Transportation Advocates,
As you may have read in the Baltimore Sun and other media outlets on September 1, 2020, the Maryland Transit Administration is proposing cuts to bus service, and also planning to pare back MARC train and Commuter Bus service. Click here to read the full article: MTA plans significant reductions to bus, MARC service next year amid coronavirus losses
We have spoken with the MTA about their plans to reduce both MARC and bus service due to the major decline in public transit revenue and reduced funding from other sources caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. During our conversation, we felt they were making every effort to provide access to people who are transit-dependent and vulnerable.
The team at the MTA are very conscientious and working hard to make these service cuts in a responsible way. Unfortunately, because of the lack of funding they are forced to make some very difficult choices. This does not mean that we are supporting every service cut outlined in their statement. It will take time and feedback for us to determine whether there are reasonable alternatives.
We would hope with additional funding in the future, both MARC and bus service cuts can be reversed and full service restored.
Thank you.