Proposed service reductions on MARC and Commuter Bus Lines (10/22)
In response to a decline in revenue, the MTA has proposed a number of service reductions on the MARC train and Commuter Bus services.  Routes 410, 411, 420 will experience reduced service, while routes 310, 311, and 320 are proposed to be eliminated.  Holiday service is also proposed also be reduced.  On the MARC train, MTA proposes to eliminate 10-trip tickets and reduce service on the Penn and Brunswick lines.

MTA is holding a number of public meetings in the area throughout November.  Public comment will be accepted through December 26, and finalized service reductions will take effect on January 12, 2009.

A complete description of the proposals and a list of public hearings can be found at the MTA website here.

Baltimore Ranks Tenth in Urban Sustainability (10/1)
SustainLane has compiled the "nation's most complete report card on urban sustainability" and ranked the 50 most populous cities.  Baltimore ranked number 10 on their list, between #9 Oakland, CA and #11, Denver, CO.  The study points to a number of reasons for this ranking, including the new sustainability plan, 50 miles of bikeways, and plans for more alternative transportation.

Honorable Mention for Baltimore's Bike Friendliness (10/1)
The League of American Bicyclists has awarded Baltimore an honorable mention in designation of Bicycle Friendly Communities.  Take a look at their criteria and other award winners at their website.

Housing + Transportation Affordability Index (9/30)
The Center for Neighborhood Technology has a website illustrating the Housing + Transportation Index, a measure of housing affordability that takes housing and transportation costs.  The goal for affordability is 45% of one's income for both, as compared to the federal standard of 30% for housing alone.  Interestingly enough, the closer you live to downtown, the more likely you are to spend an affordable and appropriate percentage of your income on housing and transportation.  Check out the interactive mapping tool here.

New website for proposed Red Line (9/19)
Heard about the Red Line and want to find out more?  The city has launched a new website for the proposed Red Line where people can learn about the Red Line, get informed of recent developments, and pledge their support.  Visit their website, GoBaltimoreRedLine.com.

Reducing emissions would bring $2 billion of benefits to MD (9/19)
The Maryland Commission on Climate Change has released a report outlining environmental and economic costs of our current state of emissions.  The report encourages implementing a number of recommended measures-- including using mass transit more, reducing vehicle miles traveled, improving bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and advancing transportation technology.  Read the report here.

Free downtown circulator coming to Baltimore (9/18)
Funding for a free downtown circulator has been approved in the form of an increase in the parking tax.  The system, slated to start in July 2009, will offer three lines.  The Red line will run from the B&O Railroad Museum to the east side, the Yellow Line will run between the Maryland Science Center and Penn Station, and the Green Line will run from City Hall and Johns Hopkins Hospital.  An editorial from the Sun states that while parking taxes might increase a bit, "the real payoff should come in energy savings and reduced traffic."

People driving less (8/15)
High gas prices have pushed people to drive less.  Total vehicle miles traveled for June 2008 dropped 4.7% nationally and 4.4% in Maryland as compared to June 2007, the steepest drop since the 1970s.  People are finding other transportation options instead-- the MTA reports increases in public transit ridership across all services, and bike racks at Penn Station are "increasingly well-used," the Sun reports.  "We expect there will be a continued reduction in vehicle miles driven," says Michael Sivak, director of the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.  Ragina Averella, a spokeswoman for AAA, adds that even though gas prices have decreased slightly, they don't expect any upsurge in driving unless gas falls below $3 per gallon-- "most people still realize that gas prices are still significantly higher than they were last year."  The article notes that the price for gas at this time last year was $2.75.

New left turn signal at Broadway and Fleet (8/1)
The Baltimore City Department of Transportation announced that a new left turn signal has been activated at Broadway and Fleet Streets.  Special Traffic Enforcement Officers will assist drivers in the area until they are fully aware of the change.  Drivers are advised to stay alert and be sure to follow traffic signals in the area. 

$340 million to go to Baltimore area public transit projects (7/30)
In response to public demand, the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board has directed about $340 million in unallocated revenue to help fund short- and long-term public transportation projects such as improvements to the MARC system, an extension of Baltimore's subway, or an expansion of park-and-ride lots.  Read the Baltimore Sun article here. 

Baltimore City offers incentives to environmentally conscious citizens (7/30)
The Parking Authority of Baltimore City has created 200 specially marked hybrid spaces in its 15 garages, cutting monthly contract parking fees in half for these drivers and giving them prime parking spots on lower levels.  As of January 1, 2008, about 75 drivers have signed up, so there is no waiting list for spaces.  Any hybrid that gets more than 29 city miles to the gallon can participate in the program. 

Another Baltimore City initiative is the Live Near Your Work program, which gives first-time homebuyers a break on settlement or closing costs if they move near their offices.  The city teams up with local businesses and each contributes a $1,000 grant toward an employee's fees.  This program helps with congestion because people can walk to work or take mass transit.  Visit Live Baltimore for more information.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development offers a similar program called House Keys 4 Employees, which matches employer contributions to homebuyers.  The state will loan homebuyers up to $2,500 for down payment or closing costs, although employers can contribute more.  The program applies to homebuyers moving within 10 miles of their workplace.  The Maryland Mortage Program's website has more information.

Baltimore ranks 12th in country for walkability (7/22)
Walk Score, a website that scores addresses based on how walkable they are to businesses, institutions and amenities, recently released a list of the country's most walkable cities.  Baltimore came in at number 12, right under Denver and above Milwaukee.  The website cites walkable neighborhoods such as Federal Hill, Fell's Point, and the Inner Harbor.

The website aims to help prospective homebuyers, renters, and real estate agents find houses and apartments in great neighborhoods.  Walk Score shows you a map of what's nearby and calculates a Walk Score for any property.  The site says, "Buying a house in a walkable neighborhood is good for your health and good for the environment."  The Partnership's office at 217 N. Charles Street scores an 95 out of 100 - check Walk Score to see how your home or office rates.