White Marsh Bus Issue Drives Rebuke From County Exec

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD – In the week since the arrest of nine people outside the White Marsh Mall, there have been calls for change. There has also been criticism coming from Baltimore County Executive Don Mohler regarding one of the responses.

Two members of the County Council said they met with mall leaders afterward to discuss the issue.

Councilwoman Cathy Bevins and Councilman David Marks suggested a curfew for youths at the mall. Bevins also wrote a letter to the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) asking for a modification to the bus line to end service earlier and/or have more frequent buses.

The two adults charged in the Aug. 4 disturbance in White Marsh came from Baltimore City, and police said the large group that started the disturbance traveled to the mall by public bus.

The MTA said in a statement to WBAL that it was reviewing the request to modify bus service to White Marsh Mall and gathering information from stakeholders.

The county executive made it clear he does not support changes in the bus line that seek to cordon off Baltimore City from Baltimore County.

"While I understand the frustration that was caused by a recent disruption at White Marsh Mall, stigmatizing and creating hardship for city residents is not an acceptable response. It is 2018. Not 1950," Mohler said. "We are neighbors with Baltimore City and stand with them. We cannot and should not put a moat around our City partners. We must continue to work together on complex issues for the good of the Baltimore region."

Added Mohler: "I will inform the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) that I do not support any effort to limit bus and light rail service from Baltimore City to the County."

RELATED:

• White Marsh Mall Mob: Councilwoman Proposes Changing MTA Schedule
• 9 Arrested In White Marsh Mall Disturbance
• White Marsh Mall Mob: Police ID 2 Adults Charged

Photo courtesy of MTA.