Maryland: Big MARC Fare Hikes Cause Riders to Press Hogan for Hearings

MD: Big MARC Fare Hikes Cause Riders to Press Hogan for Hearings

MICHAEL DRESSER ON JUN 16, 2015
SOURCE: THE BALTIMORE SUN


June 16--MARC train riders urged Gov. Larry Hogan on Monday to delay fare increases announced by the Maryland Transit Administration and to order the agency to hold public hearings on hikes of as much as 67 percent for weekly ticket purchasers.

The MARC Riders Advisory Council, a group that advises the MTA on commuter concerns, called on Hogan to intervene before increases affecting about 36,000 daily commuters take effect. The hikes are part of a broader rise in MTA fares required under the 2013 law that raised the state's gas tax, but the riders contend the MTA went much too far in raising the fares for MARC weekly and monthly plans.

Steve Chan, chairman of the advisory council, said hearings would at least give riders the opportunity to hear the agency's explanation for the increases.

"We were not offered an opportunity to discuss this, and it would be a good thing for public relations if the governor at least allowed it to be discussed," he said.

The MTA announced May 26 it was imposing a "legislatively mandated transit fare increase" as of June 25. It pointed to the landmark law pushed through the legislature in 2013 to raise revenue to replenish the Transportation Trust Fund. ..............(more)

http://www.masstransitmag.com/news/14010701/big-marc-fare-hikes-cause-riders-to-press-hogan-for-hearings