times. #mdotnews

The Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar is one of Baltimore’s best weekend traditions in the area and is open every Sunday from 7:00 AM to Noon until December 23rd. With over 8000 people attending, 50 farms, 50 food vendors, and 50 bazaar vendors it’s no wonder it’s one of the biggest farmers’ markets and bazaars in the region. To hear the full podcast with Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger and Samuel Hanson from the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA), click on the SoundCloud link below or hear us on iTunes Podcast: Maryland Transit Times.

The Bus and Maintenance Roadeo is an annual event held each fall that features competition among bus operators and maintenance personal. This family friendly event is one of the ways MDOT MTA shows it’s appreciate to the men and women who keep the buses moving. The winner of each group goes on to represent MDOT MTA in the International Bus and Maintenance Roadeo in Louisville, KY. Maryland Transit Times Ken Berger had a chance during the roadeo to interview several bus operators including this year’s bus operator winner Bennie Williams and maintenance team winners the Crossthreads ( Fred Clark, Jon Francis, and Doug Reed).

Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show begins this Wednesday, October 3 and runs through Tuesday, October 9 at the Baltimore Inner Harbor. Tune in as Ken Berger from Maryland Transit Times sits down with Executive Director of Historic Ships in Baltimore Christopher Rowsom to talk about this great event. Maryland Fleet Week is a public event for the whole family to participate with ships docked around the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, and North Locust Point area as well as an air show and a 5K run with the sailors. To get to the Inner Harbor you can take CityLink, LocalLink, Metro SubwayLink, and Light RailLink to the downtown area.

Maryland Transit Times host Ken Berger speaks with Pigtown Main Street promotion committee member Ondoria Harmon about the upcoming Pigtown Festival this Saturday, September 22, 2018 from 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM on the 700-900 block of Washington Blvd. The festival is a Baltimore tradition and fun for the whole family with live music, a kids zone, great food and of course the pig races. The best way to get to the festival is by transit using CityLink Yellow, Navy and Orange.

Maryland Transit Times host Rob Lewis speaks with Sarah Warfield from Visit Baltimore about the many historical attractions one can visit throughout Baltimore using transit. From Fort McHenry, Baltimore Museum of Art to the USS Constellation there are so many incredible places to go using Transit. To hear the full interview on SoundCloud click on the link below. You can also follow up on iTunes podcast too.

Maryland Transit Times host Rob Lewis speaks with Director of Bus Maintenance David Varner about the 70 new arrivals to the MDOT MTA bus fleet. The new buses are lighter to help save fuel, have new safety features such as safe turn alert to inform pedestrians that the bus is turning and a new dashboard to help improve with maintenance. These new buses will replace some of the older models in the fleet and will have a life span of 12 years. We look forward to seeing the new buses on the road servicing our riders.

Maryland Transit Times host Rob Lewis speaks with many of the 2018 MDOT MTA Rail Rodeo participants, judges and past winners to get a behind the scenes view of what the competition entails. The rail rodeo is a friendly contest that MDOT MTA hosts every year to determine which rail operator and rail maintenance crew is the best of the best. The MDOT MTA Rail Rodeo also helps recognize rail operators and maintenance employees by cultivating a high level of professionalism through a rigorous series of competitive tasks. This year’s MDOT MTA Rail Rodeo 1st, 2nd and 3rd place rail operator winners are Earleke Kidd, Eugene Metts and Michael Morris. #MDOTNews

Maryland Transit Times host Rob Lewis speaks with Light City Baltimore Coordinator Ashley Molese about the Light City festival that runs until April 21. The “Light Art Walk is a one and a half mile emerging art experience when the lights come on at 7:00 pm around the Inner Harbor. The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts also partnered with many local neighborhoods throughout the city to exhibit all the different light projects. To learn more about Light City, visit https://lightcity.org. To see which MDOT MTA route will get you to these events, check out our trip planner at https://mta.maryland.gov #LightCity2018 (Photo Credit – Baltimore Collegetown)

Bach in the Subways is a free worldwide subway project that celebrates Bach's 333rd birthday. This year, MDOT MTA is honored to participate in this worldwide project. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will perform for the public at the Johns Hopkins Metro SubwayLink Station from 4:30 pm to 5:15 pm today, March 23. Please join us and enjoy the wonderful performance of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and celebrate Bach’s 333rd birthday. #BachintheSubways2018 #bach333

Listen as MDOT MTA Transit Times host Joanna Campbell reports on the 37th Annual Bus and Maintenance Roadeo.

Purple Line Part 2

International Car-Free Day by MTA Maryland

Maryland Transit Times Raven's Timonium by MTA Maryland

Baltimore Book Festival by MTA Maryland

First Day Back to School

Purple Line Groundbreaking

MDOT MTA Transit Times host Joanna Campbell spoke with MDOT MTA Transportation Planner Jaime McKay about back to school with BaltimoreLink.

Maryland Transit Times host Joanna Campbell takes us behind the scenes for the taping of Commuter Connections with Sandy Arnette and MDOT MTA Light Rail Superintendent of Transportation Dona Rawlings to talk about getting to the Maryland State Fair on Light RailLink. Starting on Thursday, August 24th until Monday, September 4th the Maryland State Fair will be open and MDOT MTA will provide service to the fair.

MDOT MTA Police held their promotion ceremony at Police Headquarters to award members of the force their new ranks. Police Chief John Gavrilis addressed the next generation of leadership at the ceremony and entrusted them to uphold the mission of MDOT MTA. They were also charged to keep the reputation of the MDOT MTA Police. For the last three years MDOT MTA has been the safest transit agency out of the top 12 transit agencies in the nation.

Maryland Transit Times host Joanna Campbell sits down with Scott Schell, MDOT MTA's Manager of Service Contract Compliance to discuss the partial shutdown of Light RailLink between North Ave and Camden Yards from July 25 to August 11, 2017. A "bus bridge" along the entire length of the closed sections, including shuttle service from Penn Station to North Ave Light Rail Station, and an express connection between North Ave and Camden Yards, will be provided to help minimize the inconvenience during these necessary repairs. For more information and stop details, visit https://mta.maryland.gov/content/mdot-mta-partially-shut-down-light-raillink-july-25-august-11-necessary-repairs. #MDOTNews

Maryland Transit Times host Joanna Campbell sits down with Megan Bosse from the Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts to talk about Artscape this weekend. This year’s theme is “Camp Artscape: Adventure Awaits” – both camp and Artscape are true staples of the summer season. The festival will be held from 11am to 9pm on Friday and Saturday, July 21 and 22, and from 11am to 8pm on Sunday, July 23 in Baltimore’s Arts & Entertainment District neighborhoods. Artscape will feature hundreds of exhibits by fine artists, fashion designers, craftspeople, visual artists, sculptors and photographers.

Megan Bosse from the Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts chats with Maryland Transit Times host Joanna Campbell about the 4th of July celebration taking place at the Inner Harbor on Tuesday, July 4th. The celebration starts at 7 p.m. with a live music performance from the Commodores Navy jazz ensemble at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater. The fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m. and lasts for 17 minutes. MTA encourages everyone to take CityLink, LocalLink, Light RailLink, and Metro SubwayLink to the Inner Harbor for the celebration.

Maryland Transit Times host Joanna Campbell met with bus riders at several transit centers to get first-hand reaction to the new BaltimoreLink system. There were lots of positive responses as well as a few concerns from riders, which MDOT MTA is taking into account as we continue to make the entire transit network faster, more more reliable and more efficient. MDOT MTA is also offering free fares to BaltimoreLink riders through June 30 to make it easier to learn the new system. For details about the new #BaltimoreLink routes and schedules, visit BaltimoreLink.com #MDOTNews

On Wednesday, June 14 Governor Larry Hogan spoke at the opening of the West Baltimore MARC Station Transit Hub. The transit hub at the West Baltimore MARC Station is part of BaltimoreLink's capital improvement program and is a key transit facility to help move riders in and around the city. MDOT Secretary Pete Rahn, Baltimore City Mayor Catherine Pugh, Baltimore City Council President Barry "Jack" Young and MDOT MTA Acting Administrator Kevin Quinn joined the Governor to celebrate this festive occasion and spoke at the launch.

Maryland Transit Times host Joanna Campbell sat down with Michael Helta at the Office of Planning to discuss the new BaltimoreLink bus stop signs that will be unveiled on Sunday, June 18th. To hear the full interview click on the SoundCloud link below or on iTunes.

Maryland Transit Times host Joanna Campbell met with Acting Chief Transportation Officer Dave Johnson to discuss the new changes coming to the West Baltimore MARC Station. In the past several years the station has added parking lots, new lighting, and upgraded its platform. Now with the launch of BaltimoreLink, the station has also added a bus loop to connect bus riders to the MARC Train without having to cross over Route 40. The bus loop will also serve as a hub to connect riders going from one end of the city to the other. To learn more about BaltimoreLink, visit BaltimoreLink.com

Maryland Transit Times host Joanna Campbell met with MDOT MTA Manager of Project Development Mike Helta to discuss the new Transit Signal Priority (TSP) devices that will be activated on several of the new CityLink routes when BaltimoreLink launches on June 18. You can hear the full interview on iTunes or by clicking on the SoundCloud link below.

Maryland Transit Times: MDOT MTA Police K9 Unit by MTA Maryland

MDOT MTA is proud to host the 2017 International Rail Rodeo and American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Rail Conference. Maryland Transit Times host Joanna Campbell met with Judy Bellamy from Customer Relations to talk about the competition taking place June 8-11, which will feature transit professionals representing leading transit agencies from around the nation and several international agencies as well.

Maryland Transit Times host Joanna Campbell met with MDOT MTA Administrator Paul Comfort to discuss the June 18th launch of BaltimoreLink. During the interview the Administrator talked about MTA Ambassadors, who will help riders get familiar with the new bus system; how the new CityLink buses will connect riders to Light Rail, Metro Subway and MARC Train with greater ease; and help reduce congestion by developing bus only lanes, adding transit signal priority throughout the city.

MDOT MTA Rider Appreciation Rally at Camden Yards was held on Monday, May 8th in front of the Camden Yards Light Rail Station. Maryland Transit Times host Joanna Campbell interviewed Baltimore Orioles announcer Ryan Wagner to talk about the history of Camden Yards Station and the Orioles. Joanna also talked with several fans about the convenience of taking Light Rail to the game. Last, but not least she has a great time interviewing the Oriole Bird.