BTA Updates - September 26, 2006

Responding to a questionnaire issued by the BTA, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. and his challenger, Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley both voiced strong support for transit in the Baltimore region. The candidates provided written responses on topics such as additional funding, commitment to maintaining the schedule for the Red Line planning process, and bus route restructuring. Although both candidates generally support BTA priorities, including construction of the Red and Green lines, improved connections to Washington, and short term improvements to the local bus network, the responses reveal differing priorities. Ehrlich's list of major issues facing transit in the region included safety and reliability of existing services, improvement of Mobility services for people with disabilities, bus route reform, and completion of the Red Line study. O'Malley called for a "first-class transit system," enhanced public participation in the planning process, bus system improvements, an "overhaul" of the MARC Train service, and incentives for businesses to locate near transit stations. To see the questionnaire and full responses from the candidates, click here.

Going against the recommendation of an expert panel he convened, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine joined Northern Virginia Congressmen Frank Wolf and Tom Davis in agreeing to drop plans to tunnel a new rail line through Tysons Corner. Kaine cited his concern that the additional cost of a tunnel would jeopardize $900 million in federal funds that are conditioned on an acceptable "cost effectiveness" rating by the Federal Transit Administration. The additional cost of a tunnel would lower the project rating even if it was covered by local funds. The tunnel was being considered as part of the 23-mile extension of Metrorail to Dulles Airport. Current plans call for the line to run on a elevated track through Tysons Corner, but Fairfax County and local property owners are concerned this will take up too much land and it make it difficult to improve the environment for pedestrians. For more information on the Dulles project, click here.

Seeking ways to improve the quality and image of its bus system, last year the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority converted a major bus line into "Metropolitan Area Express" using some of the improvements associated with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). The six-mile MAX line serves Kansas City's three largest commercial areas: Downtown, Crown Center, and Country Club Plaza. The agency purchased 13 buses that were upgraded with improved seats, sound insulation, and a special paint scheme, and constructed $100,000 "stations" to replace conventional bus stops. Stations feature architect-designed bus shelters and a distinctive pylon that broadcasts the arrival time of the next bus. The project also included repaving the right lane of the streets along the route, and installation of a new traffic signal system that gives MAX buses priority if they are running behind schedule. Seeking to keep the costs to approximately $20 million, the project did not include dedicated lanes. Agency representatives are pleased with the response from the public, and cite a 29% in ridership as evidence that riders respond to customer service improvements. To see images of the MAX line, click here.

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The Baltimore County Planning Board's fall speaker series will focus on transit-oriented development as a "tool for community renaissance." On October 5, Ezio Ross of the Woodlawn Community Education and Development Association and Dan Pontious of the Citizens Planning and Housing Association will present "Exploring Possibilities for Baltimore's Red Line: Transit Around the Nation." On November 2, Paul Morris of PB Placemaking will discuss "TOD: New Vitality for Older Communities," and on November 16 Stu Sirota of TND Planning will present "Getting it Right: TOD Best Practices." All presentations will be in the County Courts Building, 401 Bosley Avenue, Room 407, at 4 PM. For more information contact Jackie MacMillan at 410-887-3495.

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