MACo submitted testimony to the Senate Finance Committee in support of SB402 with amendments.  The bill would exempt a public transportation system established under the public laws of a county government or municipal corporation from the motor carrier permit required for a passenger motor vehicle used in the transportation of person for hire. Permits are issued through the Public Service Commission (PSC).

Under current law, the public transportation systems for Allegany, Frederick and Washington Counties are already exempt.  SB402 would extend the exemption to other locally run transportation services.  Amendments offered at the hearing by the Transportation Association of Maryland would expand this exemption to also apply  to contractual arrangements local governments may enter into with non-profit entities to manage and operate transportation systems on their behalf.  MACo supports these amendments.