Governor Moore Announces Light Rail as Recommended Mode of Transportation for Baltimore Red Line – Press Releases – News

“For far too many Baltimore communities, the pathways to get from where you live to where the opportunities are simply don’t exist.” said Lieutenant Governor Aruna
Miller. “Today marks a monumental step in delivering on our promise to invest in Baltimore and its residents, and give them a long-awaited transit system that can move them to and from work, to and from healthcare, and to school. It will be a system they deserve. In a city that has seen too much of its history dictated by the Red Line, its future can be rewritten by a Red Line.

“Successful public transit projects must strike a balance between cost, long-term value and public support,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “The Baltimore Red Line is another example of our commitment to providing Marylanders with a transportation network that connects them to opportunities, services and resources that can help foster a better quality of life.

“Job creation and economic development depend on a well-integrated public transit system. That’s precisely why, in 2021, Senator Van Hollen and I secured the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to reopen federal funds for Baltimore’s Red Line project – funds that were rejected by then-Governor in 2015,” said Senator Ben Cardin. “Public transit is empowering and cost-effective. It reduces congestion and pollution, and connects people to jobs, shopping, family and entertainment that they might not otherwise be able to easily reach. Baltimoreans deserve better public transit, and that’s what we’re back on track to deliver.”

“Moving forward on the Baltimore Red Line is essential to renewing our commitment to providing much-needed transit between East and West Baltimore. That’s why Senator Cardin and I included a provision in the Infrastructure Modernization Act to ensure this critical project doesn’t have to start over to secure federal funding. said Senator Chris Van Hollen.

“As the revival of the Red Line remains a focus, I commend Governor Moore for ensuring that community engagement is at the heart of this action plan and working to close transportation gaps like the Highway to Nowhere.” said Rep. Kweisi Mfume (MD-07).

“We talked at length and talked about the importance of the Red Line – and the devastating impact the initial cancellation had on the city of Baltimore. Going from a former governor who took Baltimore off the map, both literally and figuratively, to today’s announcement has been a long road. This sends a message to residents that Baltimore is a priority again. Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott said“The time for talk is over and it’s time to take action with a plan that works for all Baltimore residents.” The choice to pursue a light rail system, which is already a proven and beloved part of Baltimore’s public transportation system, is the right one. I’m thrilled that we’re ready to take this step and I can’t wait to finally see this project come to fruition. »

“Residents of Baltimore County and our entire region deserve safe, reliable, and equitable transportation options and better-connected communities,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “We are grateful to the Moore-Miller Administration for getting this vital project back on track and working with us to ensure a reimagined Red Line is accessible to residents of East and West Baltimore County.

“This is especially important for Johns Hopkins Medicine as healthcare organizations across the country face an unprecedented crisis in recruiting workers at all skill levels and in all areas of expertise,” said Theodore DeWeese, CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Providing a safe and efficient transportation system in the region will support recruitment and retention efforts across all sectors and enable us to continue to fulfill our tripartite mission – advancing patient care, research and education – for generations to come.

Over the past ten months, the Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Transit Administration, has conducted a technical analysis and public outreach that supported the recommendation of light rail as the mode of choice. The financial analysis also confirmed that light rail is more cost-effective over the long term than alternative modes such as bus rapid transit. Although the initial capital cost of the light rail line is higher than that of bus rapid transit, light rail vehicles offer greater capacity, which will be an asset in the high-density corridor, reducing the operating cost per passenger and resulting in increased ridership.

“The Red Line is critical to the success of our region and will provide vital connections to education and employment opportunities,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “The project team continues to advance this critical project as quickly as possible while ensuring the communities we serve are fully engaged.

The Maryland Transit Administration will continue its analysis and coordination with local partners to define the alignment of the route, including the extent to which the project includes tunnel segments. The preferred route is expected to be announced by the end of 2024, which will reflect current conditions, growth patterns and project priorities.

The Maryland Transit Administration has initiated the State Environmental Protection Agency’s review, which is necessary before final design can begin. As part of this process, a supplementary environmental impact statement will also be prepared and will build on the extensive work carried out ten years ago. The agency plans to enter the Federal Transit Administration’s capital investment grant program in late 2024 – a first step in receiving future federal funding for construction of the Red Line.

To learn more about the Baltimore Red Line and to sign up for project updates, visit https://redlinemaryland.com and follow the Red Line’s progress on Facebook, X Instagram and discussion threads. Contact the project team at [email protected].