Welcome to Charm City, Hon!

HOLLY ARNOLD
Administrator
Maryland Transit Administration

On behalf of the Maryland Transit Administration’s (MTA) nearly 3,500 employees, it’s my pleasure to welcome APTA’s Rail Conference to Baltimore, birthplace of the nation’s railroad system. It’s also home to a friendly spirit of neighborliness that’s so welcoming, you’re likely to hear yourself referred to as “hon” at least once during your visit.

It is an honor to host staff from transit agencies from across North America as we come together to discuss the future of rail and the critical role it plays in connecting communities, supporting economic growth, and providing access.

At MTA, we are making significant investments to build a transit system for the future: from the introduction of our new Hitachi Metro Subway railcars to the comprehensive modernization of our light rail system to the Purple Line, which is nearing substantial construction completion and moving into systems integration testing. We are focused on transforming our network to deliver safer, more reliable, and more accessible service for generations to come.

These efforts are investments in our riders, our workforce, and our region. As transit agencies across the U.S. face evolving funding and ridership challenges, collaboration and the sharing of best practices have never been more important.

Baltimore is a city of both -obvious and hidden charms. The obvious includes its two major league sports teams, the National Aquarium, the B&O Railroad Museum (with one of the most comprehensive collections of historic railcars anywhere) and the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, the inspiration for our nation’s national anthem.

Our city and region’s hidden charms are equally impressive and rewarding. They include a rich and nationally recognized culinary scene, scores of uniquely fascinating venues like the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum and the American Visionary Art Museum, and a devotion to preparing and serving the world’s most delicious seafood.

Baltimore’s history as an industrial hub and “Gateway to the West” were instrumental in establishing the city. In addition to the founding of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in 1827, the region made history again in the 1880s when inventor Leo Daft introduced the nation’s first electric streetcars to Baltimore transit riders. And of course, Baltimore was a major intersection for the Underground Railroad, both prior to and during the Civil War.

I hope you’ll take advantage of the time during your stay here to explore the many opportunities for fun and adventure that Baltimore offers. And of course, take transit to get there. We can’t wait to show you around!