Posted on 12/09/23
| News Source: FOX45
Thousands of people had to find alternative ways to, from, and around the city after an abrupt announcement from the Maryland Transportation Authority, suspending the light-rail service indefinitely.
A local economist says the impact will be large and far-reaching, From the state to the everyday person simply living and working here in Baltimore.
The familiar noise and vibrations felt as the light rail passes through are no longer, as people scramble to adjust to the sudden and indefinite suspension of the MTA service.
Small business owner Beth Hawks says not only will the suspension of service impact the people who rely on the light rail to get to their job, but also the bottom line for many businesses.
“I think they were blindsided. I talk to a lot of people who really depend on the light rail so it’s really going to affect the concert-goers, the ravens, the employees that can’t afford to park in the city. Now using buses is going to add another 20, 30 to an hour onto their commute. People are going to get frustrated and they’re going to opt to not work downtown. This was bad” Hawks says
“It’s an easy way to get into the city and then venture out and we’re going to lose that. It's going to really greatly impact the downtown businesses.” Hawks said.
"This is not a decision that we've taken lightly." Said Holly Arnold, an MTA Administrator.
During yesterday's announcement, MTA officials explained that a fire from earlier this year has ultimately led to the need to inspect all 53 of its light rail vehicles with no date set on when services will resume. That unknown leaves many feeling even more in the dark.
“Scared. We’re scared. We need people downtown” Hawks said.
Local economist Anirban Basu agrees.
“Not great news for the MTA, not great news for the consumer, not great news for the visitor, not great news for someone trying to find parking,” Basu said. “It means a loss of revenue for the MTA and of course, as you know the governor has proposed major cuts to transportation. We’ve got the Ravens home game on Sunday. A lot of ravens use the light rail for that purpose. The effect is a greater cost on our households or greater inconvenience” Basu said.
MTA officials say the shuttle buses are free but admit the bus will take longer than the train.