Testimony on SB 20

Local Transit Sustainability Act

Senate Budget & Taxation Committee

Date: January 27, 2025

Position: SUPPORT

The Coalition for Smarter Growth supports SB 20. Our organization advocates for walkable, bikeable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities as the most sustainable and equitable way for the Washington, DC region to grow and provide opportunities for all. 

The Locally Operated Transit Systems – Mandatory Funding – Inflation Adjustment (Local Transit Sustainability Act) will provide greater reliability to services on which many Maryland workers and residents depend.

‬Maryland is one of the top states in per capita transit ridership. In the area where our organization works, locally operated transit systems are essential:

• Montgomery County Ride On served 18.5 million passenger trips last year. This was a 20% ridership increase from the previous year, and the second highest growth among mid-sized transit systems nationwide.
• Prince George’s County The Bus serves 10,000 miles of routes in the county and 10,000 riders per day.

Despite recovering ridership and fare revenue since the pandemic, Maryland’s Locally Operated Transit Systems – and their many riders – depend on regular state support. 

SB 20 would provide predictability for local agencies and communities with needed adjustments for inflation. 

We ask for a favorable report for SB 20 by the committee. Thank you.