After public pressure, MTA decides to halt local bus cut backs

WBAL reports: After facing criticism from riders and local officials, the Maryland Transit Administration is putting the brakes on planned cutbacks to bus service.

Service reductions on Commuter Bus and MARC lines will go forward on November 2.

“With the ongoing review of all transit ridership and public feedback, it became clear that preserving core bus service is essential,” Transportation Secretary Gregory Slater said in a statement. “The data shows more choice riders use MARC and Commuter Bus. These temporary reductions allow us to preserve our MARC train slots with CSX and Amtrak and our contracts with Commuter Bus providers. This plan allows us to respond nimbly as Maryland’s economy recovers and more choice riders cease teleworking or return to transit. It is very important to me that we work collaboratively and listen openly to all perspectives. This reflects that approach.” Read more