The Bus Stop Rightsizing Initiative aims to improve safety and facilitate access to bus stops for people of all abilities while also improving traffic flow on city streets. In the coming months, MTA Office of Service Development (OSD) will identify locations where curb space for bus stops is inadequate, develop plans to improve them, notify adjacent property occupants of the proposed changes, and then modify bus stop signage to implement the improvements.

Near-Side Pull-Out Bus Stop of minimum dimensions for standard 40 ft. buses

Using spatial data collected about the BaltimoreLink bus stop network, the curb length available for a bus to pull into each stop will be compared to the distance required in MTA’s Bus Stop Design Guide. The curb length required can vary based on the type of stop – near side or far side of the nearest intersection, travel lane or parking lane, and standard 40-foot or articulated 60-foot buses.

MTA will prioritize rightsizing bus stops that are frequently used by at least 100 riders on an average weekday, bus stops frequently used by older adults and people with disabilities, and bus stops that present traffic safety problems. This initiative will also install proper, clear signage designating the appropriate boarding location for riders and parking regulation information for drivers.

Minimum Bus Zone Lengths for Pull-Out Stops (in ft.)
Largest Bus
Serving Stop		 Stop Location Pull-In Buffer Bus Length Front Buffer Total Bus
Stop Length		 Number of
Parking Spaces
40 ft.
(standard)		 Near-Side 50 40 10 100 5
60 ft.
(articulated)		 Near-Side 50 60 10 120 6
40 ft.
(standard)		 Far-Side 25 40 25 90 5
60 ft.
(articulated)		 Far-Side 25 60 25 110 6

Plan sheets will be prepared detailing the adjustments to sign placement and striping that is necessary to meet the requirements in the design guide. If on-street parking is impacted by the bus stop rightsizing, property occupants directly adjacent to the stop will be contacted informing them of the improvements.

If you have any questions or concerns about the Bus Stop Rightsizing Initiative, please contact Nicholas R. Stewart, Transit Planning Manager, by phone at 410-454-1929 or by email at [email protected].