Without this funding, we will see fare hikes and service cuts during a time when frequent, reliable, and affordable transit is more important than ever.
Category: Better Public Transit
Testimony: Support for SB 947 – MTA Reform Act (MD)
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.
Testimony: Opposition to SB 674 / HB 916 — Regional Transportation Authorities (MD)
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.
Testimony: Support for Transportation Investment Priorities Act of 2026 (MD)
SB 62 will ensure Maryland’s transportation investments are aligned with state policy goals and that funding decisions are transparent and data driven.
Testimony: Support for Transportation and Climate Alignment Act of 2026 (MD)
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.
Testimony: Support for WMATA Operating and Capital Budget (MD)
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.
Support 3 key reforms for better Maryland transportation
A transportation trifecta is moving through the MD General Assembly: more climate-friendly projects, more options than driving, and more homes and businesses near transit. Send an email to make sure these three bills get passed!
Testimony: Support for Vulnerable Road User Protection Act of 2026 (MD)
The Vulnerable Road User Protection Act will provide a needed data-driven approach to safety that aligns with Maryland’s Vision Zero commitment to eliminate traffic deaths. A quarter of Maryland traffic deaths involved people walking or biking.
Testimony: Support for HB 386 — Metro Funding Modification Act (MD)
The Metro Funding Modification Act will ensure that critical tri-state capital funding for WMATA is adjusted for inflation and scaled to meet state-of-good repair needs starting in FY29. The funding will also enable timely modernization of outdated rail system infrastructure.
Testimony: DDOT Performance Oversight Hearing (DC)
Continued success in safety and better transportation choices will be foundational to a revitalized Downtown economy and connected thriving neighborhoods.