Charm City Circulator To Expand; Rides To Remain Free

BALTIMORE (WJZ) – It's a free ride, and more than 4 million people use it in Baltimore every year.

Ron Matz reports for WJZ.

The Purple Line is going to be expanded from Penn Station to 33RD Street.

"The Charm City Circulator is one of the city's best reviewed services," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. "The ridership has exceeded all of our expectations. I know this is something that's a big asset to the community, and it will help us to continue to grow."

The announcement was welcomed by residents of Charles Village.

"I think it's tremendously important to the Charles Village residents to be this close to so many places downtown and mid-town and have the convenience of the circulator," said Sandy Sparks, president of the Charles Village Civic Association.

The popular circulator is free, and it's being ridden by 13,000 people each day in the city.

However, the deficit has grown to more than $11 million.

"Part of the challenge that we have is to find new forms and sources of revenue to cover the costs," City Transportation Director William Johnson said.

The shuttles are designed to reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gases, and despite the cost, it's here to stay.