Delegate Liz Bobo supported a look at a gas tax increase proposed by County Council member Mary Kay Sigaty as part of a plan to be able to maintain some or all of the MTA routes servicing our area. Despite the recent plummet in gas and crude oil prices, that additional taxation would not have been viewed very favorably in the current economic environment.“Working together with County Executive Ulman and the citizens of Howard County, we have been able to reach an agreement that not only ensures a regular transit option between Howard County and Baltimore City, but also addresses budget concerns,” said Governor O’Malley. “Based on the extreme hardship such a step would have on citizens, as well as the lack of viable transportation alternatives, MTA will maintain a reduced commuter bus schedule on these routes.”
Complete elimination of three commuter bus lines from the county had been proposed by MTA as part of an overall budget reduction plan due to declining revenues resulting from the recent national economic downturn. A key reason for the restoration of partial service is that the MTA proposal would have left Howard County commuters without a regular service transit option to Baltimore.
“I am pleased that we are able to partner with the state to restore a significant portion of these bus lines for Howard County residents,” said County Executive Ulman. “We are well aware of the tough fiscal decisions being made at both the state and local levels and we appreciate the Governor’s staff working with us to restore some of these routes. Today Governor O’Malley has practiced what he preaches, ‘Compromise in not a dirty word.’”
I'm very happy that Executive Ulman and Governor O'Malley were able to work out a deal. Certainly, it is not perfect, but accessibility to viable public transportation around Columbia is critical.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment