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.

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.
FULL STORY: How Maryland handcuffs its transit system, and how that could change

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie