MTA kicks off holiday season with festive buses, decorated trains, revamped train garden

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is rolling into the holiday season with a slate of festive traditions, including the return of its long-running Holiday Bus and an expanded train garden at the Mondawmin Metro Subway Station.

Now in its 47th year, the brightly decorated Holiday Bus will once again offer free rides, candy canes, and holiday music to passengers across the Baltimore region.

The bus begins its seasonal run Monday, December 1, and will rotate among various CityLink and LocalLink routes on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday, December 19.

Transit riders can spot the cheerful bus — complete with its signature decorations — by looking for a sleigh icon on the Transit app. The MTA will also post daily clues about the bus’s location on its social media accounts.

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The Holiday Bus will make a special appearance at the 52nd Mayor’s Christmas Parade on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 1 p.m.

The agency is extending the festive spirit to rail riders as well, unveiling a decorated light rail train and metro subway car for the season.

Transit connects people to the places and moments that matter most,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold, via press release. “Transit is the most affordable and safest way to get around this holiday season.

Meanwhile, the MTA’s popular Train Garden has returned to the Mondawmin Metro Station’s mezzanine level, where it has been a seasonal staple for decades.

Built by agency employee volunteers, the display is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Jan. 2.

This year’s exhibit includes new features: a Polar Express train set inspired by the classic book and film, a racetrack, a fast-food restaurant, and a fire station.

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Visitors can activate parts of the miniature landscape by pressing buttons to bring various elements to life.

“Sundays with Santa” events will be held at the Train Garden this Sunday, Dec. 7 from 2–5 p.m., and again on Dec. 14 from 1–4 p.m.

The agency says the holiday programming is offered at no cost by the Maryland Department of Transportation.