Study All Options for I-270 Corridor

Letter to County Council, February 20, 2020

Dear Council President Katz,

The Action Committee for Transit strongly supports the appropriation of $300,000 for the Planning Board's study of transit alternatives for the I-270 corridor.

Only the planning staff has the capability to evaluate transportation plans in the context of all issues, including environment, equity, and land use, rather than just focusing on moving vehicles. And the planning staff has proven its commitment to critical examination of issues -- as shown by the great work of Carol Rubin on the toll lanes.

Studies currently planned by MCDOT and MDOT are not substitute for this work. They do not directly compare I-270 toll lanes to alternative transit solutions for the I-270 corridor. And promising options for the corridor, such as a third MARC track for all-day service, extension of the Red Line to Germantown, and light rail along I-270 to Frederick, will not be considered at all.

$300,000 is a pittance in the county's $5 billion budget, considering the importance of this issue. We urge the T&E Committee and the Council to appropriate the needed funds.

Sincerely,

Paul Goldman

Action Committee for Transit