Installation of new Light Rail ticket vending technology under way

8-31-05 -- As part of a multi-year effort to upgrade and integrate its fare collection equipment, MTA is installing new ticket vending machines at Light Rail stations. The new machines include a variety of technological and customer service enhancements, including support for the regional Smart Card expected to be available next year. The new ticket vending machines will be fully installed on Baltimore's metro and light rail system by the end of 2005, according to MTA officials.

The Smart Card is a rechargeable fare card that will be accepted on buses and trains throughout Maryland; Washington, D.C.; and Northern Virginia. The Light Rail machines are also linked to MTA's Light Rail Control Center, which can dispatch a repairman if the machine goes out of service for any reason. The existing machines were monitored manually.

Developing a comprehensive regional mass transit system that is fast, easy, and reliable is a major priority of the GBC. The Baltimore Transit Alliance, which operates out of GBC offices, advocates for the development of Baltimore Regional Rail Plan and, in the short term, works with state officials to improve existing mass transit resources.

For more information on mass transit issues and the Baltimore Transit Alliance, contact Henry Kay at 410-727-2820, x15 or email him at henryk@gbc.org.

For more information about the Smart Card project, click here.