The Baltimore Regional Transit Commission has called on Maryland transportation officials to increase funding for key transit projects in the Baltimore area, expedite construction of a new bus facility, and develop a financial plan for the proposed Red Line transit corridor. The commission warns that delays in addressing these projects could worsen maintenance issues and impair service reliability.

In a letter dated September 30 to Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson, the commission expressed concern about the state's preliminary six-year transportation spending proposal. The plan pushes funding for several major Baltimore transit initiatives into later years and leaves hundreds of millions of dollars in identified maintenance needs unaddressed.

The commission requested that the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) clarify which projects have been delayed due to budget shortfalls, identify resources to address these delays, and provide a more transparent accounting of the region’s transit needs before the state finalizes the fiscal 2027-2032 Consolidated Transportation Program.

While the draft plan increases MTA’s overall six-year capital budget to approximately $5.76 billion from $5.69 billion in the previous cycle, Baltimore’s share of funding for identifiable core transit projects falls by about $197 million—a 9.6 percent decrease to $1.86 billion for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. In contrast, total MTA capital spending rises by roughly $109 million over the same period.

The commission notes that while some funds have shifted to fiscal 2032 or beyond and some reductions reflect project timeline adjustments or scope changes, postponing work risks delaying critical upgrades to infrastructure and accessibility. Aging equipment and facilities may remain in service longer, potentially increasing future maintenance costs and service disruptions.

Comparative analysis shows that transit projects in the Washington area and other regions have seen an overall increase of approximately $414 million, largely driven by a $403 million boost in Purple Line investments. The commission urged a review to ensure equitable distribution of state transportation funds across regions.

Additional MTA materials identify nearly $92 million in projects deferred, reduced, or rescheduled, alongside $94 million in unfunded priority projects and $307 million in unmet state-of-good-repair needs. These maintenance requirements include $128 million for Metro system repairs, $87 million for agency-wide technology and mobility services, $57 million for bus operations, and $35 million for Light Rail infrastructure.

Unfunded projects encompass Metro tunnel and station repairs, upgrades to rail electrical systems, bus facility enhancements, and technology improvements. The commission cautioned that ongoing delays could increase maintenance costs, prolong equipment downtime, and lead to service interruptions.

Light Rail modernization is a particular area of concern. Funding planned for system modernization and overhauls declined by about $309 million over the five-year comparison period. The modernization effort involves replacing the existing fleet, upgrading stations and maintenance facilities, rehabilitating track on Howard Street, and improving electrical power systems. All 52 current Light Rail vehicles are at or near the end of their service lives, according to MTA. Although substantial funding appears in fiscal 2032, deferring these investments may delay delivery of new vehicles and infrastructure upgrades.

The commission also urged expedited progress on the long-discussed Red Line, an east-west transit corridor prioritized regionally. The draft plan allocates $95 million for planning efforts but no funds for construction. The commission called for MTA to complete its evaluation of light rail versus bus rapid transit alternatives and to formulate a detailed financing and project timetable.

Regarding bus services, the draft budget adds approximately $106 million to the core bus fleet replacement program, targeting the purchase of around 67 buses annually in fiscal years 2030 and 2031. It also dedicates about $10 million toward the Fifth Bus Division for design and property acquisition, addressing capacity constraints at the existing four divisions.

However, the commission contended that the plan falls short in supporting BMORE BUS, the regional initiative to enhance core bus service. It recommended increasing engineering and construction funding for the Fifth Bus Division and boosting financial backing for BMORE BUS implementation.

Officials from MDOT, MTA, and the office of Governor Wes Moore were not immediately available for comment on the commission’s recommendations.