ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Martin O'Malley today announced the State of Maryland will provide $191,000 to Connect-A-Ride, the transit provider for Laurel and portions of Howard, Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties, to avoid the need for a substantial fare increase or a significant reduction in service. Recently, bids from private sector firms to operate the Connect-A-Ride service came in higher than expected, reflecting the increased cost of fuel, insurance and labor. Local governments are re-allocating funds to address a portion of the greater-than-expected increase. However, to cover a substantial portion of the balance of the unbudgeted amount of $550,000, they have requested temporary financial assistance from the O'Malley/Brown administration.
"It is critically important to our citizens that transit service be both available and affordable," said Governor O'Malley. "By providing this temporary assistance, the local governments that operate the Connect-A-Ride service will now have time to develop a thoughtful, realistic financial plan to deal with the increased cost of providing this necessary transit service over the long-term."
The Connect-A-Ride service carried 490,000 passengers in 2006. It provides scheduled transit service for the City of Laurel and portions of Howard, Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties. Connect-A-Ride is managed by the Corridor Transportation Corporation and funded by the City of Laurel, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Prince George's County and the State of Maryland.
"It is refreshing to have a state administration that supports local jurisdictions in our commitment to mass transit," said Howard County Executive Ken Ulman.
Contact:
Jack Cahalan
Erin Henson
410-865-1025 |
