- Who and what benefits from the new planned B&P Tunnel?
- Who and what suffers from the new planned B&P Tunnel?
- Is there a better, less destructive route for a new B&P Tunnel?
alternative proposals
Several alternatives to the B&P Tunnels have been proposed. Some of these take a more comprehensive, long-term view of Baltimore's transportation needs to better enable our citizens, businesses, and neighborhoods to grow and prosper.
MTA Citizen's Advisory Committee (CAC)
"MTA CAC is a volunteer advisory group to the MTA. Members of the committee make recommendations for solutions to problems that are identified. CAC is a collaborative effort between the MTA and the community."
A Proposal to Unravel Baltimore's Tangled Rail Lines
MTA CAC's analysis of Baltimore's rail needs and an alternate, comprehensive plan for addressing them.
"MTA CAC is a volunteer advisory group to the MTA. Members of the committee make recommendations for solutions to problems that are identified. CAC is a collaborative effort between the MTA and the community."
A Proposal to Unravel Baltimore's Tangled Rail Lines
MTA CAC's analysis of Baltimore's rail needs and an alternate, comprehensive plan for addressing them.
- Amtrak would go downtown (Charles Center) where tourists want to be
- MARC would go through upgraded current B&P tunnel
- Freight would go through Sparrows Point industrial area
An innovative Baltimore Crosstown Rail Tunnel Proposal was developed by AmeriStarRail to improve Amtrak’s NEC services:
- Replaces Civil War era B&P Tunnel route and the inconveniently located Penn Station with new crosstown high-speed rail tunnels to bring Amtrak and MARC to the Charles Center.
- Creates an east-west downtown transit line within walking distance of the Inner Harbor, stadiums, hotels, Convention Center, business, shopping, theatre, museums, universities, and hospitals.
- Links 6 of the 10 largest employers, including the 4 largest in Baltimore.
- Incorporates a new Baltimore Crosstown Metro (BXM) (similar to the Red Line) running every 10 minutes from 5 AM to midnight between a Hopkins Bayview park-ride and two other park-ride lots at I-695 and I195 near UMBC.
- Provides transit connections with the Metro, Light Rail, MARC’s Camden Line and the Baltimore Water Taxi.
- Consist of four tubes bored deep enough to avoid construction impacts on streets, utilities, and building foundations.
- On the lower level, two single track tunnel bores will be dedicated for Amtrak trains. On the upper level, two single track tunnel bores will be shared by MARC and BXM trains.
- Runs only the fastest Amtrak Acela trains enabling more frequent, on time trains.
- Includes triple-class service for coach, business and first class passengers on every Amtrak NEC train. For the first time in America, all passengers will have affordable, equal access to high speed rail service.
- Revolutionizes Amtrak, MARC and mass transit access to downtown Baltimore and city neighborhoods, increases ridership, reduces car traffic, increases transit connectivity and generates more jobs and economic development than Amtrak’s proposed replacement of the B&P Tunnels.
- Saves 10 minutes per trip compared with the current B&P Tunnel.
- Avoids residential neighborhoods
Northeast Maglev
"The Superconducting Maglev (SCMAGLEV) is the world’s fastest and most advanced train. A train in name only – unlike any train you’ve ever seen before. Imagine Washington DC to New York City in an hour. The SCMAGLEV will revolutionize travel in the Northeast Corridor."
Baltimore/Washington Superconducting Maglev Project Environmental Study
"The Superconducting Maglev (SCMAGLEV) is the world’s fastest and most advanced train. A train in name only – unlike any train you’ve ever seen before. Imagine Washington DC to New York City in an hour. The SCMAGLEV will revolutionize travel in the Northeast Corridor."
Baltimore/Washington Superconducting Maglev Project Environmental Study
- Canceled for Baltimore by Elected Officials 4 days after B&P Tunnel Replacement Program announced on Juneteenth 2021!