Why Transit Funding Matters Now

Transit is basic infrastructure.

Many households in Baltimore do not own a car. Transit is how people get to work, school, health care, groceries, and other daily needs. When transit fails, people miss paychecks, classes, and appointments.

The bus network is the backbone.

About 8 out of 10 Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) riders use bus service. The BMORE BUS plan focuses on these core routes that most riders depend on every day. Improving these routes is one of the highest-value investments the state can make.

Plans are ready, funding must follow.

MTA and its partners have completed major plans outlining clear steps to improve bus, rail, and MARC service in Central Maryland. These plans are a blueprint. They only work if state capital and operating funding keep pace with the plans' requirements.

 

Our Top Priorities for State Transit Funding

Build bus facilities that unlock BMORE BUS

The BMORE BUS Plan and the regional transit plan both identify a new bus division and downtown transfer facilities as essential.  Without these facilities, MTA cannot add more buses, improve layovers, or fully deliver more frequent, reliable bus service. Buses already carry more than twice as many riders as all other MTA modes combined, so these investments are critical for the entire region.

Set a clear path forward for the Red Line

Cancelling the original Red Line left a significant gap in east-west service for riders and employers in Baltimore. The BRTC is asking the State to clarify funding options, choose a clear path, and secure future funding so the project is ready when a federal partnership is possible again. 

Protect core service through State of Good Repair

Recent investments to fix aging buses, railways, and stations are an essential start. They are only a down payment on what riders need. Flat or declining transit capital funding would make it hard to replace vehicles and repair infrastructure on time. That would result in slower, less reliable service and more breakdowns for riders.

Follow through on Light Rail Modernization

Full Funding for Light Rail Modernization is the largest near-term transit investment in Baltimore in many years. To succeed, it needs steady funding so MTA can buy new rail cars, upgrade tracks and power, and keep construction on schedule. Sharp swings or cuts in funding could slow the project and risk federal support.

Keep capital and operating funding aligned

New or expanded service only works if both sides of the budget are strong. Vehicles, tracks, and stations must be in good repair, and the operating budget must cover enough operators, mechanics, and support staff. Growth in operating funding that is too far into the future creates service reliability risks.

 

What We Are Asking State Leaders To Do in 2026

The BRTC is asking the General Assembly and the Governor to:

  • Keep transit capital funding strong so Central Maryland can build key facilities, replace aging vehicles, and keep the entire system in a state of good repair.
  • Provide operating funding that matches planned service improvements so new routes and more frequent service are reliable and long-lasting.
  • Prioritize high-impact, rider-focused investments such as BMORE BUS improvements, new bus facilities, Light Rail Modernization, and a clear path for the Red Line.
  • Use flexible and contingency funds to support transit where possible, and clearly explain how those choices benefit riders.

Transit funding decisions made in the next few years will shape mobility, equity, and economic growth in Central Maryland for decades. Transit drives our region.

 

How You Can Help

If you are a state leader or staff member:

  • Support these transit priorities in transportation capital and operating budgets.
  • Ask agencies how their budget choices support BMORE BUS, the Red Line, Light Rail Modernization, and strong State of Good Repair programs.
  • Invite the BRTC and MTA to brief your office on how current plans and budgets line up. 

If you are a community member, rider, or advocate:

  • Please share this page with your legislators and ask them to support strong transit funding for Central Maryland.
  • Talk about how transit, or the lack of it, affects your own daily life and other members of your community.

For everyone:

 

Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) and BRTC Comment Letters

 

Consolidated Transportation Program

Maryland's six-year capital budget for transportation projects across all travel modes, including transit.

Link: Consolidated Transportation Program

 

The BRTC Comment Letter on the Draft CTP

The BRTC's full comment letter on recent state transportation funding decisions provides more detail on these concerns and recommendations.

Link: BRTC Comment Letter on the Draft CTP

 

The BRTC Letter To Support Expedited Implementation of the BMORE BUS Plan

A letter asking the MTA what funding and concrete steps are needed right now to speed up the BMORE BUS Plan, especially key bus facilities, so its widely supported bus improvements can be delivered sooner.

Link: BRTC Letter on Expediting BMORE BUS Implementation and MTA Response

 

Learn More About the Plans Behind These Priorities

These MTA plans outline a vision for a stronger transit system in Central Maryland. Our goal is to ensure they are fully funded and implemented.

 

Central Maryland Transit Plan

Long-range plan for better, more connected transit across the region, including key corridors and priority projects.

Link: Central Maryland Regional Transit Plan

 

BMORE BUS Plan

Plan to redesign and improve the core bus network that most MTA riders use every day.

Link: BMORE BUS Plan

 

Red Line

Major east-west transit project to connect riders to jobs, schools, health care, and regional rail.

Link: Red Line

 

Light Rail Modernization

Program to replace aging light rail vehicles, and upgrade tracks, power, and stations so service is faster, more reliable, and accessible to all. 

Link: Light Rail Modernization

 

MARC Growth and Transformation Plan

Plan to improve MARC commuter rail service, with more frequent and reliable trips that better connect Central Maryland to the rest of the state and the greater region.

Link: MARC Growth and Transformation Plan 

 

Capital Needs Inventory

A detailed list of the capital projects and investments needed to keep transit assets in good repair and add key upgrades to set priorities and identify funding gaps.

Link: 10-Year Capital Needs Inventory & Prioritization