Baltimore Adjusts Fare-Free Harbor Connector; Route 2 Extended, Route 3 Hours Changed

The City of Baltimore will retool its fare-free Harbor Connector beginning March 2, 2026, extending Route 2 to Maritime Park in Fells Point and converting that line into a weekday, peak-only triangular loop, the Baltimore City Department of Transportation announced in a Feb. 18 press release. Harbor Connector Route 2 will run on weekdays from 7:15 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. and again from 3:50 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on a 45-minute frequency, using the existing fleet and budget, city materials say.

Route 2’s triangular pattern will link Canton Waterfront Park, Locust Point, and Maritime Park. The DOT press copy specifies the loop will run clockwise in the mornings, Canton Waterfront Park to Locust Point to Maritime Park and back to Canton, and reverse direction for afternoon and evening service. The city labels the reconfigured Route 2 a “peak service,” reflecting its focus on rush-hour travel.

Route 3 will see weekday hours moved to a 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. window, with boats every 15 minutes, the DOT said. The Banner reports that change shifts Route 3’s start time from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.; The Banner also describes Route 3 as serving Pier 5 near the National Aquarium and Federal Hill. The DOT’s announcement frames the 15-minute frequency as consistent arrivals and departures during weekday service.

Harbor Connector Route 1 will continue its current service pattern between Maritime Park and Locust Point, The Banner noted, leaving that connection intact as Route 2 pivots to peak-only operations. The city continues to describe the Harbor Connector as a fare-free maritime transit service often colloquially called the Baltimore water taxi after the company that operates it.

City officials tied the reconfiguration to rider patterns and waterfront policy. The Banner reported a city ridership study showed “packed rush-hour trips but nearly empty boats in the middle of the day,” prompting the shift to peak-only service for Route 2. Mayor Brandon M. Scott said, “The Harbor Connector is a vital link in Baltimore City’s transportation network.” Mayor Scott also said the changes align with passenger demand and will be implemented without increasing fleet size or the city budget. Veronica P. McBeth, director of the Baltimore City Department of Transportation, said, “Baltimore’s harbor is one of our city’s greatest assets,” and that the Harbor Connector “enhances the waterfront experience by providing a free, convenient way to travel across the harbor, all while supporting a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system.”

The DOT posted the press release on its website Feb. 18, 2026, and directs riders to check the Baltimore City Department of Transportation pages for updated schedules and route maps ahead of the March 2 implementation. The city’s site includes translation options and a standard Google Translate™ disclaimer for non-English readers.