LocalLink 21 (BaltimoreLink)

LocalLink 98
Overview
SystemMaryland Transit Administration
GarageNorthwest
Statusactive
Began service2000
Route
LocaleBaltimore City
Communities servedHampden
Landmarks servedThe Rotunda
Other routes22, 27
Service
LevelDaily
FrequencyEvery 40 minutes
Every 40 minutes (peak)
Weekend frequencyEvery 40 minutes
Operates5:45 am to 10:00 pm[1]

LocalLink 21, formerly known as Hampden Shuttle Bug or Hampden Shuttle, was the first neighborhood shuttle to be introduced. It started operating in 2000 as an experiment conducted by MTA to provide a new type of service. At that time, service operated every 17 minutes in order to match light rail frequencies. But in 2003, it was reduced to one bus every 34 minutes.[2][3]

The line operates on portions of the route also covered by routes 22 and 27, but connects to various points of interest in the Hampden area, and to the Woodberry Light Rail Stop.

In 2005, as part of the Greater Baltimore Bus Initiative, a comprehensive overhaul plan for the region's transit system, it was initially proposed that the Hampden Shuttle would be completely eliminated due to low ridership and a heavy cost to taxpayers. This was a plan that seriously worried the area's residents.[4] However, after community meetings, it was ultimately decided that it would continue operating with no schedule change.[5]

In 2006, MTA proposed that the routing would shift from Falls Road to Roland Avenue in order to replace service that would be discontinued on a portion of Route 27. This plan was introduced again late in 2007, and implemented early in 2008.[6][7]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Route 98 Hampden Shuttle Bug schedule" (PDF). Maryland Transit Administration.
  2. ^ "MTA Rate Increases Go In Effect June 30". Baltimore Chronicle. June 10, 2003. Retrieved April 22, 2010.
  3. ^ Ng, Greg (June 5, 2003). "MTA Bus, Subway, Light Rail Fares Go Up". WBAL-TV. Archived from the original on February 18, 2012. Retrieved April 22, 2010.
  4. ^ Morton, Will (July 3, 2005). "Quiet "in-between area" not far from downtown". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved April 22, 2010.
  5. ^ Dresser, Michael (July 29, 2005). "State unveils bus route changes less sweeping than prior proposal". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved April 22, 2010.
  6. ^ "Next phase of changes to MTA bus routes to be delayed". Maryland Transit Administration. January 10, 2007. Retrieved April 22, 2010.
  7. ^ "MTA announces winter schedule improvements for bus routes for Baltimore metropolitan region". Maryland Transit Administration. February 11, 2008. Retrieved April 22, 2010.