United States Department of Transportation
i
A Socioeconomic, Community-Based Approach for Developing an Integrated Mass Transit System for Baltimore City
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2002-02-01
[PDF-24.13 MB]
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Abstract:This project addresses the possibility of expanding Baltimore's light rail network and improving its integration with the metro line and bus system. The goal of such a network should be not only to transport people from point A to point B, but also to make the city a more attractive (convenient, economical, and cleaner) place to live. This network could help to keep employers in the city by alleviating parking shortages and traffic congestion. Also, the light rail system could make it easier for low-income city residents to commute to outlying growth areas, thus increasing opportunities to access better-paying jobs. This research could be aligned with the State of Maryland's Smart Growth mandate by encouraging people to live in and near the existing urban center and reduce their highway commuting. This study reexamines previous mass transit plans for Baltimore and reviews the experience of other North American cities that have implemented (or are in the process of constructing) light rail systems. The role of the light rail system (e.g., to serve as a suburb-to-downtown connector for commuters vs. a within city network) is also examined. The study investigates the importance of corridor and station design as essential elements of "placemaking" that could help to promote transit-centered community development. The study also develops design criteria that addresses sociocultural issues inherent to underserved areas of the city.
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