BALTIMORE, MD—Top officials from Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Howard County joined together to issue a statement regarding MTA’s announcement to reverse major cuts to the Maryland Transit Administration.

Following public comment and feedback from local jurisdictions, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration on Wednesday announced that Core Bus service adjustments proposed September 1 will not be implemented and all public hearings on that plan will be canceled. Core Local Bus and MobilityLink service will continue to operate on current schedules, while Commuter Bus and MARC service will begin operating at reduced levels on November 2. As MDOT MTA works to meet budgetary constraints amid the fiscal impact of COVID-19, the agency will continue to prioritize transit service for core riders, especially transit dependent households.

“With the ongoing review of all transit ridership and public feedback, it became clear that preserving core bus service is essential,” said Transportation Secretary Gregory Slater. “The data shows more choice riders use MARC and Commuter Bus. These temporary reductions allow us to preserve our MARC train slots with CSX and Amtrak and our contracts with Commuter Bus providers. This plan allows us to respond nimbly as Maryland’s economy recovers and more choice riders cease teleworking or return to transit. It is very important to me that we work collaboratively and listen openly to all perspectives. This reflects that approach.”

The joint statement issued on Thursday reads as follows:

“We’re pleased that the state has reversed their decision to balance the budget on the backs of our most vulnerable residents. While we understand the significant budget challenges caused by the pandemic, the proposed cuts would have only caused further harm to our residents who are already bearing the brunt of this crisis. Moving forward, we must continue to fight for more state funding to reverse generations of underinvestment in transportation across our entire region.”

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr.
Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, Jr.
Baltimore City Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young
Baltimore City Council President Brandon M. Scott
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball III