August 29, 2008
Watchdog
The MTA straightens out a sign problem
The MTA recently put up this sign in Ellicott City to replace one that was bent halfway to the ground. The MTA is responsible for over 11,000 signs in the state. (Sun photo by Doug Kapustin / January 25, 2008)
THE PROBLEM // A signpost marking an Ellicott City bus stop was bent at a 45-degree angle.
THE BACKSTORY // For months, a Watchdog spy had noted that the metal post marking a bus stop for the Route 150 bus was bent halfway to the sidewalk at Long Gate Parkway and Wheatfield Way, across the street from Long Gate Center in Ellicott City.
The Maryland Transit Administration operates this express line, which connects Ellicott City and downtown Baltimore.
After Watchdog alerted the MTA to the problem last week, MTA staffers went out to investigate and discovered the damaged pole, agency spokeswoman Jawauna Greene said.
Related links
-
Watchdog archive
Watchdog is a weekly feature about problems in area neighborhoods -- potholes, broken traffic signals, incorrect signs -- that aren't being fixed in a timely manner. Click the map for other installments from this year and a map of previous problems.
• Previous Watchdog stories
• 2008 Watchdog photos
Need help?
Is there something in your neighborhood that's not getting fixed? Tell us where the problem is and how long it's been there.
E-mail: watchdog@baltsun.com
Call: 410-332-6735
Write:
Watchdog
The Baltimore Sun
501 N. Calvert St.
Baltimore 21278
Please include a daytime phone number. We can't respond to every call but will address as many submissions as we can. And we'll follow up on as many of the problems as we can.
It had been run over by a vehicle, she said, and MTA workers replaced the post.
The transit administration has more than 11,000 signs marking bus, light rail and MARC train stops throughout the state, Greene said. MTA is currently looking at signage systemwide for ways they can improve communication along all its routes.
"We always have to be mindful that our signs should be helpful and accurate," she said. "There are so many signs we're responsible for, and we need the public's assistance" to identify and report problems if they see them.
Customers can call MTA's customer service line to report problems or concerns, Greene said.
WHO CAN FIX THIS // Charles Grant, supervisor, MTA's service department, 410-454-7120. Citizens can also call MTA's customer service line, 410-539-5000.
Get home delivery of The Sun and save over 50% off the newsstand price
Copyright © 2008, The Baltimore Sun
 NEW BLOG: Baltimore Crime Beat
|
 City toddler's death probedFive people are charged with murder in the death of Javon Thompson, including the boy's mother. The suspects are members of a group police describe as a religious cult. Archived coverage: 2008 MSA results | City Hall, Dixon investigated Md. state police spying | FBI probes Sen. Currie People and places: Police Blotter Crime briefs from Baltimore City and Baltimore County |
Popular stories: Maryland News
- Slots opponents stage attack on two fronts
- Economic pinch hits tax revenue
- Ripken Stadium employee robbed, briefly kidnapped
- Man found shot on city basketball court dies of injuries
- DNA taint found on gun in officer shooting case
Watchdog archive
Is there something in your neighborhood that's not getting fixed? Tell us where the problem is and how long its been there.
 Area farmers' marketsAn interactive map featuring locations, times, photos and other coverage of farmers' markets across the area. |
 | |
My MarylandSubmit photos from around the state and view those from other readers Also see: Charm Cityscapes | |