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MAYOR DOUGHERTY ENCOURAGES

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AT A PUBLIC

HEARING HELD BY MARYLAND TRANSIT

AUTHORITY ON MAY 27 IN FREDERICK

Frederick, Md. --- Mayor Jennifer Dougherty is encouraging citizens to attend the public hearing that will be held in May by the Maryland Transit Authority (MTA).

The purpose of the public hearings is to allow riders the opportunity to give input to MTA on proposed system wide fare increases and proposed reduction in selected services. These actions were identified ion the MTA’s 2003 General Assembly budget as necessary cost containment measures to address the statewide fiscal constraints and to assist in meeting the State’s 40% farebox recovery mandate.

It has been seven years since MTA last raised fares, and in those seven years the cost to operate MTA Buses, Metro Subway, Light Rail, MARC and Mobility services have increased significantly.

MTA sites the following recent improvements as reasons for the fare and service changes:

New rail service to Frederick, Hunt Valley, BWI Airport, Penn Station and Metro Subway Sunday service.
New reliable equipment; including 425 Buses (400 local service; 25 commuter coaches), 18 Light Rail vehicles, 50 MARC bi-level rail cars, 25 Paratransit/Mobilty vehicles and major overhaul of 100 Metro Subway cars now underway.
Increased Commuter Bus service.
Improved customer amenities, including the addition of 5,700 parking spaces, info boxes, reduced call wait time for info, enhanced website, and new state-of-the-art Bus shelters.

Proposed fair changes are scheduled to take effect June 30 for daily fares; July 1 for monthly pass and July 6 for weekly passes. Proposed fare increases can be found by logging onto www.mtamaryland.com.

MTA also found after a comprehensive review that in order to be fiscally responsible, some services with very low ridership need to be reduced or discontinued. Details can be found by logging onto www.mtamaryland.com.

A Public Hearing will be held in Frederick on Tuesday, May 27, Winchester Hall, 1^st Floor Hearing Room, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Further questions or requests for presentations prior to the public hearings can be directed to Secretary Robert L. Smith, MTA Administrator at 410-767-4443.

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