Legislative

The average Maryland commuter spends more than 250 hours every year commuting – three times as much time as the average Maryland family spends vacationing together. Scattered, automobile-oriented development has made driving the only viable transportation option for most Marylanders.  WMATA Red Line

Transportation FOR Maryland is working to change Maryland’s transportation priorities so we have more choices in how to get to where we need to go.  We are:

• Working with local groups to fight sprawl-inducing highway projects and support transit options.
• Supporting funding for transit, including MARC service, the Baltimore Red Line, and the Purple Line in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.
• Promoting a ‘fix-it-first’ mentality, where funding for road improvements is targeted to existing communities.

Rising gas prices are hitting the wallet of citizens and government alike.  We will fight to make sure that your tax dollars are spent on transportation choices that help all Marylanders, not new roads to nowhere.

Transportation Legislation

Let your elected officials know that the citizens of Maryland demand clear criteria for state transportation projects. Every dollar invested in transportation should result in a system that works better for all Marylanders.

1. Focus transportation requests on the problem that needs solving – not the new project that needs funding.
2. Require MDOT to evaluate each transportation project that the state funds against how it moves Maryland towards clear visions and goals – and prioritize spending accordingly.
3. Goals should take account of both transportation policies, such as quality of service, safety and security, system preservation, environmental stewardship, and connectivity for daily life; and other state policies, including land use and climate change.
4. Report in the state transportation plan MDOT’s rationale for choosing projects.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety

Promote bicycle and pedestrian safety.  Transportation choices start with those closest to home – whether our communities are safe enough for people to leave their cars and either bicycle or walk to the local school, store, or playground.  Legislation would:

• Ensure a safer passing distance for cars (SB51/HB461)
• Eliminate laws that require the use of shoulders even when the shoulder is unsafe (SB624)
• Hold vehicle drivers accountable for accidents they cause (HB388)
• Provide more funding for bicycle and pedestrian access (HB282)