Baltimoreans have long known the way their city’s transit is run is unusual. But it wasn’t until a new report from a Washington, DC-based transportation think tank was released last month that it became clear just
how unique Baltimore’s lack of control over its transit system truly is.
According to the Eno Center for Transportation, out of the 50 largest transit agencies in the United States, only Baltimore’s transit is both governed and operated by a state agency without a board of directors in this case, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA). Other cities with state-run transit agencies, like New York and Boston, have appointed boards with at least some power to make recommendations and sometimes even veto key decisions, and also do not rely entirely on their state governments for any non-federal funding.
Maryland Framework Offers Connected, Automated Vehicle Guide
Traffic at the Fort McHenry toll plaza on Interstate 95 in Maryland. (Maryland Transportation Authority)
With an eye toward the future of transportation technology, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan released the state’s Connected and Automated Vehicle Strategic Framework.
While the transportation sector adapts to new technologies, the framework is meant to inform and guide industry representatives as they shape their own plans for CAV deployment. The framework offers a description of Maryland’s CAV landscape today while outlining five focus areas for the future: public education and outreach, planning and policy, early deployment and testing, workforce development and infrastructure.
Maryland Gov. Hogan issues order banning nonessential travel to limit coronavirus spread during holidays capitalgazette.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from capitalgazette.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
St. Ann s and Church Circle in Annapolis. MidAtlantic Aerial photo
McGRATH MOSTLY MUM DURING PAYOUT TESTIMONY: Gov. Larry Hogan’s former Chief of Staff Roy McGrath declined to answer several questions during an oversight hearing Wednesday regarding the six-figure severance payout he received, and what role, if any, Gov. Hogan played in that decision to dole out the cash, Bryan Renbaum of Maryland Reporter reports.
Maryland lawmakers were again frustrated with more questions than answers Wednesday, as McGrath said little to shed light on a six-figure payout he received from his prior state job, Pamela Wood of the Sun reports.
‘A Great Day for the State’: Board of Public Works Approves Purple Line Settlement
The three-member Maryland Board of Public Works unanimously approved a settlement that ends all financial claims and litigation concerning the proposed Purple Line. Under the agreement, the state will pay $250 million, of which $100 million is due by the end of this month.
“We are going to see the Purple Line, a little late, but still working to unite the suburbs,” said board member and Maryland State Treasurer Nancy Kopp at the board’s Dec. 16 meeting,
The Maryland Department of Transportation, Meridiam, Star America and Fluor, which had been partners on the project, reached an agreement that allows the Purple Line Transit Partners P3 Agreement to proceed, but only with Meridiam and Star America as P3 developers and equity partners.