Baltimore’s Charm City Circulator Expands Service to Underserved East Baltimore Neighborhoods

Baltimore residents can expect enhanced public transportation options as the city’s Department of Transportation, in conjunction with Mayor Brandon M. Scott, has announced significant improvements and expansions to the Charm City Circulator’s Green and Orange Routes. These changes, set to begin on Sunday, December 7, 2025, aim to increase transit accessibility, particularly in areas historically lacking reliable service, and are a direct outcome of the city’s comprehensive Transit Development Plan.

The Green Route will see its service extended eastward to include the neighborhoods of Broadway East, Oliver, and East Baltimore Midway. This expansion will offer residents in these communities better connections to key city destinations, including the downtown business district, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and various Metro stations. The new alignment will reroute buses from Fleet Street and Broadway south of Fayette Street to serve portions of Orleans Street and North Broadway, areas not currently covered by public transit, thereby providing more direct access to employment, healthcare, educational institutions, and other essential services. The Green Route will operate on a 20-minute frequency following these enhancements.

In addition to the Green Route’s expansion, the Orange Route is also being modified to improve service in the Harbor Point area. A new stop will be added along Caroline Street at Maritime Park, ensuring continued Circulator access for this developing district. The Orange Route will maintain a frequent service schedule, running with headways of approximately 10 minutes.

The announced improvements are a result of the Transit Development Plan, a process conducted between 2021 and 2022 that focused on improving service equity and establishing a long-term strategy for the fare-free Circulator system. The current enhancements will be implemented using the existing fleet of 23 buses and will operate within the current budget. The Baltimore City Department of Transportation has indicated that it will continue to collaborate with partner agencies and stakeholders to explore and implement further changes envisioned in the Transit Development Plan. Passengers are advised to download the Passio Go! App for real-time bus tracking.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the City of Baltimore.

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