Originally posted in The Rawlings-Blake Review, Issue #176

Last Wednesday, I joined Governor Martin O’Malley, Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, and Congressman Elijah Cummings to announce nearly $1.5 billion in transportation investments for the Baltimore Metropolitan Region. Among other things, these funds will support operation of the Charm City Circulator, improve existing MARC commuter service and add weekend service, provide for upgrades to the Metro rail car fleet and signaling systems, and prove our commitment to the construction of the Baltimore Red Line.

This $1.5 investment in building a world class transit system will support more than 13,000 jobs—including 4,500 construction jobs and 200 permanent jobs associated with the Red Line alone. And the Red Line will not only create jobs, it will also give Baltimore residents greater access to jobs and more options for getting to and from work—wherever they work. The Red Line, in conjunction with Baltimore’s existing public transit options, will provide a convenient, efficient way to crisscross the region without the burden of driving through traffic or enduring a long commute.

When completed, the Red Line will connect major job centers in two of Maryland’s major jurisdictions: Medicare/Medicaid in western Baltimore County and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in East Baltimore. It will also finally connect the metro, light rail, bus system, and MARC trains to create the most comprehensive transportation system Baltimore has ever seen.

Last week’s announcement is a great example of how state, local, and federal governments can work together to improve the quality of life in Baltimore. I look forward to having a cohesive transit system that will help residents reduce commute times, avoid gridlock, decrease their carbon footprint, and—most important—spend more time with their families.