Maryland transit issues

1. There are proposed cuts in MTA commuter bus services and the MARC train, due to reductions in the gasoline excise tax revenue stream. See "MTA plans to reduce MARC service, cut six bus routes" from the Baltimore Sun.

In the recent cuts in transportation infrastructure funding for Maryland projects, the Inter County Connector was spared. Since it is new construction, it makes sense to spare the transit cuts--especially as demand is increasing--by slowing the pace of the construction of the ICC and transferring the necessary funds to maintenance of transit service.

Compare to this June article in the Baltimore Examiner, "MARC ridership increases for fifth month in a row." and this from the Post, "Light Turns Red on Transportation Plans."

2. State Delegate Al Carr (Kensington, MD) uploaded to the marcvre yahoogroup a presentation by MARC officials on railroad service expansion plans impacting Montgomery County (and DC). But I don't know if the link to the file (Powerpoint) will work for people who aren't members of the list.

3. And MTA has released the detailed environmental study for the proposed Purple Line light rail (or bus rapid transit) line in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties. See "Purple Line to Require Demolition, Sound Walls: Study Looks at Impact of Montgomery Transit Route" from the Post. Four public hearings are scheduled:

NEW CARROLLTON: Nov. 15, 10:30 am. to 3 p.m., New Carrollton Municipal Center, 6016 Princess Garden Pkwy.

CHEVY CHASE: Nov.18, 4:30 to 9 p.m., National 4-H Youth Conference Center, 7100 Connecticut Ave.

COLLEGE PARK: Nov. 19, 4:30 to 9 p.m., University of Maryland's Ritchie Coliseum, Route 1 across from the Rossborough Inn.

TAKOMA PARK: Nov. 22, 12:30 to 5 p.m., Montgomery College's Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, Falcon Hall, 7600 Takoma Ave

- Purple Line Environmental Impact Report
- Purple Line advocacy website