TRANSPORTATION

Transportation accounts for as much as 40% of the household budget for the working poor, and is the second highest cost for most families. A world-class public transportation system is essential for a strong and economically competitive region. Absent a strong transit system, any growth in jobs or population brings along with it increasing problems--congestion, air pollution, and time lost sitting in traffic. A strong transit system also has a dramatic impact on making jobs available, and on the ability of working people to afford the basics of life. With an excellent transit system, working families can access better jobs and have more money to make key investments like homeownership or a child's college education.

In 2006, Reservoir Hill Improvement Council (RHIC) worked with Reservoir Hill residents to save the Route 5 bus line through Reservoir Hill to continue serving the seniors and others who rely on pubic transportation to access shopping, medical care, and other needs. Through the campaign home owners and tenants worked together, and many active residents saw and took an active part in the city processes that impact the local needs of Reservoir Hill residents.

The Transit Riders League

Organized by Citizens Planning & Housing Association, Transit Riders League is the leading voice on behalf of people who use the buses, Metro, light rail and MARC trains every day. The Transit Riders League is now focused on ensuring that the system is not decimated by ill-advised cuts in service or increases in fares. It is also focused on basic improvements in service like ensuring that buses have accurate signs and announcements.

The Transit Riders League advocates for:

Equity and justice in transportation policy and funding.
A public transportation system that serves the needs of all people.
Full access to and involvement in decisions affecting users of public transit; and
Awareness of the benefits of public transportation

The Transit Riders League's most significant victories to date include successful campaigns to reduce Baltimore's onerous farebox recovery requirements from 50% to 40%, and to pass a 2001 transit initiative by then-Governor Parris Glendening ($502 million new state transit dollars). The latter accomplishment resulted in the reopening of Sunday service on the Metro Subway and the opening of a new Mondawmin Neighborhood Shuttle. TRL members also participated in the successful effort to stave off a sunset provision that would have raised the farebox recovery requirement back to 50%.

For more information, contact Dan Pontious at, 410-539-1369, x107 or at DanP@cphabaltimore.org.