Hampden Shuttlebug
Making the timed connection with the Light Rail is Coach #3004, shown on Clipper Road just above Union Avenue on February 17, 2001. Adam Paul photo.
Under state ownership, many route inaugurations and expansions have taken years to implement, being bogged down within the hearing process, and constrained by budget woes. The "Hampden Shuttlebug", officially known as route #98 in MTA's system, is a refreshing exception.The line is the first of the "Neighborhood Shuttle Services" to be inaugurated by MTA. Originally to be designated as the "N1," the MTA instead opted to simply publicize the line as the "Shuttlebug" as a Marketing practice. The concept tries to step away from the traditional feel of a transit operation by operating smaller coaches that are less objectionable, while being attired in catchy wraps that in turn advertise the service. The route is designed as a circulator that aims to take riders to various points within a single community, instead of all the way across town. With this in mind, the fare (at least for now) is reduced to a rate of 50¢ for adults and 25¢ for senior citizens.
The smaller buses being used for the service are currently a fleet of four Thomas SLF 30 foot buses, holding the distinction of being Baltimore's first Low Floor buses. The coaches were delivered in white, and were "wrapped" with logos in the MTA shops. So far, the coaches have seemed to perform rather capably.
As mentioned earlier, the "Shuttlebug's" implementation has been a refreshing change from many of MTA's service changes. MTA took much effort to get the operation underway as soon as possible. Operation of the service began on December 3, 2000, directly in the middle of the pick, and was worked by extra operators until the added runs could be permanently picked. In addtion, the Thomas coaches were quickly prepped (having a far quicker turnaround time than the recent NABI order) and were on the streets in less than two weeks. Initially, these coaches were running in service with temporary tags still attached.
When the concept of the Neighborhood Shuttles was envisioned, the MTA seemed to have looked at the possibility of privatizing the operation, using an outside contractor such as Yellow Transportation. After negotiation with the Union however, an agreement was reached to operate the initial service "in-house" using Union operators and mechanics. As such, the line is quartered at Northwest Division.
The route of the "Shuttlebug" is somewhat circuitous, and may often require that passengers ride "through" the Woodberry layover to reach their destination. The line mirrors some stretches of the #22 and 27 lines, with a ten block long independent stretch along Keswick Road. In other ways, the line bears a slight resemblance to the long abandoned #46 line that once served Union Avenue. The line's hours are similar to, but not mirroring, those of the Central Light Rail Line. The route operates on a constant 17 minute headway, and even has special red and green bus stop signs. Most bus stops also contain an encased map and schedule for the line.
After a short time, the line seems to be gaining popularity. Observations made on a Saturday in February of 2001 revealed a decent handful of patrons using the service in both reaching and leaving the Woodberry Light Rail stop. It has been rumored that the presence of this line might one day cause the rerouting of the #27 line away from the Hampden area, but no absolute information has yet come to light to support this. For now, the Shuttlebug will be closely watched, in the hopes of a success that may spawn a host of imitators throughout the region.
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