The Maryland Transit Administration announced Thursday that it’s eliminating all nine Express BusLink routes plus two LocalLink routes next week as concerns for stopping the spread of coronavirus continue to rise.
The Maryland Department of Transportation MTA said the routes will be discontinued Monday because they largely serve schools that are now closed. Most of the routes can be replicated by LocalLink service.
“This strategic modification ensures MDOT MTA is operating lifeline service for essential travel only during the COVID-19 emergency to protect employees, customers and the community,” the agency said in a news release.
Rear-door boarding is also going to be implemented, MTA said, to help minimize contact with riders. People are also encouraged to pay fares with the CharmPass mobile ticketing app, CharmCard or a paper ticket that can be visually validated.
Last week the Eastern bus division was closed for two days after an operator tested positive for COVID-19.
These are the routes that will be discontinued: 103, 104, 105, 115, 120, 150, 154, 160, 164 and LocalLink 38 and 92.
MTA said alternative services are as follows:
- Express BusLink 103 - LocalLink 53, CityLink Green
- Express BusLink 104 - CityLink Green
- Express BusLink 105 - CityLink Pink
- Express BusLink 115 - CityLink Brown
- Express BusLink 120 - LocalLink 56, CityLink Brown
- Express BusLink 150 - Commuter Bus 310, MARC Train
- Express BusLink 154 - LocalLink 54
- Express BusLink 160 - LocalLink 59, CityLink Orange
- Express BusLink 164 - LocalLink 67
- LocalLink 38 - LocalLink 94, CityLink Blue
- LocalLink 92 - LocalLink 34, 89