10.12.2021
TOWSON LOOP: Baltimore County's first free public transit service
WBFF-TV (Online)
On Tuesday, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski celebrated the official start of service for the Towson Loop, Baltimore County’s first free public transit service.
The new circulator service was described as an innovative idea to reduce congestion in the Towson area and better help residents, students and visitors move around by the County Executive.
Olszewski jumpstarted plans to bring a free circulator to Towson’s core destinations and main attractions, fulfilling a major campaign pledge.
Beginning today at noon, the Towson Loop will operate on two routes, the north-south Purple Loop route and the east-west Orange Loop.
These routes complement existing MTA service and better connect residents with surrounding major anchors, including Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Goucher College, Sheppard Pratt Health Systems, St. Joseph Medical Center and Towson University, as well as popular retail destinations such as The Shops at Kenilworth, Towson Town Center, and Towson Place.
The Towson Loop will run every 15 to 20 minutes during Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to midnight, and Saturday, 10 a.m. to midnight.
The service will be operated by Coach USA, one of the largest private ground passenger transportation companies in North America, through its subsidiary Dillon’s Bus Service.
It consists of a fleet of 12 circulator shuttle buses.
Each bus is equipped with a bike rack and air conditioning, and can hold 25 passengers, with space provided for wheelchairs, bicycles and strollers.
“Convenient, reliable public transportation is the key to a more sustainable, accessible and equitable community. I have long supported the Towson Loop, and I am excited about the opportunities it will bring to the residents of Baltimore County as it launches today,” said Congressman John Sarbanes. “My congratulations to County Executive Olszewski and his team on this project.”