Icy Sidewalks Hamper Baltimore Bus Commutes After Storm

Uncleared snow and ice create hazardous conditions for bus riders, raising concerns about accessibility and equity.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In the aftermath of a recent winter storm, many sidewalks and bus stops in Baltimore remain treacherous due to uncleared snow and ice. Bus riders like Harold Jenkins have reported falling multiple times while trying to access bus stops, with one rider describing the situation as "shows they don't care about people that take the bus." The Maryland Transit Authority is working with the city to prioritize clearing bus stops used by students and on major routes, but property owners are ultimately responsible for maintaining sidewalks adjacent to their buildings.

Why it matters

The inability to safely access public transportation disproportionately impacts low-income residents and transit-dependent populations who rely on buses to reach work, school, medical appointments, and other essential destinations. This issue highlights concerns about accessibility, equity, and the city's responsiveness to the needs of its most vulnerable residents.

The details

After a recent winter storm, the leftover ice and snow has made it extremely difficult for bus riders to safely reach their stops. At one stop on York Road and Winston Avenue, bus rider Harold Jenkins reported falling four times and "smashing" his face while trying to access the bus. Across the city, the conditions of bus stops vary, with some cleared and others completely frozen over. While the city can fine property owners for not clearing sidewalks within three hours of a storm's end, officials have not been issuing citations due to the challenging nature of the current ice and snow mixture.

  • The winter storm hit the Baltimore area several days ago.
  • Bus rider Harold Jenkins encountered the hazardous conditions on Wednesday while trying to get to work.
  • On Thursday, Jenkins decided waiting in the street was his next best option to access the bus stop.

The players

Harold Jenkins

A bus rider who has had to navigate the treacherous conditions at bus stops, falling multiple times and injuring his face.

Khaliq Greathouse

A public transit rider who has documented the accessibility issues at bus stops on his Instagram account, @capturedbykhaliq, and feels the government is not doing enough to address the needs of low-income and transit-dependent residents.

Maryland Transit Authority (MTA)

The agency that places bus stops and shelters in the public right-of-way, and is working with Baltimore City to prioritize clearing snow from stops used by students and on major routes.

Baltimore City

The local jurisdiction responsible for maintaining roads and sidewalks, and can fine property owners for not clearing sidewalks in a timely manner after a storm.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I came up here to catch the bus. I knew I couldn't get over there, so I walked down here and as I was coming up this way. I fell 4 times, smashed my face.”

— Harold Jenkins, Bus rider

“It shows they don't care about people that take the bus. They don't care about low income people, transit riders, and that's who takes the bus here in Baltimore.”

— Khaliq Greathouse, Public transit rider

What’s next

The Maryland Transit Authority reports it is working with the city to prioritize clearing bus stops used by students or that are part of multiple bus routes, as well as coordinating with the Department of Emergency Management to encourage hospitals to clear stops on or around their campuses.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the need for greater coordination and responsiveness from local government to ensure all residents, especially the most vulnerable, can safely access public transportation during and after winter storms. Improving sidewalk and bus stop maintenance is crucial for promoting equity and accessibility in Baltimore's transit system.