Baltimore, December 10, 2025
In a significant move to improve regional transportation, Baltimore’s business community has outlined strategic legislative initiatives and long-term objectives. Key actions include the Maryland Toll Rate Reform Act of 2024, which allocates $75 million annually to enhance transportation funding, and the Greater Baltimore Committee’s Baltimore’s Transit Future campaign, aiming to create a world-class public transit system. These initiatives are designed to tackle current challenges and ensure sustainable growth for the region.
Baltimore Business Leaders Set Legislative and Long-Term Goals for Regional Transportation
Baltimore, Maryland – In recent developments, Baltimore’s business community has outlined strategic legislative and long-term objectives to enhance the region’s transportation infrastructure. These initiatives aim to address current challenges and lay the groundwork for sustainable growth in the coming years.
Legislative Initiatives
In the 2025 legislative session, the Maryland House of Delegates passed the Maryland Toll Rate Reform Act of 2024, a significant step toward revitalizing the state’s transportation funding. The bill mandates the Maryland Transportation Authority to allocate $75 million annually, starting July 1, 2025, into a dedicated transportation fund. This measure seeks to replenish the $750 million previously utilized from the Transportation Trust Fund for the Intercounty Connector project. This action is part of a broader strategy to generate approximately $1.3 billion for transportation and education initiatives.
Long-Term Transportation Goals
Beyond immediate legislative actions, Baltimore’s business leaders have articulated a comprehensive vision for the region’s transportation future. The Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC), in collaboration with the Greater Washington Partnership, has been instrumental in advancing the Baltimore’s Transit Future campaign. This coalition of over 65 business, civic, and non-profit organizations advocates for a world-class public transit system to foster economic prosperity and inclusive growth. The campaign focuses on six strategic priorities:
- Addressing the transit system’s repair backlog and operator shortage.
- Establishing frequent, reliable transit service to regional job centers.
- Supporting regional coordination, decision-making, and funding.
- Implementing a 10-year rapid transit expansion program.
- Prioritizing regional rail investment.
- Catalyzing equitable development at transit and rail stations.
These objectives aim to create a more equitable transportation system, enhancing the Baltimore region’s appeal as a place to live, work, and conduct business.
Background Context
The push for improved transportation infrastructure in Baltimore is not a new endeavor. The Central Maryland Transportation Alliance (CMTA), established in 2007, has long advocated for comprehensive regional transportation plans. CMTA’s mission includes reducing congestion, limiting sprawl, increasing job opportunities, and making travel within Central Maryland more efficient. The coalition comprises business, civic, and non-profit groups dedicated to enhancing transportation options for the region’s residents and businesses.
Additionally, the Maryland Commission on Transportation Revenue and Infrastructure Needs (TRAIN Commission), formed in 2023, plays a pivotal role in evaluating and recommending the prioritization and funding of transportation projects. Chaired by Frank J. Principe Jr., the commission includes legislators and representatives from local government, transportation, industry, business, labor, and environmental organizations.
These collective efforts underscore a concerted commitment among Baltimore’s business leaders and policymakers to develop a robust and sustainable transportation system that meets the evolving needs of the region.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Maryland Toll Rate Reform Act of 2024 | Legislation requiring the Maryland Transportation Authority to allocate $75 million annually into a dedicated transportation fund, aiming to replenish the $750 million previously used from the Transportation Trust Fund. |
| Baltimore’s Transit Future Campaign | A coalition of over 65 business, civic, and non-profit organizations advocating for a world-class public transit system in the Baltimore region, focusing on six strategic priorities. |
| Central Maryland Transportation Alliance (CMTA) | A coalition established in 2007 to improve travel within Central Maryland, focusing on reducing congestion, limiting sprawl, increasing job opportunities, and enhancing travel efficiency. |
| Maryland Commission on Transportation Revenue and Infrastructure Needs (TRAIN Commission) | A commission established in 2023 to review, evaluate, and make recommendations on the prioritization and funding of transportation projects, comprising legislators and representatives from various sectors. |
FAQ
What is the Maryland Toll Rate Reform Act of 2024?
The Maryland Toll Rate Reform Act of 2024 is legislation passed by the Maryland House of Delegates that requires the Maryland Transportation Authority to allocate $75 million annually, starting July 1, 2025, into a dedicated transportation fund. This initiative aims to replenish the $750 million previously used from the Transportation Trust Fund for the Intercounty Connector project.
What are the six strategic priorities of the Baltimore’s Transit Future campaign?
The six strategic priorities of the Baltimore’s Transit Future campaign are:
- Addressing the transit system’s repair backlog and operator shortage.
- Establishing frequent, reliable transit service to regional job centers.
- Supporting regional coordination, decision-making, and funding.
- Implementing a 10-year rapid transit expansion program.
- Prioritizing regional rail investment.
- Catalyzing equitable development at transit and rail stations.
These objectives aim to create a more equitable transportation system, enhancing the Baltimore region’s appeal as a place to live, work, and conduct business.
What is the role of the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance (CMTA)?
The Central Maryland Transportation Alliance (CMTA) is a coalition of business, civic, and non-profit groups dedicated to improving travel within Central Maryland. Established in 2007, CMTA focuses on reducing congestion, limiting sprawl, increasing job opportunities, and making travel within the region more efficient.
What is the Maryland Commission on Transportation Revenue and Infrastructure Needs (TRAIN Commission)?
The Maryland Commission on Transportation Revenue and Infrastructure Needs (TRAIN Commission) is a body established in 2023 to review, evaluate, and make recommendations on the prioritization and funding of transportation projects. Chaired by Frank J. Principe Jr., the commission comprises legislators and representatives from local government, transportation, industry, business, labor, and environmental organizations.
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