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Legislators urge renewal of transit safety investment mandate to sustain MTA funding
Summary
Delegate Mark Edelson asked the committee to extend the Transit Safety and Investment Act’s minimum funding requirement for the Maryland Transit Administration to maintain system preservation beyond the current sunset date.
Delegate Mark Edelson presented House Bill 14-63 to continue statutory minimum funding levels for the Maryland Transit Administration beyond the current sunset.
"Back in 2021 ... this bill established that from FY '21 to FY '28 there would be basic levels of funding for system preservation for the MTA system," Edelson said, and proposed continuing similar minimum funding levels under the new bill to match current capital-need inventory levels.
He emphasized the system's reach across the state and noted ridership growth: "In fiscal year 24 there is 64,300,000 boardings on the MTA system. That's up 11% from the previous year." Supporters argued predictable funding is necessary to contract, procure and keep the system in a state of good repair.
Committee members asked whether mandating funding years into the future would reduce flexibility for future legislatures to respond to changing priorities or revenue constraints. Edelson said the prior law improved MTA conditions without crowding out funds for roads and bridges, and argued that reliable transit investment produces economic returns.
Other questions addressed fare enforcement and fare-box recovery, and whether the state should attach conditions or reporting around ridership or fare collection. Edelson said the bill is focused on maintaining a state of good repair and safety and that separate policy levers address fare enforcement.
No vote or amendment was recorded in the hearing; sponsors and committee members discussed possible follow-up and how to balance transit funding with other transportation priorities.
