Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan infamously killed plans for the $2.9 billion Red Line light rail project earlier this year, but now he's back with an alternative that would spend $135 million to overhaul Baltimore's bus system.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced a $135 million plan to revamp the Baltimore transit system earlier this week, reports James Briggs. "The plan, called BaltimoreLink, will introduce 12 high-frequency, color-coded bus routes that connect users to transit hubs, such as MARC Train stations, and major employers, such as Johns Hopkins. Those new routes will be named CityLink."
"The restructured Baltimore transit system will connect commuters to 745,000 jobs and give 205,000 people access to high-frequency routes, according to the Hogan administration. The plan also includes improving the efficiency of existing bus routes," adds Briggs.
The article describes more detail about the proposal, which could be fully implemented by 2017, if it moves forward according to Gov. Hogan's plans. Briggs notes political opposition to the proposal from local and regional interests, represented by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, respectively. Both opposed Gov. Hogan's decision to kill funding for the Red Line light rail project.
WBAL provides additional coverage of Gov. Hogan's announcement.
FULL STORY: Larry Hogan announces $135M transit plan, revamped bus routes for Baltimore
Baltimore Transit Advocates, Politicians Pushing for a Better Bus Plan
First came the demise of the $2.9 billion Red Line light rail project, then came the $138 million BaltimoreLink bus system project. Now a coalition of union and political interests are pushing for a "People's Alternative."
Maryland to Restart Planning for East-West Transit Line Through Baltimore
A plan for the Red Line, an east-west light rail line notoriously canceled by former-Governor Larry Hogan in 2015, is back on the table in Baltimore.
Maryland Could Cut Transit Funding, Citing Budget Gap
The governor says the state remains committed to its major transit projects, but may need to reduce service to meet a growing financial shortfall.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie