Mechanical issues force MTA to suspend all light rail service: ‘Safety of our passengers is of the utmost importance’

BALTIMORE — All light rail service will be suspended effective Friday, Dec. 8, due to mechanical issues, Maryland Transportation Authority officials said.

MTA Director Holly Arnold said the decision to suspend service was based on two issues. A hole in the high-voltage conduits was discovered after a fire in October, in which a occupant was injured.

Also, machines that connect light rail cars, called intercarrier cables, caused six smoke events between November 2021 and November 2023.

“The risk level for this particular issue, at that time, was determined to be a moderate level requiring mitigation and the risk level was available for continued work,” Arnold said.

An updated safety risk assessment was carried out on Monday and Tuesday.

MTA officials say they felt, out of an abundance of caution, it was necessary to close the light rail.

There will be shuttle buses at all light rail stations starting Friday, and once enough cars are available, the schedule will be reinstated.

“The safety of our riders is paramount,” Arnold said. “We recognize this is important transit service and this is not a decision we make lightly.”

Officials say 53 light rail cars were affected, ranging in age from 21 to 34 years old.

However, there will be express shuttle service to the Ravens game on Sunday.