Wednesday, May 16, 2012

TAKE TRANSIT TO THE ONE-ARMED BANDITS

MTA BRINGS NEW MEANING TO
"CASINO BUS:"
HOW RED LINE RIDERS
CAN GET ABOARD

Attention high rollers who want to have a low impact on the environment:

As you may know, Maryland's first mega-casino, Maryland Live! at Arundel Mills, is opening June 6.

But did you know you can reach this state-of-the-art gaming, dining and entertainment emporium using public transportation?

From here at Bethesda Metro Center, or any other DC or Maryland Metro station on the Red Line, simply board a train headed for Shady Grove.

At the Shady Grove station, board the MTA Commuter Bus 201.

Bus 201 will take you to Arundel Mills Mall.

It arrives at the bus bays outside of Best Buy.  Unfortunately, the casino is on the other side of the main indoor mall building.  This won't be a problem for able-bodied folks, or those with electric wheelchairs (Bus 201 is handicapped-accessible, and the senior/disabled fare is only $3.20).  But if you are unsteady with a cane, for example, please call ahead to Arundel Mills or the casino, and they will be able to arrange assistance for you.

Maryland Live! will have 4,750 slot machines and electronic table games.

They also have a fabulous lineup of restaurants, including Bobby's Burger Shack, The Cheesecake Factory, Phillips Seafood, and Baltimore's legendary The Prime Rib.

Eventually, they will open a new Rams Head Center Stage concert facility on the premises.

So even if you aren't a gambler, the other amenities, and the great mall itself, are a fun destination you can now reach car-free.

The 201 also goes to BWI Airport.  The one-way fare is only $5 - try getting an airport van ride for $5!

Unlike MTA's disappointing Bus 203, 201 has a real schedule, and is usable by DC, Bethesda and other Red Line communities.  I think you'll also find the buses themselves to be a notch more luxe than Metrobus.

You don't have to be Kenny Rogers to give MTA Bus 201 five stars.

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