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This month's newsletter is about 1150 words long, or a 5-minute read.
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BRTC Newsletter for May 2026
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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
Today, May 12th, Governor Moore is scheduled to sign the "Maryland Transit Administration Reform Act" into law. Its passage will mark the sunset of the BRTC later this year. The BRTC's responsibilities will transition to a newly established body, the Board of Directors for the Baltimore Core Transit Service, and be housed within the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT)
The new board will oversee Baltimore‑area local bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, and paratransit services, including authority over major service plans, budget submissions, and significant service changes. The Act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.
BRTC Priorities During Its Final Months
In the remaining months before sunset, the BRTC will focus on:
- Ensuring a smooth transition to the new Board of Directors for Baltimore Core Transit Service
- Preparing a formal sunset report summarizing the Commission’s actions, findings, and recommendations
- Reviewing and commenting on the MDOT’s draft Consolidated Transportation Plan (CTP) and Maryland Transit Administration's (MTA) fall service changes
- Holding its final two public meetings (details below)
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BRTC 2026 Meetings
The BRTC has scheduled its final two public meetings: July 10 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.
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Legislative Roundup
Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act
The Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act is a new law designed to boost development around rail stations across the state was passed on the final day of the assembly session. By making it easier to build housing and businesses near public transit, the Act streamlines zoning rules, delays certain development fees, and offers financial incentives for qualifying projects. It also prioritizes redevelopment loans and rewards contractors who use project labor agreements. The goal is to create vibrant, accessible communities with more housing options and better transit access, making Maryland a more connected and development-friendly place.
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Engagement Opportunities
MTA Launches the Rider Experience Lab
MTA has launched a new Rider Experience Lab to hear directly from riders about how to improve transit service. The program will use small focus groups to gather feedback and test ideas to help shape improvements across Local Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train, and Commuter Bus service. Interested riders can complete the Rider Engagement Form. MTA will contact participants when sessions match their rider profile and topics of interest. Focus groups are expected to begin this summer.
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2026 Pulse Survey
The Baltimore Metropolitan Council has released new results from the 2026 Pulse survey, which tracks residents’ views on major issues facing the Baltimore region. Transportation remains a key concern, with the survey highlighting public views on traffic, roads and bridges, public transit, and the proposed Red Line. The results show that many residents consider transit access, safety, convenience, and service frequency important for the region’s future. To explore the full results, including the transportation findings, click the button below.
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The Red Line 2026 Values Survey
MTA is asking the public to complete an online survey about the Baltimore Red Line, which is open through July 31. The survey follows recent open houses where MTA shared project updates and options for advancing the Red Line, including full light rail, phased light rail, and bus rapid transit. Community feedback will help MTA understand public priorities around cost, timing, service quality, access, and how the project can best serve the east-west corridor. Take the survey to share your input on the future of this major transit investment for the Baltimore region.
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Transit Provider News
New Contract to Purchase Small Buses
In March, the Maryland Board of Public Works approved a five-year, $344 million contract that will help Maryland’s Locally Operated Transit Services buy new small buses. The contract allows local transit providers to purchase from 12 types of small buses, including gas, low-floor, and battery-electric models. Up to 778 vehicles can be ordered through the contract, based on a replacement schedule for buses that have reached the end of their useful life. The funding will come from 80% federal sources and 20% from state and local funds. This investment will help local transit systems maintain reliable service for public transit, specialized transportation, and human services transportation across the state.
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Transit Events
May Transit Choices Meeting
The May Transit Choices meeting will be held virtually on Zoom on Thursday, May 28, from 8:30 to 9:45am. The meeting will feature updates from MTA on the Baltimore Red Line and the BMORE Bus Plan, including project options, funding, the new bus division, and next steps for implementation. Delegate Robbyn Lewis will also discuss transit accomplishments from the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session, including the MTA Reform Act, the Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act, and funding for a new Baltimore City bus depot. Anyone who would like the Zoom link should reach out to robin@transitchoices.org.
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A strong public transit system helps visitors explore Baltimore and Maryland without needing to rent a car, sit in traffic, or search for parking. Tourism is a major part of Maryland’s economy. Visitors spent $21.2 billion in 2024 and supported nearly 194,000 jobs across the state. Local transit routes are especially important when they connect major gateways like BWI Marshall Airport and Baltimore Penn Station to hotels, attractions, restaurants, and events. Reliable transit helps make the region more welcoming, easier to navigate, and better connected, allowing visitors to spend more time and money in local communities.
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This Month in Transit History
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May 20, 1993 - In its second year, the Baltimore Light Rail service was extended to its southernmost stop. It added two more stations in May that reached Glen Burnie, after adding four stations to Linthicum in April of 1993.
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May 24, 1830 - The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad began passenger service between Baltimore and Ellicott City, Maryland. While it initially relied on horse-drawn coaches, by 1831, it began regular revenue service with steam locomotives, a first for a US common carrier railroad. It became a model for passenger and freight service, helping establish Baltimore as a major transportation hub.
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