The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) will be adding 70 new high-tech, New Flyer XDE40 Xcelsior clean-diesel buses this summer — bringing the total number of buses in the fleet to 760. MDOT MTA invested nearly $40 million the vehicles to improve reliability, provide a safer and more comfortable ride, and reduce emissions.

New Flyer's XDE40 Xcelsior® clean-diesel, 40-foot buses have a low-floor design and kneel to allow passengers easier access on and off the vehicles. Each bus is equipped numerous safety features including security cameras, an audible safe turn alert system, and curbside and street-side turn aid lights, as well as a factory-installed driver’s barrier to increase bus operator safety. Two monitors on each bus will provide next stop arrival and other transit-related information.

In July, BaltimoreLink won an award for Operations Excellence from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. BaltimoreLink — the Hogan Administration’s transit improvement plan to better connect people in the region to jobs and other transit modes — was one of six projects in the Northeast to be recognized in the 11th annual America’s Transportation Awards. AASHTO, which represents all 50 state departments of transportation, honors individuals and transportation departments annually for exemplary service in the transportation field.