Baltimore subway system reopens after systemwide closure

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) late last week reopened the Metro SubwayLink network in Baltimore following emergency rail repairs that closed the entire system.

Trains began serving passengers on March 9, three days ahead of schedule, MTA officials said in a press release. Last month, the agency closed the subways due to unexpected rail wear throughout the system.

The reopening follows an inspection of the rail work by inspectors from MTA, the Federal Transit Administration and Maryland's state safety oversight agency.

Physical track inspections were complemented by geometry car testing, MTA officials said.

The agency is scheduled to complete additional rail work in summer.

"The decision to reopen the Metro SubwayLink system came after a thorough inspection of our tracks to ensure their safety and reliability," said MTA Administrator Kevin Quinn.