Congressman Cummings Calls on MTA to Expand Public Comment Period on Proposed Bus Schedule Changes

Congressman Cummings Calls on MTA to Expand Public Comment Period on Proposed Bus Schedule Changes

Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-Maryland) today announced that he has asked Maryland Transportation Secretary Robert L. Flanagan for a 30-day extension for the public comment period on the proposed bus schedule changes recommended by the Greater Baltimore Bus Initiative (GBBI).

The GBBI is a plan that would make significant changes to the Maryland Transit Administration's (MTA) entire bus route schedule, including the bus schedule for Baltimore City as well as contracted commuter bus services that transport passengers between Baltimore and communities throughout Maryland. As part of the plan, multiple bus lines would be entirely eliminated while the time schedules or street routings of other lines would be substantially altered. Baltimore-area bus changes are currently scheduled to be implemented on October 16, 2005.

The public comment period for proposed changes to Baltimore-area bus services closes on Friday, June 17. The public comment period for proposed changes to commuter bus services closes on June 24.

"Many of the current bus stops and schedules have been in effect for at least 30 years," Congressman Cummings said. "Yet, the public has less than one week to examine changes that may completely alter their mobility and quality of life."

In a letter to Secretary Flanagan - and in written comments submitted in response to the GBBI - Congressman Cummings has asked that the public comment period be extended by 30 days.

"Many citizens - particularly in my district - rely on the MTA bus service as their primary form of transportation and it is essential that these citizens be given adequate opportunity to comment on proposed changes to a public service," Congressman Cummings wrote in his letter to Secretary Flanagan.

http://www.house.gov/cummings/press/05jun15a.htm