Students and Advocates Demand Improved Transit in Baltimore at Annapolis Rally

On Tuesday afternoon, approximately 100 students and advocates gathered near the State House in Annapolis, urging for urgent improvements to Baltimore's public transit system. The rally was marked by a clear message: the city needs better transit services without delay.

Paul Sturm, chair of the Downtown Residents Advocacy Network and one of the event's organizers, emphasized the necessity of immediate action. He stated, "Not 10 years from now when hopefully the Red Line is up and running, not five years when the new light rail cars are in … we need better transit now."

Qamryn Askew, a senior at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, shared her personal experiences with the transit system, highlighting its unreliability. "Nothing makes you realize how unreliable public transit is than when you depend on it to get to school, to work, and to live your life," she told the crowd. Her sentiments echoed the broader concerns about the impact of transit issues on the city's economy and the future of its students.

The rally reflected growing support for enhancing Baltimore's public transit, which has faced challenges in recent years, including financial instability and rising operational costs. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) operates the transit system in the city, and while recent budgets have been maintained, the need for expansion and improvement remains critical.

Governor Wes Moore and Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld have managed to keep operating budgets fully funded, but advocates argue that the current service levels are insufficient. MTA Administrator Holly Arnold assured attendees that the current budget will help the agency improve its services, stating, "Without the MTA, the economy does not move. This administration knows that for Maryland to succeed, our transit system must succeed."

However, many attendees expressed dissatisfaction with the status quo. Madeleine Monson-Rosen, an English teacher at Bard High School, voiced her concerns about the impact of transit reliability on student attendance and participation in school activities. She criticized lawmakers for not prioritizing the needs of Baltimore's youth, stating, "Your actions teach us that you don’t care."

Several lawmakers, including Democratic Senators Cory McCray and Shelly Hettleman, attended the rally to hear the calls for improved transit services. Although MTA bus routes have shown a 73% on-time performance since December 2023, independent monitors have reported lower reliability rates, raising concerns among riders and advocates.

Arnold acknowledged the challenges faced by the MTA, particularly regarding vehicle maintenance and operator shortages. She highlighted the potential for enhanced service if additional funding could be secured, including more frequent bus and train services.

As the rally concluded, Arnold reiterated the importance of focusing on getting the transit system back on track, emphasizing the need for investment in public transportation to better serve the community.

Reported by HarborBeat based on thebanner.com (source).