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This month's newsletter is about 950 words long, or a 4-minute read.
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About the BRTC
The Baltimore Regional Transit Commission (BRTC), works to improve public transit in the Baltimore region. The BRTC provides input and support to transit providers and strives to improve service and make it more accessible for all. To provide online feedback for the BRTC, please visit our community engagement page.
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Commission News
Welcome new BRTC Commissioner Christine Anderson
Christine Anderson, who represents Anne Arundel County and was appointed by County Executive Steuart Pittman in November. Christine has many years of experience in local and state government. Before becoming the county's Chief Administrative Officer, she led the Office of Central Services, managing facilities, the county fleet, procurement, and other key functions. She previously worked in finance and administrative roles at the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and in the Maryland General Assembly.
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BRTC Releases 2025 Annual Report
This month, the BRTC released its 2025 Legislative Report. The report shares what the BRTC's worked on this year, including efforts to improve public transit service, advocate for funding, support the transit workforce, and make riding easier for people in the Baltimore region.
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BRTC Comment Letter on the Draft Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP)
The BRTC sent a letter to MDOT leadership urging stronger, more reliable funding in the draft CTP. The BRTC is concerned that Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) funding is either remaining the same or decreasing. The BRTC noted that there isn't enough early funding for the BMORE BUS Plan, and that it is unclear how Contingency Funds will be used. The BRTC stressed the need to fund big projects, like the Fifth Bus Division, the Downtown Transfer Facility, the Red Line, and Light Rail Modernization, to improve service and meet growing demand. The BRTC asked MDOT to focus on projects that support regional transit plans and the Governor's goals for better transportation and economic opportunities.
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BRTC 2026 Meetings
The BRTC has scheduled the dates for its bi-monthly meetings for next year: January 23, March 6, May 1, July 17, September 11, and November 13.
- 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.
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Legislative Round Up
Update on the Workgroup on the Re-Organization of the MTA
The HB 517 Workgroup has concluded its 2025 meetings and will soon release its annual report. The report will summarize the group’s progress during its first year on studying possible changes to the organization of MDOT and MTA, including options for governance, statewide transit coordination, and future legislative needs.
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Engagement Opportunities
Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program December Public Meetings
Amtrak is replacing the 150-year-old B&P Tunnel, the biggest rail bottleneck between Washington and New York. The new Frederick Douglass Tunnel will make train travel in Baltimore faster, safer, and more reliable. Amtrak is holding two public meetings to share a 2025 year-in-review, construction updates, work opportunities, and future project features. Everyone is welcome to join and offer feedback.
- Virtual: Monday, December 8, 6-7:30 PM
- In Person: Wednesday, December 10, 6-7:30 PM
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Engagement Opportunities
Baltimore Traffic Safety Survey
The Baltimore City Department of Transportation wants to hear from residents about their experiences on city streets and ideas for making them safer. The online Traffic Safety Survey asks how traffic issues impact you, where you feel unsafe walking, biking, or driving, and what changes you think would improve safety. Your feedback will help shape recommendations in the City’s Vision Zero Action Plan, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries. The survey will remain open through the end of December.
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Transit Provider News
MTA Adds Three New Holiday Sweaters for 2025
The MTA has added three new transit-themed sweaters for the 2025 holiday season to its merchandise lineup. These sweaters join a growing collection of transit-inspired apparel and gifts, including socks, drinkware, hats, hoodies, and t-shirts. They’re a fun way to stay warm this winter while showing your love for Maryland transit or picking out a unique, locally themed gift.
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Transit systems help reduce traffic by giving people an alternative to driving alone, which uses a lot of road space per person. When more people ride buses or trains, there are fewer cars on the road, reducing congestion, especially during rush hour. In 2024, the average U.S. driver lost 43 hours to traffic, costing about $74 billion in wasted time and fuel. Adding more transit service frees up road space for drivers, leading to smoother trips and better productivity for everyone.
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This Month in Transit History
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December 5, 1993 – Baltimore's Metro SubwayLink was extended to Johns Hopkins Hospital, connecting East Baltimore to the rest of the system, increasing access to healthcare and jobs.
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December 6, 1997 – Baltimore's Light Rail was extended to BWI Airport and Penn Station, linking regional rail and air travel for the first time.
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December 9, 1969 – The U.S. Senate approved final funding to begin building the DC Metro, securing the system's future as a rail network that would later extend into Maryland.
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