MTA Seeks to Reduce Commuter Bus Routes Amid Funding Shortfall

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has announced plans to reduce several Commuter Bus routes due to a substantial financial deficit in state transportation funding. This decision follows a recent announcement from the Department of Transportation highlighting the unprecedented structural challenges facing the funding system.

To gather public input on the proposed changes, MTA will hold a series of five public hearings, including three virtual and two in-person sessions, from March 18 to March 27. Additionally, there will be a 30-day public review and comment period, which will remain open until April 29. The proposed route modifications are set to take effect on July 1.

Governor Wes Moore has allocated extra funding in the 2025 budget proposal to help maintain Commuter Bus services at a reduced level, rather than eliminating them entirely. The MTA's plan aims to ensure continued access across all areas currently served by the Commuter Bus system, using ridership data and considerations of equity and potential access.

Riders and stakeholders can find details about the public hearings, including dates and times, by visiting mta.maryland.gov/commuter-bus-2024. The website also features a comprehensive list of proposed service changes and methods for submitting comments. For those seeking additional information, the MTA headquarters at 6 St. Paul St. in Baltimore has printed materials available, and inquiries can be directed to the Transit Information Contact Center at 410-539-5000.

Proposed Service Changes

The MTA's proposal includes the discontinuation of service on the following eight routes:

• 260 – Severna Park & Davidsonville to Washington, D.C.
• 411 – Hickory to Hopkins Hospital/Baltimore
• 850 – Prince Frederick/Dunkirk to Suitland/Washington, D.C.

Additionally, the total number of trips will be reduced on 26 other routes, including:

• 201 – Gaithersburg Park & Ride to BWI Marshall Airport
• 210 – Kent Island to Annapolis/Baltimore
• 230 – Annapolis/Severna Park to Washington, D.C.
• 305 – Columbia/Silver Spring to Washington, D.C.
• 420 – Hickory to Hopkins Hospital/Baltimore

However, the proposed changes will not impact the following route:

• 250 – Kent Island/Davidson to Washington, D.C.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WBFF (source).