County Executive Announces Bill to Ensure Transit Services Remain Fare-Free
Bill Sponsored by Council Vice President Duckett and Council Member Knapp
FREDERICK, Md. - Today, Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater held a press conference to announce legislation that will dedicate a portion of recordation tax revenues to fund Transit Services of Frederick County, ensuring that local buses remain fare-free. The County Executive was joined by County Council Vice President Kavonté Duckett, County Council Member Renee Knapp, and the City of Frederick Council Member Kelly Russell.
“Transit services are crucial for community connectivity, providing access to employment, education, healthcare, and essential services,” said County Executive Fitzwater. “Our fare-free service has made Transit more accessible for our riders during a time when many families are tightening belts and pinching pennies.”
Recordation tax is collected on every real estate transaction in the County. The proposed legislation directly invests a portion of recordation tax revenue into Transit so that services remain fare-free for riders in the community.
“Reallocating a portion of Frederick County’s recordation tax to establish a dedicated Transit Services Fund is a smart, forward-looking investment in our County’s mobility, economy, and equity,” said County Council Vice President Kavonté Duckett.
Frederick County used funding from the CARES Act, passed by Congress in March 2020, to establish a fare-free Transit policy. This policy has led to higher ridership and more efficient services. The CARES Act funding expires in June 2026.
“Without sustained funding, we risk losing the progress we’ve made in equity, access, and ridership,” added Fitzwater. “I want to extend my sincere thanks to County Council Vice President Duckett, County Council Member Knapp, and City Council Member Russell for their unwavering commitment and collaboration in bringing this solution forward.”
The proposed bill will be presented to the County Council at the January 13 meeting and will be sponsored by Council Vice President Duckett and Council Member Knapp. The bill and staff report will be linked in the meeting agenda, which will be available at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Council.
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