Annapolis Capital Punishment

CP provides a copy of a letter just sent to state officials from the District 30 delegation urging the MTA not to cut the 921 bus route. CP would like to thank the delegation and especially Delegate George for his leadership. Now it's time for each of us to call the governor. By the way, I recently read an article about how the Governor and his long-time pal, Michael Enright, who serves as his chief of staff, met while at a bus stop--in high school! Never underestimate the power of public transit to connect people and communities. For contact info: State House

November 25, 2008

Mr. Paul Wiedefeld
Maryland Department of Transportation
6 Saint Paul Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202-1614

Dear Mr. Wiedefeld,

We are very concerned about the negative impact the termination of the 921 commuter bus route from Annapolis to New Carrollton could cause. As the delegation representing District 30, we have been receiving numerous concerns from constituents regarding this proposal and had staff attend the hearing in Annapolis last week.

We also are acutely aware of the budget constraints facing your department, and understand the need for cost savings. However, the 921 offers a link between Annapolis and the DC metro region that other busses do not. Some riders have no other choices due to their schedule or where they are going. We ask for consideration of the following suggestions:

* Currently, two buses offer 20 trips/day. Though this schedule offers choices to patrons, eliminating one round would still offer the route while cutting costs.
* Increase fares to reduce subsidy. Riders seem to be willing to pay more to keep the service.
* When the bus contract is renegotiated, consider using a smaller bus based on ridership statistics.
* Increase publicity of the 921 service with particular emphasis on the fact that this bus stops at a Metro and Marc Train Station (New Carrollton).

We respectfully urge you to retain the 921 Commuter Bus Route in some form, or at a minimum delay termination until results of any proposed modifications are assessed. As we encourage citizens to use public transportation to lessen pollution and congestion, removing an important link between state and national capitals is not preferred.

We thank you for being open to input from the public, and look forward to working with you to provide services to our citizens while managing fiscal reality responsibly.

Sincerely,

John C. Astle
State Senate

Michael E. Busch
Speaker of the House

Virginia P. Clagett
House of Delegates

Ronald A. George
House of Delegates


Cc:Governor Martin O’Malley
Secretary John Porcari
Mr. Glenn Litsinger, MTA

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