This summer, Maryland PIRG citizen outreach staff talked with thousands of Marylanders about the need to invest in public transit to buffer the impact of rising gas prices, reduce traffic congestion and prevent harmful air pollution.

In June, we released a new report, which showed that since President Bush signed the tax rebates into law on Feb. 13, the average household  spent the entirety of their economic stimulus checks on gas.

Thanks to high gas prices, ridership on transit agencies is at record levels, but important projects like the Red Line in Baltimore, the Purple Line and the MARC service expansion are still stalled due to lack of funding. “Congress needs to give people more alternatives to driving if they want to do something long-term about high gas prices,” said Johanna Neumann, Maryland PIRG state director.

Our staff and volunteers collected thousands of public comments that we will deliver to our congressional leaders to urge them to prioritize public transit. 

Building A Platform

With debate underway on the next multi-billion federal transportation bill, now is a critical time to build support for solutions to our transportation woes. 

In the face of powerful opposition from road-builders and the auto industry, Maryland PIRG and our allies are calling for three reforms: prioritizing maintenance and repair over building new highways; spending transit funds in a smarter way; and focusing on expanding rail and other forms of public transportation.

“Maryland has 388 structurally deficient bridges that need to be fixed,” said Neumann. “That’s unacceptable.” Maryland PIRG will continue working with local elected officials  to build support for reforms that will reward states that reduce congestion and car dependence.