Panel approves repeal of BRTC, creation of new transit boards and commissioned rail study

Senate Bill 947 was advanced by the committee on April 9. Chair Lewis said the bill would repeal the Baltimore Regional Transit Commission (BRTC) and create two new bodies: a governing board for Baltimore core-area transit services and an advisory board for commuter service. The bill establishes minimum staffing requirements and directs the Maryland Transportation Commission to make certain qualification and compensation determinations for some MTA employees.

Chair Lewis added that the bill requires the Maryland Transit Administration to contract with the Baltimore Metropolitan Council to complete a technical study on the creation of a state rail authority by Dec. 1, 2026. The committee adopted its amendments and passed the bill as amended.

Members briefly clarified that the measure creates two boards and a study; the committee then recorded the passage.