The Coalition for Smarter Growth supports SB 947. In particular, we are testifying in support of two of the bill provisions: establishment of a Commuter Services Advisory Board for MARC and MTA Commuter Bus services; and a technical study on the creation of a rail authority in the state.

Regional Transportation Authorities SB 674 would increase taxes via three new taxing and planning authorities for transportation in portions of the state. SB 674 structures the proposed funding authorities similar to ones in Virginia that have been problematic and led to calls for reform by some officials and stakeholders.

SB 62 will ensure Maryland’s transportation investments are aligned with state policy goals and that funding decisions are transparent and data driven.

The Transportation and Climate Alignment Act would advance cleaner and more affordable transportation options, while making smart use of our limited public dollars. SB 59 provides a toolkit to evaluate planned transportation investments early on, and, if needed, make improvements to them by giving communities more options to connect residents to jobs and services than driving, while providing accountability on the state’s climate goals. 

The Coalition for Smarter Growth strongly supports funding for WMATA. We support the proposed governor’s allowance with amendments that the State of Maryland provide full operating funding contribution identified by WMATA in its proposed FY27 budget, and, starting in FY28, the DMVMoves capital funding increase of $152M per year.