Maryland’s transit network experienced widespread disruption this week after a sophisticated cyberattack targeted critical information systems, forcing the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) and the Department of Information Technology (DoIT) to scramble containment efforts.
While most core services remain operational, significant impacts to scheduling and real-time information have left thousands of commuters seeking alternative arrangements. DoIT security monitors detected unauthorized access to portions of MTA’s back-end systems.
Within minutes, cybersecurity teams from both agencies mobilized to assess the breach, isolate affected servers, and implement emergency countermeasures.
By early morning, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) had activated the Statewide Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), convening representatives from MTA, DoIT, MDEM, and supporting state agencies to coordinate response activities.
Despite the severity of the incident, MTA confirmed that core transit operations—including Local Bus, Metro Subway, Light Rail, MARC train service, Mobility paratransit, Call-A-Ride, and Commuter Bus—remain “operationally intact.”
However, Mobility’s digital scheduling interface was rendered inoperative, preventing users from booking new trips or modifying existing reservations.
Riders with previously scheduled Mobility appointments will still be served, but the inability to rebook has prompted anxiety among frequent users who depend on the service for medical and daily-living transportation needs.
Passengers relying on real-time train and bus tracking have reported blank screens or delayed updates, while MTA’s call centers are intermittently offline.
Transit officials urged commuters to check static schedule PDFs and published timetables on the MTA website until dynamic feeds are restored. “Our priority is safeguarding customer data and restoring full functionality as swiftly as possible,” said an MTA spokesperson.
“We have engaged leading third-party cybersecurity experts and are collaborating closely with federal and state law enforcement to determine the attack’s origin and prevent any recurrence.”
In a public safety advisory, MTA recommended that eligible riders shift to the Call-A-Ride program for non-urgent trips.
Reservations can be made at www.mtacallaride.org or by calling (410) 664-2030. Customers with immediate medical needs are advised to contact healthcare providers or dial 911 for emergency assistance.
Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) leadership emphasized that no evidence suggests the attack extended to train control systems or passenger safety equipment.
“At no point was the physical safety of our riders or employees compromised,” a DoIT official stated.
Nonetheless, the incident has underscored vulnerabilities in transit authority infrastructure and reignited calls for enhanced federal funding for cybersecurity upgrades in public-sector transportation.
MTA continues to publish incident updates on its website at www.mta.maryland.gov and through official social media channels.
As investigations proceed, commuters are encouraged to sign up for text and email alerts to receive the latest service advisories.
The agency reiterated its commitment to transparency and customer welfare, assuring Marylanders that every resource is being deployed to restore normal operations and secure critical systems against future threats.
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