MARYLAND TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION TO KICK-OFF CONSTRUCTION ON THE RAISE EAST-WEST TRANSIT PRIORITY PROJECT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
$50 Million Transformation Supports the Moore-Miller Administration’s Goals of Enhancing Transit and Safety
BALTIMORE, MD (September 10, 2026) - The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) today announced construction of the RAISE East-West Transit Priority Project will begin October 6. The $50 million investment, which includes a $22 million federal RAISE grant supported by members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation, will transform a 20-mile stretch along Baltimore’s CityLink Blue and CityLink Orange corridors – making everyday travel to jobs, health care, school and life’s opportunities faster, safer and easier for everyone. MTA will host two virtual meetings to discuss the upcoming construction, which will occur in phases through 2029.
“Building the new East-West Transit Priority Project means we are creating more pathways to work, wages and wealth, by providing safe, reliable transportation for Marylanders in Baltimore to thrive," said Governor Wes Moore. “Whether it be transportation to your kid’s school, the nearest grocery store, or a new job, our administration is dedicated to building the necessary infrastructure to connect Maryland communities to opportunities, ensuring no one is left behind.”
“The RAISE East-West Transit Priority Project is an example of the Moore-Miller Administration leveraging federal, state and local funding to create more efficient, safe and reliable transportation opportunities,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson. “Starting construction on this project is a monumental step as we work to better serve and support customers traveling across Baltimore.”
The project puts community priorities front and center to improve mobility, safety and quality of life along the corridor today. Supported by the Moore-Miller administration, the RAISE East-West Project is delivering real, tangible improvements that riders will experience now, while building momentum for Baltimore’s long-term transit future.
“Our public transportation connects Marylanders to jobs, education, and other opportunities every day. That’s why we’ve fought for federal funding to modernize our transportation infrastructure, and with this $22 million investment, we’re creating faster, safer travel for Baltimore residents,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.
“When we invest in our infrastructure—especially in transportation—we are investing in our communities to be better connected to their families, work, health care, recreation, and more. As Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee's Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I have made a commitment to ensure Marylanders can benefit from more modernized infrastructure and easier access to transportation and will keep fighting for that. I am proud of our work to invest $22 million in federal funding to help transform Baltimore’s CityLink Blue and CityLink Orange corridors,” said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.
“The RAISE East-West Transit Priority Project will be a game changer for Baltimore and our surrounding communities, enhancing safety while making it easier for people to get to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in the West and to Johns Hopkins Bayview and beyond in the East,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “The upgrades being made represent a real investment into Baltimore and its people. This is why it's important to have as we do, a governor and a Congressional delegation dedicated to expanding access to mass transit in Maryland.”
What’s Coming to Your Corridor:
- Faster Bus Trips: Upgraded traffic signals that give buses priority and lane curbs to keep buses moving on schedule.
- Safer Streets for Walkers & Rollers: New crosswalks, accessible sidewalk ramps and better lighting at bus stops.
- Better Bike Connections: An upgraded bicycle connection between Downtown Baltimore and the West Baltimore MARC rail station.
“The MTA’s $50 million RAISE East-West grant represents a transformative investment in Baltimore’s transit network,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “The project’s core priorities, including dedicated bus lanes to improve reliability, enhanced boarding areas to increase rider safety, and expanded accessibility, directly align with my administration’s goal of building a safer, more connected, and more accessible city for all Baltimoreans.”
“Baltimore County residents rely on these routes every day to get to work, school, health care and other important destinations across our region. We are proud to support an investment that will create safer, faster and more reliable connections to opportunity while making daily travel easier for the people who call Baltimore County home,” said Baltimore County Executive Katherine Klausmeier.
Join Us at a Virtual Community Meeting
Want to learn about the plans and timelines? MTA is hosting two virtual public meetings Tuesday, September 22:
- Midday Meeting: 12 – 1:30 p.m.
- Evening Meeting: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Riders, neighbors and business owners are invited to join the online meetings. The community will learn what to expect and have an opportunity to ask questions. Links to the virtual meeting, including maps and project schedules are available on the RAISE East-West Transit Priority Project website.
“The RAISE East-West Transit Priority Project represents a significant investment in improving mobility, safety and accessibility for Baltimore communities,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Tony Bridges. “These improvements will help make transit more reliable while enhancing connections for people walking, biking and using transit every day.”
Keeping Baltimore Moving During Construction
Work will happen in stages to help keep neighborhood disruptions to a minimum and maintain access to homes, businesses and transit service. Crews will work mostly during weekday daytime hours, with the occasional evening or weekend work when necessary. Most upgrades to bus stops will take about three to five days per location.
The Maryland Transit Administration is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States, and operates local and commuter buses, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train Service, and a comprehensive Mobility paratransit system. The goal of the Maryland Transit Administration is to provide safe, efficient, and reliable transit across Maryland with world-class customer service. To learn more, visit mta.maryland.gov, check us out on Facebook or YouTube and follow us on Twitter/X and Bluesky Social.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Courtney Mims
Office: 410-767-8367
Cell: 667-392-0157
cmims@mdot.maryland.gov
Paul Shepard
Office: 410-767-3935
Cell: 443-622-4181
pshepard@mdot.maryland.gov
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