Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, and Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today expressed support for the Transit Safety and Investment Act.
Sponsored by Delegate Brooke Lierman (HB 114) and Senator Cory McCray (SB 199), the Transit Safety and Investment Act legislation would provide the MTA with capital and operating funding to address a backlog of state of good repair needs, maintenance, and pressing issues including buses, bus shelters, rail, tracks, safety and security systems, and environmentally-friendly technologies. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) provides approximately 320,000 rides a day for residents in Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, and St. Mary’s Counties.
From the press release:
“Making the needed investments to build a transportation system that is more responsive and reliable is the key to a safer, stronger, more vibrant Baltimore,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Almost a third of Baltimore households do not have reliable access to a vehicle, with much higher concentrations in historically redlined neighborhoods. Supporting the Transit Safety and Investment Act is one big way we can support our essential workers, including our cleaning staff, medical professionals, and transit workers, during this public health emergency and beyond.”
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“Access to efficient, reliable transit is fundamental to improving quality of life across the Baltimore region,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “The Transit Safety and Reinvestment Act represents an important step forward to ensure the state provides the resources necessary for MTA to more fully provide the quality of service that all our residents expect and deserve.”
“For all of central Maryland, transit funding is the key to economic development, economic justice, and environmental progress,” said Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman. “Let’s return Maryland to the smart growth principles of previous administrations, and let’s start by reinvesting in Baltimore region transit.”
“Howard County has a shared interest in solving our transportation challenges in the Baltimore-Washington region,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “Nearly 60 percent of our residents commute in and out of Howard County every day, and we need both a well-run and adequately funded transit system if we want to improve the quality of life and opportunities for our residents and businesses. Howard County is the linchpin between these two regions, bordering six jurisdictions and positioned squarely in the center of any effective regional transit plan. Ultimately, equitable and efficient transportation is not just important to our residents, but to our entire state’s economy and mobility. “
Useful Links
SB 199 / HB 114 – Maryland Transit Administration – Funding (Transit Safety and Investment Act)
