BRTC Newsletter for April 2026

BRTC 2026 Meetings

The BRTC has scheduled the dates for its bi-monthly meetings for this year: May 1,  July 17, and September 11. 

• When: Fridays from 10am - 12:30pm
• Where: Baltimore Metropolitan Council,1500 Whetstone Way, Suite 300, Baltimore, Maryland 21230
• Online Option: Register for Zoom invite

Materials from past BRTC meetings, including agendas, recordings, and presentation handouts, are available online. 

Legislative Round Up

The Maryland Transit Administration Reform Act

The Maryland General Assembly passed and sent the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) Reform Act for approval by Governor Moore near the end of session. The bill would replace the BRTC later this year and create a new Board of Directors for Baltimore Core Transit Service within MTA, with authority over major service plans, budget requests, and major service changes. It would also create a separate Commuter Services Advisory Board for MARC and commuter bus service, shift oversight of key MTA management positions to the Maryland Transportation Commission, and make other changes aimed at improving accountability and helping major transit projects move forward more efficiently. Most of the act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Regional Advocacy

BetterTransitNOW

Following its February Major League Transit Rally and the added Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) funding to advance BMORE BUS planning, BetterTransitNOW is now turning its attention to the 2027 budget cycle and General Assembly session. The group is urging Maryland to fully fund both BMORE BUS planning and implementation in future budgets. To help shape future funding, BetterTransitNOW has already been meeting with transit advocates, stakeholder groups, and elected officials. The effort is focused on building support now rather than waiting to respond later, so Baltimore region riders can get the frequent, reliable transit service they have been waiting for.

Provider News

Baltimore Region Transit-Oriented Development Strategy

This month the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) released the Baltimore Region Transit-Oriented Development Strategy. It is a new roadmap for encouraging more housing, jobs, and private investment near Baltimore area Metro and Light Rail stations. Built through coordination with local partners, the strategy outlines policy and funding tools to help turn station areas into more walkable, better-connected communities while improving access to opportunity across the region. To help readers learn more, this newsletter includes a button linking directly to the full strategy.

Transit Events

April Transit Choices Meeting

The April Transit Choices meeting will be held virtually on Zoom on Thursday, April 30, at 8:30 a.m. and will feature two speakers on important transportation issues in Maryland. One of the speakers will be Don Halligan, Senior Transportation Planner with the BRTC, who will talk about how transit funding is changing and why agencies need more stable and diverse funding sources for the future. Delegate Mark Edelson will also provide an update on key transportation legislation from the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session and share what he is watching ahead. Anyone who would like the Zoom link can contact robin@transitchoices.org.

Explore the Charm City Circulator with YPT Baltimore

Join Young Professionals in Transportation (YPT) Baltimore for a behind-the-scenes look at the Charm City Circulator bus service. Hear from Baltimore City Department of Transportation staff about how the system works, recent updates to the Green Route, and what’s next for the future of the service. This event includes a short presentation, Q&A, and guided ride-along to experience the route firsthand. This free event is a great opportunity to learn directly from transit professionals, ask questions, and network. 

📅 Thursday, April 23 at 5 p.m. 
📍 Baltimore City DOT Office (417 E. Fayette Street, 5th Floor)

Transit Benefit of the Month: Access to Healthcare 

Public transit helps people get to doctors, clinics, pharmacies, and other care before health problems get worse. A national study found that 5.8 million people in the United States delayed medical care for one year because they lacked transportation. The problem is greatest for people with the highest needs. In that same study, 12% of adults in poor health and 7% of adults living in poverty delayed care because of transportation problems. When transit is limited or unreliable, people are more likely to miss care, get sicker, and end up needing more expensive treatment later. Reliable transit helps people get care on time and supports a healthier community.

Governor Advances Transit-Oriented Development in Baltimore

MTA considers pivoting Red Line to rapid bus service instead of light rail, sources say

The Latest on Maryland’s Upcoming Purple Line

Eight big-picture lessons from the DC Streetcar

This Month in Transit History

• April 2, 1992 - Baltimore’s light rail line opened just as the Orioles began their first season at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, linking a major new transit investment with one of the city’s most important new destinations. When the first regular-season game at Camden Yards was played on April 6, 1992, Light Rail was already part of the trip for Baltimore baseball fans.

• April 30, 1970 - Maryland took over the privately run Baltimore Transit Company and brought Baltimore’s transit system into public ownership, a major turning point aimed at improving accountability, reliability, and long-term planning for riders. The system first operated under the Metropolitan Transit Authority. It later became the Mass Transit Administration, and in 2001 it was renamed the Maryland Transit Administration, the name it still uses today.