Grant: $2.6 Million in Funding for BaltimoreLink Bus Facilities

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) today announced $2.6 million in federal funding through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for Maryland Transit Administration’s Beyond the Bus Stop program. This funding will improve Marylanders’ commutes, restoring and replacing bus facilities around Baltimore City. The proposed improvements include important updates such as ticket vending machines, real-time data reporting, better weather protection, operator “comfort stations,” and ADA compliance.

“Maryland commuters deserve to wake up each morning knowing their commute will be both safe and efficient,” said Senator Cardin, Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. “This federal investment in Baltimore’s public transportation will go a long way toward helping us meet that commitment. I’ll keep working hard to improve commuting conditions for every Marylander, in every corner of our state.”

“We must invest in our nation’s infrastructure – from fixing our roads and bridges to expanding and improving public transportation,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committees. “This funding will help ensure a safer commute for Maryland’s many public-transportation commuters and improve conditions for everyone using our roads. I will continue to fight for investments to improve our infrastructure and transportation efficiency.”

The FTA provides financial and technical assistance to local public transit systems. This funding comes through the Bus and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment Program, which makes federal resources available to states and direct recipients to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment, as well as construct bus-related facilities, including technological changes or innovations to modify low- or no-emission vehicles or facilities. Senators Cardin and Van Hollen supported and secured significant funding for the FTA in the FY 2018 Omnibus.