Baltimore MTA Light Rail pics

My buddy Will visited Baltimore, Maryland recently and sent me these pictures of their light rail system. It is a one-line operation with 33 stations and short spurs to Baltimore's Penn Station, BWI airport and Glenn Burnie. The LRV's were manufactured by ABB Traction circa 1991 with a capacity of 85 seated and 91 standing passengers. Also check out the cool bicycle shaped bike rack.

USDOT announces $280 mil available for transit projects

U.S. Transportation Secretary Announces $280 Million for Streetcars
First Funds for Administration's Livability Initiative Will Create Jobs

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced the availability of $280 million for urban circulator projects such as streetcars, buses, and bus facilities to support communities, expand business opportunities and improve people’s quality of life while also creating jobs.

The money represents the first batch of funding by the Obama Administration for its Livability Initiative, a joint venture of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“This represents a significant effort to promote livable communities, improve the quality of life for more Americans and create more transportation choices that serve the needs of individual communities,” Secretary LaHood said. “Fostering the concept of livability in transportation projects will stimulate America’s neighborhoods to become safer, healthier and more vibrant.”

Press release continues at DOT site