Transportation Planning and Mass Transit Funding

I understand there is discussion about a gas tax and, if implemented, about how those funds would be used - with one option being widening I-270 and the other being increasing mass transit options. Here are my thoughts:

Recommendation: No to widening I-270

Justification: Initial Cost, Maintenance Cost, Not eco-friendly

Overview: Development estimates of $4B will put an unsustainable tax burden on residents, the majority of whom do not use this highway to commute to work. Tolls would not recoup the cost. Likewise, long-term cost of maintenance, not usually included in initial cost estimates. More cars means more traffic congestion, air pollution, and noise pollution. Finally, using a gas tax to put more cars on the road is ironic at best.

Also note that only 1/3 of the Governor's estimated drivers are using the Intercounty Connector. Why will they be right about widening I-270?

Recommendation: Yes to All-day, two-way MARC Service

Justification: Lower cost with wider benefit, more options for maintenance funding, eco-friendly

Overview: Expansion estimates of $560M dwarf by comparison to widening I-270. More commuters admit they would take the train if all-day service were available. Mechanisms are already in place to effectively maintain the trains. Having reliable all-day transportation would increase the area’s tax base because more homeowners would move into our area. Finally, to make the obvious point, fossil fuels are a finite resource. We need to get away from them in our lifetime. Trains have the most efficient fuel use of our available systems.

Recommendation: Yes To Building A Third Commuter Train Track

Justification: Part of the difficulty in using MARC train service is that they have to defer to the CSX freight trains. The VRE passengers do not because Virginia built a third set of tracks for the commuter trains to cross-over avoiding congestion. This is far more inexpensive than the other options on the table

Contact:

Maryland's Governor, Montgomery County House Delegates, Montgomery County Senators, Montgomery County Council