Reform for Maryland's Farebox Recovery Mandate Could Change Planning Paradigms

A funding formula that frequently determines the scope and quality of transit in the state of Maryland could be reformed by state legislators this year.

1 minute read

March 16, 2017, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Orange Line

LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES / Shutterstock

Brian O'Malley reports on legislation in Maryland that would change the funding formula for transit everywhere in the state.

Currently, Maryland transit systems are handcuffed by a requirement that all transit systems pay for at least 35 percent of its operating budget with rider fares—the farebox recovery mandate, to use the technical term. The state's farebox recovery affects "Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) products, like MTA local (aka Baltimore’s bus service) and commuter buses (which primarily serve the District), the three MARC commuter lines, and Baltimore’s Light Rail and Metro subway lines," according to O'Malley.

"The result of complying with this mandate is that MTA regularly has no choice but to refrain from investing in services and maintenance even if those things would grow ridership and revenues over time," according to O'Malley. "In public meetings, MTA officials often cite the farebox recovery mandate as a limiting factor when responding to requests to provide service to growing employment sites or other destinations, like a new Amazon warehouse distribution facility in Baltimore."

In response, two bills are moving through the Maryland State Legislature. House of Delegates Bill 271 and Senate Bill 484 have both passed through committee, with "broad support among central Maryland transit advocates, business leaders and riders," according to O'Malley.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017 in Greater Greater Washington

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

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.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

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?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

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.

3 hours ago - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

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.

4 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

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.

5 hours ago - Cities Today