<section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-101" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Administration” means the Maryland Transit Administration.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Administrator” means the Maryland Transit Administrator.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Disparate impact” means a facially neutral policy or practice that disproportionately affects members of a group identified by race, color, disability, or national origin, where the recipient’s policy or practice lacks a substantial legitimate justification and where there exist one or more alternatives that would serve the same legitimate objectives but with less disproportionate effect on the basis of race, color, disability, or national origin.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Disproportionate burden” means a facially neutral policy or practice that disproportionately affects low–income populations more than non–low–income populations and, on a finding of disproportionate burden, requires the recipient to evaluate alternatives and mitigate burdens where practicable.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“District” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Metropolitan Transit District, consisting of Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, and other areas as designated by the Secretary after consultation and coordination with the affected jurisdiction and subject to the provisions of the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority Compact; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any area in which railroad service is performed under contract with the Administration or in which railroad facilities are owned by the Administration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Excursion train” means any special event train sponsored or contracted for in connection with the promotion of a public event benefiting the State and its citizens.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Light rail transit” means rail transit which is electrically powered and can operate in mixed traffic with automobiles.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Private carrier” means any person that renders transit service within the District under an operating permit or license issued by an agency of this State exercising regulatory jurisdiction over transportation of passengers within this State and over persons engaged in that business.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Proof of fare payment” means evidence of fare prepayment authorized by the Administration for the use of transit service.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Railroad company” means any entity engaged in the providing of railroad service under this title.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <level label="1"> <text>“Railroad facility” means any facility used in providing railroad services, and includes any one or more or combination of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Switches, spurs, tracks, structures, terminals, yards, real property, and other facilities useful or designed for use in connection with the transportation of persons or goods by rail; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>All other appurtenances, including locomotives, cars, vehicles, and other instrumentalities of shipment or carriage, useful or designed for use in connection with the transportation of persons or goods by rail.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Railroad facility” does not include any transit facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <text>“Railroad service” means any service utilizing rail or railroad facilities performed by any common carrier operating under the jurisdiction of the State or federal government as a common carrier and includes any such service performed by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.</text> </level> <level label="n"> <level label="1"> <text>“Transit corridor” means a geographically bound set of two or more contiguous subway, light rail, bus rapid transit, or bus transit stations.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Transit corridor” includes a geographically bound set of two or more contiguous bus transit stations that have fixed–route bus service that operates on a roadway dedicated to buses.</text> </level> </level> <level label="o"> <text>“Transit facility” includes any one or more or combination of tracks, rights–of–way, bridges, tunnels, subways, rolling stock, stations, terminals, ports, parking areas, equipment, fixtures, buildings, structures, other real or personal property, and services incidental to or useful or designed for use in connection with the rendering of transit service by any means, including rail, bus, motor vehicle, or other mode of transportation, but does not include any railroad facility.</text> </level> <level label="p"> <text>“Transit–oriented development” means a mix of private or public parking facilities, commercial and residential structures, and uses, improvements, and facilities customarily appurtenant to such facilities and uses, that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is part of a deliberate development plan or strategy involving:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Property that is adjacent to the passenger boarding and alighting location of a planned or existing transit station;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Property, any part of which is located within one–half mile of the passenger boarding and alighting location of a planned or existing transit station; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Property that is adjacent to a planned or existing transit corridor;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is planned to maximize the use of transit, walking, and bicycling by residents and employees; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is designated as a transit–oriented development by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Sustainable Growth Subcabinet established under § 9–1406 of the State Government Article; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The local government or multicounty agency with land use and planning responsibility for the relevant area applying for designation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="q"> <level label="1"> <text>“Transit service” means the transportation of persons and their packages and baggage and of newspapers, express, and mail in regular route, special, or charter service by means of transit facilities between points within the District.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Transit service” does not include any:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Vanpool operation; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Railroad service.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="r"> <level label="1"> <text>“Transit station” means any facility, the primary function of which relates to the boarding and alighting of passengers from transit vehicles.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Transit station” includes platforms, shelters, passenger waiting facilities, parking areas, access roadways, and other real property used to facilitate passenger access to transit service or railroad service.</text> </level> </level> <level label="s"> <text>“Transit vehicle” means a mobile device used in rendering transit service.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-102" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The development of improved and expanded railroad facilities, railroad services, transit facilities, and transit services operating as a unified and coordinated regional transportation system, and the realization of transit–oriented development throughout the State, represent transportation purposes that are essential for the satisfactory movement of people and goods, the alleviation of present and future traffic congestion, the economic welfare and vitality, and the development of the metropolitan area of Baltimore and other political subdivisions of the State.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In order to realize transit–oriented development as a transportation purpose, it is the intent of the General Assembly that the Department make all reasonable attempts to include transit–oriented development as part of the preferred plan for development in areas served by transit services by providing preference to proposals that further this purpose when:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Distributing funds from:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>State programs offering grants and loans for development and infrastructure investment, including the Complete Streets Program established under Title 8, Subtitle 9 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Eligible federal funding; and</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>The proceeds of general obligation bond and grant anticipation revenue vehicle issuances; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Awarding State tax credits.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subsubparagraph 3 of this subparagraph, an area designated as transit–oriented development after July 1, 2023, shall retain that designation for a period of 10 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Before the end of a 10–year designation period under this subparagraph, a local government or multicounty agency may apply to the Sustainable Growth Subcabinet to have the designation extended for an additional 10 years.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An area designated as a transit–oriented development that is subject to a ground lease or other agreement with the State shall retain that designation for the duration of the ground lease or other agreement.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The establishment of the realization of transit–oriented development as a transportation purpose under paragraph (1) of this subsection may not be construed to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Limit the authority of local governments to govern land use as established under any other law; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Grant the State or a department of the State additional authority to supersede local land use and planning authority.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>It is the policy of this title to create a regional transportation system in the District that will provide compatibility with other contiguous or neighboring systems.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The desired regional transportation system cannot be achieved by the unilateral action of any one political subdivision, but requires action by this State through a State agency that is politically responsive to local needs and will assure that the development of the regional transportation system fosters general development plans for this State, the region, and the local development plans of the participating political subdivisions.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-102.1" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “net project costs” means that part of the capital costs that is incurred in constructing and acquiring transit facilities eligible for assistance under the federal Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 and that cannot be reasonably financed from revenues.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>It is the policy of this title that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Consistent with the alleviation of traffic congestion in the District and the attainment of a balanced transportation system using each mode of transportation to its best advantage, all costs incurred to construct, acquire, operate, and maintain transit facilities for the regional transit system shall be covered, as far as practicable, by fares charged for the services performed by the transit facilities owned or controlled by the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For light rail projects, at least 10 percent of the net project costs shall be paid by grants contributed by the federal government; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>At least two-thirds of the net project costs for all other transit facilities shall be paid by grants contributed by the federal government.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The public interest in efficient and economical transit service requires that the transit facilities operated by private carriers be operated to provide, with the transit facilities owned or controlled by the Administration, a unified and coordinated regional transit system without unnecessary duplicating or competing service.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to this standard, it is the policy of this title to utilize private carriers to the fullest extent practicable in providing transit service.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Adequate provisions should be made for assuring that, if allocation of State financial resources for the benefit of this regional system is made, it will be accompanied by a parity allocation for the benefit of taxpayers supporting transit facilities in the political subdivisions of the Washington Suburban Transit District.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Adequate provisions should be made for the protection of transit labor in the development and operation of transit services.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The public interest requires the development of an effective and efficient transit service to meet the special needs of elderly and handicapped persons.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>When providing transit service to meet the special needs of disabled persons, the Administration shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Apply to the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, in accordance with paragraph (3) of this subsection, for State and national criminal history records checks of the Administration’s employees who are or will be employed to provide transit service to disabled persons;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Ensure that any entity that contracts with the Administration to provide transit service to disabled persons applies to the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, in accordance with paragraph (3) of this subsection, for State and national criminal history records checks of the contractor’s employees who provide transit service to disabled persons; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Ensure that all employees of the Administration or a contractor of the Administration who are or will be employed to provide transit service to disabled persons successfully complete a course, jointly developed by the State Department of Education and the Department of Disabilities and approved by the Administration, on matters relating to appropriate accommodation, including customer service, sensitivity, and respectful and courteous treatment of all passengers, including disabled persons.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>In this paragraph, “Central Repository” has the meaning stated in § 10–201 of the Criminal Procedure Article.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Administration or contractor shall apply to the Central Repository for a State and national criminal history records check for each employee subject to this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>As part of the application for a criminal history records check, the Administration or contractor shall submit to the Central Repository:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Two complete sets of the employee’s legible fingerprints taken on forms approved by the Director of the Central Repository and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The fee authorized under § 10–221(b)(7) of the Criminal Procedure Article for access to Maryland criminal history records; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The mandatory processing fee required by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history records check.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>In accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the Criminal Procedure Article, the Central Repository shall forward to the employee and the Administration or contractor a printed statement of the employee’s criminal history record information.</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Information obtained from the Central Repository under this subsection shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Confidential and may not be disseminated; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Used only for the purpose authorized by this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The subject of a criminal history records check under this subsection may contest the contents of the printed statement issued by the Central Repository as provided in § 10–223 of the Criminal Procedure Article.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-103" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>On or before November 30, 2024, and on or before November 30 each year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a report to the General Assembly in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article on efforts to increase transit–oriented development throughout the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The report shall include an analysis of the following issues for each transit–oriented development in the State:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The demographic and socioeconomic indicators present in the transit–oriented development and the surrounding areas;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Development activity occurring in the transit–oriented development during the period that the report covers; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Transit station utilization rates for the transit–oriented development.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall consider the findings of the report required under this section for purposes of updating the scoring standards for applications for financial assistance from the Transit–Oriented Development Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund established under Subtitle 12 of this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-201" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Transit Administration"> <text>There is a Maryland Transit Administration in the Department.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-201.1" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Transit Administration"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Baltimore Core Transit Service” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Administration’s Baltimore–area local bus;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Administration’s Baltimore–area light rail;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Administration’s Baltimore–area metro subway; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The Administration’s Baltimore–area paratransit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Board” means the Board of Directors for Baltimore Core Transit Service.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Board of Directors for Baltimore Core Transit Service in the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board consists of the following voting members:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Five members who live in the Baltimore Core Transit Service area, appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>At least one member who uses transit in the Baltimore Core Transit Service area;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At least one member who represents riders with accessibility challenges;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At least one member representing an anchor institution that also provides transportation services in the Baltimore Core Transit Service area; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>One member who is an employee of the Administration and is a member of the labor union representing the plurality of frontline workers that has a collective bargaining agreement with the Administration;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Two members appointed by the Mayor of Baltimore City;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>One member appointed by the Baltimore County Executive; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>One member appointed by the Anne Arundel County Executive.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Secretary and the Administrator shall serve as nonvoting ex officio Board members.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Governor shall appoint a student who regularly uses Administration services to commute to and from school as a nonvoting Board member.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Governor shall designate the chair of the Board, who shall serve as chair at the pleasure of the Governor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a Board member is 3 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of the members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on January 1, 2027.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department and the Administration shall provide staff for the Board, including a Deputy Administrator who shall serve as the executive director and report directly to the Administrator.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration shall provide office space for the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A member of the Board:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not receive compensation as a member of the Board; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Board shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Approve major service plans, policies, and initiatives for Baltimore Core Transit Service, as determined by the Board and the Administration on a reasonable basis;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide advice on major project initiatives, as determined by the Board and the Administration on a reasonable basis;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Advise the Administrator on, and consent to, the appointment of the Deputy Administrator by the Administrator and consult with the Administrator on any removal of the Deputy Administrator by the Administrator;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>Review and approve the Administration’s operating and capital budget requests for Baltimore Core Transit Service; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Establish, in consultation with the Department and the Administration, a timeline for review and approval under this paragraph:</text> <level label="1"> <text>That is consistent with the Department’s budget process; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Under which the operating and capital budget requests shall be considered approved by operation of law if the Board does not take action within the timeline;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Have approval authority, supported by at least two–thirds of the members of the Board, over any decision by the Department or the Administration to withdraw a New Starts Capital Investment Grant or another federal grant under a substantially similar program for any Baltimore Core Transit Service area project once that project has been accepted into the Engineering Phase by the Federal Transit Administration;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>Meet at least quarterly; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Accept public comments during the meetings and, at all times, electronically;</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Include in the quarterly agenda each of the following topics at least once each year:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Capital Needs Inventory Report;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Consolidated Transportation Program priorities and initial budget requests under § 2–103.1 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any update on the Central Maryland Regional Transit Plan under § 7–301.1 of this title;</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Provide input and engage in advocacy for Baltimore Core Transit Service;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <level label="i"> <text>Request and review information from the Annual Attainment Report and the Administration concerning the attainment of the Administration’s goals, including performance goals and metrics;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Evaluate any other measures of the performance of Baltimore Core Transit Service; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Issue written recommendations concerning how the results of the Board’s review and evaluation should influence the Administration’s priorities in future years;</text> </level> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Review service change reports and approve major service change proposals;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Review and approve any update to the Central Maryland Regional Transit Plan;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>Review and approve the Capital Needs Inventory Report;</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>Review local transit plans and services in the Baltimore region to ensure coordination between the local transit services and Baltimore Core Transit Service;</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>Organize and establish policies and procedures for the operations of the Board, including conflict of interest standards, consistent with Title 5 of the General Provisions Article and § 7–211 of this subtitle, that prohibit a Board member from having any inappropriate professional, financial, or nonfinancial interest in a matter over which the Board has jurisdiction;</text> </level> <level label="15"> <text>Not later than 6 months after the Board first meets, adopt bylaws to govern the operations of the Board;</text> </level> <level label="16"> <level label="i"> <text>Keep minutes of Board meetings and maintain proper records of all Board activity; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Post all minutes, records, notices, comments, or other information issued by the Board or received from the public on a public website established and maintained by the Board; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="17"> <level label="i"> <text>Submit an annual report to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, the House Appropriations Committee, and the House Ways and Means Committee, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on system performance, trends, major projects, and other activities; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Make the report available to the general public and ensure that the report is readily available on the website of the Administration.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board shall meet at a time and place designated by the chair.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board shall meet as often as its duties require, but not less than quarterly.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-201.2" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Transit Administration"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Board” means the Commuter Services Advisory Board.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Commuter service” means the Administration’s:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train service; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Commuter bus service.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Commuter Services Advisory Board in the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board consists of the following voting members, appointed by the Governor:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Six members who reside in areas served by MARC or Administration commuter buses;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>One member who represents riders with accessibility challenges; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>One member who is an employee of an Administration commuter service contractor and is a member of a labor union that has a collective bargaining agreement with the commuter service contractor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Governor shall designate the chair of the Board, who shall serve as chair at the pleasure of the Governor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a Board member is 3 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of the members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on January 1, 2027.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department and the Administration shall provide staff for the Board, including a Deputy Administrator who shall serve as the executive director and report directly to the Administrator.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration shall provide office space for the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A member of the Board:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not receive compensation as a member of the Board; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Board shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide advice and guidance on MARC and commuter bus plans and policies;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Review and comment on major MARC and commuter bus service plans and updates;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provide advice and guidance on the hiring and removal of the Deputy Administrator;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>Review and comment on the Administration’s operating and capital budget requests for MARC and commuter bus service; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Establish, in consultation with the Department and the Administration, a timeline for review and comment under this paragraph that is consistent with the Department’s budget process; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>Submit an annual report to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, the House Appropriations Committee, and the House Ways and Means Committee, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on system performance, trends, major projects, and other activities; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Make the report available to the general public and ensure that the report is readily available on the website of the Administration.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board shall meet at a time and place designated by the chair.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board shall meet as often as the duties require, but not less than quarterly.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-202" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Transit Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>The head of the Administration is the Maryland Transit Administrator, who shall be appointed by the Secretary with the approval of the Governor.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administrator serves at the pleasure of the Secretary and shall report directly to him.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the authority of the Secretary, the Administrator is responsible for carrying out:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The powers and duties vested by law in the Administration; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Those powers and duties vested in the Secretary and delegated to the Administrator by the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administrator is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-203" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Transit Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>The exercise of the powers and duties of the Administration is subject to the authority of the Secretary and, where applicable, the Maryland Transportation Authority.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>By regulation or directive, the Secretary or, where applicable, the Maryland Transportation Authority may require that the exercise of any power or duty of the Administration be subject to the prior approval of the Secretary or the Maryland Transportation Authority, as the case may be.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-203.1" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Transit Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>In accordance with 49 U.S.C. § 5329, the Office of the Secretary shall serve as the State Safety Oversight Authority for the Maryland Transit Administration’s light rail transit system and Metro subway.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Maryland Transit Administration’s light rail transit system and Metro subway shall be subject to the Office of the Secretary’s rules, actions, and orders.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Office of the Secretary may adopt regulations to carry out this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-204" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Transit Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to the specific powers granted under this title, the Administration has the powers granted by this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration may sue and be sued in its own name.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administration may adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this title.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If necessary or useful in rendering transit service or railroad service or incidental activities, the Administration may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Construct, acquire, own, operate, maintain, and control any interest in any property, whether by contract, purchase, condemnation, lease as lessor or lessee, license, gift, mortgage, or otherwise; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the property is no longer required for the purposes of the Administration, sell, convey, or otherwise dispose of it.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Administration may apply for and receive grants, gifts, payments, loans, advances, and other funds, appropriations, properties, and services from the federal government, this State, any of their agencies or political subdivisions, or any other public or private person and may enter into agreements for them and for any studies, plans, demonstrations, or projects.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Administration may contract with this State or any of its agencies or political subdivisions for providing transit facilities and transit services, including service in any county contiguous to the District, and for any other purposes incidental to the establishment, financing, and operation of the regional transportation system.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Administration may enter into and manage contracts with railroad companies to provide passenger and freight railroad services.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The Administration may contract with any public utility, railroad company, transportation company, or private carrier for the joint use of property or rights.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>The Administration may contract for planning, engineering, and technical services and may contract for or employ consultants, engineers, attorneys, and other professional, planning, engineering, and technical services.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>The Administration may make any contract necessary for or incidental to the performance of its duties and the exercise of its powers under this title.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>The Administration shall develop and coordinate policies and plans for the preservation, improvement, or provision of railroad facilities and railroad services.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>The Administration shall conduct project planning and preliminary engineering related to railroad facilities.</text> </level> <level label="m"> <text>The Administration shall supervise construction of State-owned or financed railroad facilities and related capital improvements performed under contract with the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="n"> <text>The Administration shall supervise the maintenance and rehabilitation of State-owned or financed railroad facilities and equipment.</text> </level> <level label="o"> <text>The Administration shall advise the Secretary on matters concerning compliance with § 8-639 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="p"> <text>The Administration shall monitor railroad passenger and freight services to assure maximum benefits to Maryland communities and business.</text> </level> <level label="q"> <text>Subject to the limitations imposed by this title, the Administration may exercise all powers reasonably necessary to the declared objects and purposes of this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-205" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2029 PER CHAPTER 20 OF 2021 SPECIAL SESSION" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Transit Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “state of good repair needs” includes the capital needs identified by the Administration in the assessment required under § 7–309 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>For fiscal year 2020, the Governor shall include in the State budget an appropriation from the Transportation Trust Fund for the operation of the Administration that is equal to the appropriation for the operation of the Administration in the fiscal year 2019 State budget as introduced, increased by at least 4.4%.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>For fiscal year 2021, the Governor shall include in the State budget an appropriation from the Transportation Trust Fund for the operation of the Administration that is equal to the appropriation for the operation of the Administration in the State budget for the immediately preceding fiscal year, increased by at least 4.4%.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>For each of fiscal years 2023 through 2029, the Governor shall include in the State budget an appropriation from the Transportation Trust Fund for the operation of the Administration that may not be less than the fiscal year 2022 appropriation for the operation of the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>For fiscal year 2022, the Governor shall include in the State budget an appropriation from the Transportation Trust Fund for the operation of the Administration that may not be less than the fiscal year 2021 appropriation for the operation of the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>For each of fiscal years 2020 through 2022, the Governor shall include in the State budget an appropriation for the capital needs of the Administration of at least $29,100,000 from the revenues available for the State capital program in the Transportation Trust Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Governor shall include in the State budget an appropriation for the state of good repair needs of the Administration in the following amounts from the revenues available for the State capital program in the Transportation Trust Fund:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For fiscal year 2023, at least $402,037,183;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For fiscal year 2024, at least $502,081,501;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>For fiscal year 2025, at least $450,000,000;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>For fiscal year 2026, at least $450,000,000;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>For fiscal year 2027, at least $450,000,000;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>For fiscal year 2028, at least $450,000,000; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>For fiscal year 2029, at least $318,558,000.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, an appropriation required under paragraph (2) of this subsection may be reduced if the total appropriation for state of good repair needs in a prior fiscal year exceeded the amount specified under paragraph (2) of this subsection for that fiscal year.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A reduction authorized under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May be applied only to one fiscal year; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May not exceed the difference between the total appropriation for state of good repair needs for the prior fiscal year and the amount specified under paragraph (2) of this subsection for that fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>The appropriation required under paragraph (1) of this subsection may not supplant any other capital funding otherwise available for the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The appropriations required under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be in addition to any funds appropriated for the capital planning, engineering, right–of–way acquisition, or construction of the Purple Line in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>This Act may not be construed to limit the authority of the Administrator to use available funds appropriated to the Administration to increase the State investment in locally operated transit agencies.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-205.1" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Transit Administration"> <text>The Governor shall include in the State budget an appropriation from the Transportation Trust Fund to the Bus Rapid Transit Fund established under § 2–802.1 of this article for bus rapid transit system grants in accordance with § 2–802 of this article in the following amounts:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For fiscal year 2026, $10,000,000; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter, $12,000,000.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-206" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Transit Administration"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Without regard to the laws of this State relating to other State employees, and subject to § 2–103.4 of this article, the Administration may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Create and abolish any position other than one specifically provided for in this title; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Determine the qualification, appointment, removal, term, and tenure of its employees.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration may determine the compensation of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Employees if the compensation is determined pursuant to Subtitle 6 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Executive management positions, as recommended by the Secretary and approved by the Governor, subject to approval in the budget; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Management positions, subject to approval by the Secretary and the Governor and the availability of funds in the budget.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to § 2–103.4 of this article, the Administration may establish a personnel system based on merit and fitness.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to Division II of the State Personnel and Pensions Article, participate in the Employees’ Retirement System and the Employees’ Pension System of the State of Maryland on terms and conditions mutually acceptable to the Administration and the Board of Trustees for the State Retirement and Pension System; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Establish and maintain an independent system of pensions and retirement benefits for its employees.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administrator may appoint and remove all employees of the Administration, subject to the rules of procedure and standards that the Secretary adopts.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Maryland Transportation Commission shall determine the qualifications and appointments, as well as compensation and leave, for up to 12 management personnel positions required by the Administration to operate and administer all State–owned transit facilities.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>In making determinations and appointments under this subsection, the Maryland Transportation Commission shall consider the comparative status of employees serving in similar positions and discharging similar duties at comparable transit agencies.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In selecting comparable transit agencies, the Maryland Transportation Commission shall consider operational and traffic data, market area characteristics, agency competitiveness, and any other factors the Commission considers appropriate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Except for general salary increases approved by the General Assembly, the Maryland Transportation Commission shall submit to the Secretary of Budget and Management at least 10 days before the effective date of any management personnel position salary increase notice of the proposed adjustment.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Secretary of Budget and Management shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Review the proposed adjustment; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Within 10 days after receipt of the proposed adjustment, advise the Maryland Transportation Commission whether the adjustment poses an adverse impact on special fund expenditures.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Failure of the Secretary of Budget and Management to advise the Maryland Transportation Commission in a timely manner shall be deemed a determination that the proposed adjustment poses no adverse impact.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Employees appointed under this subsection are State employees and shall be entitled to participate in the retirement and pension systems for employees of the State of Maryland authorized under Division II of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-207" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Transit Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration shall establish and maintain a police force to provide protection for its patrons, personnel, and all railroad facilities and transit facilities owned, leased, or operated upon, by, or under the control of the Administration. The police force is charged with the responsibility of enforcing the applicable laws, ordinances and regulations of the State and political subdivisions and the rules and regulations of the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A Maryland Transit Administration police officer has all the powers granted to a peace officer and a police officer of this State. These powers may be exercised only on property owned, leased, or operated upon, by, or under the control of the Administration and not on any other property unless:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Engaged in fresh pursuit of a suspected offender;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Specially requested or permitted to do so in a political subdivision by its chief executive officer or its chief police officer; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Ordered to do so by the Governor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Members of the police force have concurrent jurisdiction in the performance of their duties with the law enforcement agencies of the State and of the political subdivisions in which any transit facility or railroad facility of the Administration is located or in which the Administration operates any transit service or railroad service. Nothing contained in this section relieves the State or a political subdivision or agency thereof from a duty to provide police, fire and other public safety service and protection or affects the jurisdiction of other police, fire, and public safety agencies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>In consultation with the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission, the Administrator, with the approval of the Secretary, shall adopt standards, qualifications, and prerequisites of character, training, education, human and public relations, and experience for Maryland Transit Administration police officers, including standards for the performance of their duties.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administrator shall adopt standards similar to the standards adopted for the Department of State Police.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Administrator with the approval of the Secretary shall adopt rules and regulations governing the operation and conduct of the Maryland Transit Administration police force.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Administration may enter into agreements with railroad companies, political subdivisions, and public safety agencies, including those of the federal government, for the delineation of the functions and responsibilities of the Administration’s police force.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Maryland Transit Administration police force may issue citations for violations of the rules and regulations adopted by the Administration under this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-208" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Transit Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the authority of the Secretary and, where applicable, the Maryland Transportation Authority, the Administration has jurisdiction:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Consistent with the provisions of Division II of the State Finance and Procurement Article, for planning, developing, constructing, acquiring, financing, and operating the transit facilities authorized by this title; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Over the services performed by and the rentals, rates, fees, fares, and other charges imposed for the services performed by transit facilities owned or controlled by the Administration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration shall submit, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, an annual report to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, House Ways and Means Committee, and House Appropriations Committee by December 1 of each year that includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Separate farebox recovery ratios for the prior fiscal year for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Bus, light rail, and Metro subway services provided by the Administration in the Baltimore region;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Commuter bus service provided under contract to the Administration in the Baltimore region; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Maryland Area Rail Commuter (MARC) service provided under contract to the Administration; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Comparisons of farebox recovery ratios for the Administration’s mass transit services and other similar transit systems nationwide.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b–1"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to § 7–506 of this title and paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Administration shall set the fare prices and collect other operating revenues.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration may not reduce the level of services provided by the Administration for the purpose of achieving a specific farebox recovery requirement.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>For fiscal year 2009 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Administration shall implement performance indicators to track service efficiency for the Administration’s mass transit services, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Operating expenses per revenue vehicle mile;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Operating expenses per passenger trip; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Passenger trips per revenue vehicle mile.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration shall submit, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, an annual performance report to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, House Ways and Means Committee, and House Appropriations Committee by December 1 of each year on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The status of the performance indicators listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection for the prior fiscal year, including a discussion of the failure or success in meeting the goals established for the prior fiscal year by the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The status of managing–for–results goals of the Administration as they pertain to mass transit service in the Baltimore area;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Comparisons of performance indicators for the Administration’s mass transit services and other similar systems nationwide; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The Administration’s goals for each of the measures in paragraph (1) of this subsection for the next fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration shall provide for an independent management audit of the operational costs and revenues of the Administration’s mass transit services every 4 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The audit shall provide data on fares, cost containment measures, comparisons with other similar mass transit systems, and other information necessary in evaluating the operations of the Administration’s mass transit system.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The findings from the audit shall be used as a benchmark for the annual performance reports.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The determinations of the Secretary, Administration, or Maryland Transportation Authority as to the type of service performed or the rentals, rates, fees, fares, and other charges imposed are not subject to judicial review or to the processes of any court.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this title or the Public Utilities Article, the Public Service Commission does not have any jurisdiction over transit facilities owned or controlled by the Administration or over any contractor operating these facilities.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Except as provided in this title, the Administration does not have any jurisdiction over transportation in the District by private carriers.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-209" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Transit Administration"> <text>The Administrator shall employ a general counsel who serves at the pleasure of the Administrator. The general counsel is entitled to the compensation determined by the Administrator.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-210" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Transit Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administrator or any officer or employee of the Administration designated by him may conduct investigations, inquiries, and hearings as to any matter affecting railroad services and transit services in the District with which the Administration is concerned.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administrator or his designee may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Administer oaths;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Certify to all official acts; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Issue subpoenas and orders for the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of papers, books, and documents.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If a person fails to comply with any subpoena or order issued under this section, the Administrator or his designee may invoke the aid of a court of competent jurisdiction.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The court may order that person to obey the subpoena or order or to give evidence about the matter in question.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-211" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Transit Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>An officer or employee of the Administration may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be financially interested, either directly or indirectly, in any contract, sale, purchase, lease, or transfer of property to which the Administration is a party;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In connection with services performed in the scope of his official duties or employment, solicit or accept money or any other thing of value in addition to the compensation or expenses paid him by the Administration; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Offer money or anything of value for or in consideration of obtaining an appointment, promotion, or privilege in his official capacity or employment with the Administration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In the discretion of the Administration, any officer or employee who willfully violates any provision of this section forfeits his office or employment.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administration may void any contract made in violation of this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>This section does not abrogate or limit the applicability of any other law that is violated by any action prohibited by this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-212" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Maryland Transit Administration"> <text>Every rule, regulation, form, order, and directive adopted by or relating to the former Metropolitan Transit Authority remains in effect until changed by the Administrator or the Secretary. Every reference in this Code, any other law, ordinance, resolution, rule, regulation, order, directive, legal action, contract, or any other document to the Metropolitan Transit Authority or the Public Transit Administration means the Maryland Transit Administration.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-301" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Transit Plans and Financing"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration shall prepare plans to meet the transit needs of the District and from time to time shall review and revise these plans.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The plans shall specify:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The transit facilities to be constructed or acquired, including the location of terminals, stations, and parking facilities;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The character, nature, design, and location of the transit facilities;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Whether the transit facilities are to be constructed or acquired by lease, purchase, or condemnation;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A timetable for providing the transit facilities;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Anticipated capital costs;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Estimated operating expenses and revenues;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The type of equipment to be used;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The areas to be served and the routes and schedules of service expected to be provided;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The expected fares and charges for service;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>The plan of financing the capital costs and operation of the transit facilities;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>When applicable, improvements in interjurisdictional commuter transit services including the location of corridors, routes, stations, and terminals;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>Improvements to fare payment systems that will:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Allow for the processing of fare media in electronic form; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Provide electronic fare media for distribution to employees as part of a commuter benefits program; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="13"> <text>Any other information that the Administration considers relevant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A plan may provide for demonstration or testing facilities and for the use of the facilities for research and development.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-301.1" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Transit Plans and Financing"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “core service area” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An area in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford County, and Howard County that is served by light rail, metro, or fixed bus route service; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>As determined by the Department, any other area in which the population commutes to an area described in item (1) of this subsection in order to use light rail, metro, or fixed bus route service.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to the requirements of §§ 7–301 and 7–302 of this subtitle, on or before October 1, 2020, the Administration shall, in consultation with the Central Maryland Regional Transit Plan Commission and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, prepare a Central Maryland Regional Transit Plan to meet the transit needs of the core service area.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Central Maryland Regional Transit Plan shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Define goals for outcomes to be achieved through the provision of public transportation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In order to best achieve the goals defined in item (1) of this subsection, identify options for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Improvements to existing transportation assets;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Improvements to leverage non–Administration transportation options available to public transportation; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Corridors for new public transportation assets;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Prioritize corridors for planning of new public transportation assets;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Evaluate the Plan’s consistency with local land use and transportation plans and the Maryland Transportation Plan and identify opportunities for achieving greater consistency;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Be reviewed, revised, and updated at least every 5 years; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Address a 25–year time frame.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Central Maryland Regional Transit Plan Commission.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission consists of the following members:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The County Executive of Anne Arundel County, or the County Executive’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Mayor of Baltimore City, or the Mayor’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The County Executive of Baltimore County, or the County Executive’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The County Executive of Harford County, or the County Executive’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The County Executive of Howard County, or the County Executive’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>One representative from a Central Maryland business or transportation organization, appointed by the President of the Senate;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>One representative from a Central Maryland business or transportation organization, appointed by the Speaker of the House; and</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>The following individuals appointed by the Governor:</text> <level label="1"> <text>One representative from a Central Maryland business organization;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One representative from the Citizen Advisory Council;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>One representative from a disabled riders group; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>One representative from the MARC Riders Advisory Council.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Commission shall participate in the development of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A strategy for meaningful public involvement in the Central Maryland Regional Transit Plan; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The goals for outcomes of the Central Maryland Regional Transit Plan.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-302" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Transit Plans and Financing"> <level label="a"> <text>To the extent practicable, the transit plans prepared by the Administration shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Implement the general development plan of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In order to provide for a balanced transportation system and for the coordination of transit planning and general planning, be prepared in consultation with the Baltimore Metropolitan Council.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration shall cooperate with the planning agencies of the Department of Planning and any other State or federal agency concerned with transit plans.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>To provide a framework for regional participation in the planning process, the Administration may create technical committees concerned with planning and the collection and analyses of information to aid in the transportation planning process. On request of the Administration, the Department of Planning may make appointments to these committees.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-303" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Transit Plans and Financing"> <level label="a"> <text>A transit plan is not effective and steps may not be taken to implement it until the plan has been adopted by the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary may not approve or adopt the location of corridors, routes, stations, and terminals in any political subdivision unless the locations have been approved by the legislative body of the political subdivision.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the legislative body does not advise the Secretary in writing of its action within 180 days after its receipt of notice of the proposed locations, the legislative body is deemed to have approved the location.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Before the adoption, revision, or amendment of any transit plan, the Secretary shall send the proposed plan, revision, or amendment to the following, for comment to be made within the time that the Secretary specifies:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The chief executive officers and the councils or the boards of county commissioners in the District;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Public Service Commission;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Baltimore Regional Council of Governments;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Department of Planning;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Each private carrier operating in the District;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Each labor union representing employees engaged in transit operations in the District;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The legislative representatives of any affected political subdivisions; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Any other agency that the Secretary determines.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-304" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Transit Plans and Financing"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Release to the public information as to any proposed transit plan or proposed amendment or revision of a transit plan; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Keep a copy of the proposal and information at its office for public inspection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration shall hold a public hearing on the proposed plan, revision, or amendment.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration shall give at least 30 days’ prior notice of the hearing. The notice shall be published once a week for 2 successive weeks in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the District. The 30-day period begins when the notice first appears in the newspaper.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administration shall consider the evidence submitted and the comments made at the hearing. With the approval of the Secretary and without any further hearing, the Administration may make any changes in the proposed plan, amendment, or revision that it considers appropriate.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-305" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Transit Plans and Financing"> <text>The Administration may not construct, acquire, or incur a commitment or obligation in connection with any transit facilities specified in a transit plan until the necessary funds are available or provision has been made for the funds under Title 3 or 4 of this article.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-306" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Transit Plans and Financing"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to constitutional limitations, this State and its political subdivisions may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Make grants to the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Guarantee any obligations of the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Make contributions to meet any operating expenses of the Administration; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Contract with the Administration, any lender, or any trustee under an indenture or loan agreement made by the Administration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Unless otherwise authorized by law, the Administration:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Does not have any power to impose any commitment or obligation on this State or any of its political subdivisions; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May not levy any tax.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-308" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Transit Plans and Financing"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department may execute any agreement, lease, or equipment trust certificate for the purchase or rental of transit facilities or equipment such as rolling stock, substantially in the form customarily used in these cases and appropriate to effect the purchase or rental. The Department may dispose of an equipment trust certificate in the manner that it determines to be in its best interests.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each vehicle covered by an equipment trust certificate shall have the name of the owner and lessor plainly marked on both sides, followed by the words “owner and lessor”.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The money required to be paid by the Department under these agreements, leases, and equipment trust certificates shall be payable from revenues available under this title or Title 3 or 4 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Payment for the purchase or rental of transit facilities or equipment may be made in installments, and deferred installments may be evidenced by equipment trust certificates. Title to the transit facilities or equipment may not vest in the Department until the equipment trust certificates are paid.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An agreement by the Department to purchase transit facilities or equipment may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Direct the seller to sell and assign the equipment to a bank or trust company authorized to do business in this State or to the United States Department of Transportation, as trustee, lessor, or seller, for the benefit and security of the equipment trust certificates;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Direct the trustee to deliver the transit facilities and equipment to one or more designated agents of the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Authorize the trustee simultaneously with the delivery to execute and deliver a lease of the transit facilities or equipment to the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The agreements and leases shall be acknowledged in the form required for the acknowledgment of deeds. The agreements, leases, and equipment trust certificates shall be authorized by the Secretary and contain the covenants, conditions, and provisions that the Secretary considers necessary or appropriate to insure the payment of the equipment trust certificates from the revenues derived from the operation of the transit system and other funds.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The covenants, conditions, and provisions of the agreements, leases, and equipment trust certificates may not conflict with any trust agreement securing the payment of bonds or other obligations of the Department then outstanding and may not conflict with the rights of the holders of any other bonds or obligations.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-309" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Transit Plans and Financing"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration shall, at least every 3 years, assess the ongoing, unconstrained capital needs of the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In undertaking the assessment required under subsection (a) of this section, the Administration shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Compile and prioritize capital needs without regard to cost;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Identify the backlog of repairs and replacements needed to achieve a state of good repair for all Administration assets, including a separate analysis of these needs over the following 10 years; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Identify the needs to be met in order to enhance service and achieve system performance goals.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On or before July 1, 2019, and on or before July 1 every 3 years thereafter, the Administration shall, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, submit the assessment required under subsection (a) of this section to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, the House Appropriations Committee, and the House Environment and Transportation Committee.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>On or before January 20, 2022, and on or before January 20 each year thereafter, the Administration shall, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, submit an accounting of the capital funds programmed, appropriated, and expended on each of the projects identified in the assessment required under subsection (a) of this section for the prior fiscal year to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, the House Appropriations Committee, and the House Environment and Transportation Committee.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-310" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Transit Plans and Financing"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “complete streets policy” has the meaning stated in § 2–112 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration shall, in accordance with § 2–112 of this article, adopt a complete streets policy for transit facilities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-311" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Transit Plans and Financing"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“MARC” means the Maryland Area Regional Commuter rail service.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“MARC Cornerstone Plan” means the plan established by the Administration to translate the Administration’s transit vision statement into strategic priorities, policies, programs, and initiatives for MARC rail service.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Transit vision statement” means the Administration’s objective to provide safe, efficient, and reliable transit access across Maryland with world–class customer service.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration shall establish individual investment programs to advance the MARC Cornerstone Plan and other MARC improvements by providing incremental enhancements for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Brunswick Line, including a third track between Rockville and Germantown to better serve Western Maryland and existing communities served by the line;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Camden Line;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Penn Line;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>New regional service between Perryville, Maryland and Newark, Delaware;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>New regional run–through rail service to Alexandria, Virginia; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Extending the Brunswick Line to better serve Western Maryland.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each investment program established under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Commence in fiscal year 2023;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Include a review of existing rail operations, infrastructure, and right–of–way information to confirm existing conditions;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Include rail simulation models for each of the current corridors served by MARC and areas identified for new service;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Identify future operating scenarios that can improve service, including new midday, weekend, evening, through–running, and bidirectional service;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Develop conceptual level improvement plans to enhance MARC’s service over time, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Concept plans for highest–value infrastructure improvements identified by the simulation models;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>New stations or station enhancements; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Improvements to enhance access to jobs and housing in neighboring jurisdictions; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Identify a 5–year priority set of capital projects and activities to implement planned improvements to be funded in the Consolidated Transportation Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In fiscal year 2028 and every fifth fiscal year thereafter, the Administration shall update each investment program established under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In fiscal year 2023, the Administration shall advance the following rail priority projects as part of the investment programs required under subsection (b) of this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In coordination with the District of Columbia, Virginia, the Virginia Railway Express, Amtrak, and CSX, develop a service and operations plan for MARC through–running to Alexandria, Virginia;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In coordination with Delaware, Pennsylvania, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), and Amtrak, develop a service and operations plan for MARC, SEPTA, or Amtrak to run competitive transit schedules between Perryville, Maryland and Newark, Delaware;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Complete 30% of the design for a new Elkton infill MARC station on the Penn Line;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Complete 30% of the design for a new Bayview infill MARC station on the Penn Line;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Complete 30% of the design for Germantown Station improvements;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Complete 15% of the design for a fourth track on the Penn Line; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Hire three full–time equivalent (FTE) staff at a cost of approximately $450,000 annually beginning in fiscal year 2023 for the Administration’s planning and capital programming to ensure the Administration has adequate staff resources to leverage federal rail funding.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-401" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Construction of Transit Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>In connection with any matter under its jurisdiction, the Administration may acquire by condemnation any property located in the District.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration may purchase the capital stock of a private carrier or acquire by purchase, lease, or condemnation any property of a private carrier used or useful in rendering transit service, including any rolling stock, shops, garages, terminals, and other assets, property, or facilities.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any condemnation of real or personal property under this section shall be instituted and maintained in the name of the Administration and conducted under Title 12 of the Real Property Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-403" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Construction of Transit Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>Purchases on behalf of the Administration of rolling stock and other property peculiar to the operation of transit facilities or railroad facilities are not subject to law governing procurement by the Department of General Services.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The selection of long-lead equipment items for purposes of a light rail transit system shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the State procurement laws and regulations and shall use either a competitive sealed bid or competitive sealed proposal method of procurement.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-404" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Construction of Transit Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>The federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 and § 7 of the federal Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 apply to persons covered by those acts and displaced from real property by action of the Administration, whether or not financial assistance is sought by or extended to the Administration under those acts.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notwithstanding any other law, a relocation payment made by the Administration may not be less than that required by the law of the place where the acquired property is located.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If real property is acquired for the Administration by a federal, State, or local agency or instrumentality, the Administration may reimburse the acquiring agency or instrumentality for any relocation payments that it makes.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-405" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Construction of Transit Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>Notwithstanding § 7-404 of this subtitle on relocation program and payments, any highway, other public facility, or facility of a public utility company dislocated by action of the Administration shall be relocated if the facility is devoted to public use.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a substitute facility is necessary, the Administration shall pay the reasonable nonbetterment cost of relocation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This section may not be construed to affect any agreement relating to, or any interest in, real property owned or controlled by the Administration.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-406" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Construction of Transit Facilities"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Alternative–fuel bus” means a motor vehicle that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is designed to carry more than 10 passengers and is used to carry passengers for compensation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is not powered by diesel or gasoline;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Provides greenhouse gas emissions reductions in comparison to an equivalent diesel–powered vehicle; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Is not a taxicab.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Bus” has the meaning stated in § 11–105 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Zero–emission bus” means a motor vehicle that is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Designed to carry more than 10 passengers and is used to carry passengers for compensation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A zero–emission vehicle; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Not a taxicab.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Zero–emission vehicle” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A fuel cell electric vehicle that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is a motor vehicle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is made by a manufacturer;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads, and highways;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Has a maximum speed capability of at least 55 miles per hour;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Is powered entirely by electricity, produced by combining hydrogen and oxygen, that runs the motor;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Has an operating range of at least 100 miles; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Produces only water vapor and heat as by–products; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A plug–in electric drive vehicle that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is a motor vehicle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is made by a manufacturer;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Has a maximum speed capability of at least 55 miles per hour; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Is propelled by an electric motor that draws electricity from a battery that:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Has a capacity of not less than 4 kilowatt–hours; and</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Is capable of being recharged from an external source of electricity.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>This section applies to the Administration’s State transit bus fleet.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This section does not apply to a bus that is part of a locally operated transit system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, beginning in fiscal year 2032, the Administration may not enter into a contract to purchase buses for the Administration’s State transit bus fleet that are not zero–emission buses.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Administration determines that a sufficient number of zero–emission buses or necessary electric vehicle supply equipment that meets the Administration’s performance and contractual requirements are not commercially available in a particular year, the Administration may purchase an alternative–fuel bus for that use, including hybrid buses, to ensure that an appropriate number of buses are purchased each year to maintain the State transit bus fleet.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The full cost of zero–emission and alternative–fuel buses purchased under this subsection shall be paid from the Transportation Trust Fund or bonds backed by future federal aid consistent with this section and § 3–601 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration shall provide safety and workforce development training for its:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Operations training workforce; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Maintenance workforce in a manner that enables the maintenance workforce to safely repair and maintain:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration’s zero–emission buses and all their components; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The charging infrastructure for the zero–emission buses.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The training required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include registered apprenticeships and other labor–management training programs to address the impact of the transition to zero–emission buses on the Administration’s workforce.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Administration shall ensure the development of charging infrastructure to support the operation of zero–emission buses in the State transit bus fleet.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before January 1, 2022, and each January 1 thereafter, the Administration shall, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, submit a report to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, the Senate Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment, the House Appropriations Committee, and the House Environment and Transportation Committee on the implementation of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The annual report shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A schedule for converting the Administration’s State transit bus fleet to zero–emission buses;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An evaluation of the charging infrastructure needed for the Administration to create and maintain a State transit bus fleet of zero–emission buses;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A plan for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Transitioning any State employees adversely affected by the conversion from a diesel–powered State transit bus fleet to a zero–emission State transit bus fleet to similar or other employment within the Administration or Department that has commensurate seniority, pay, and benefits;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Ensuring that no duties or functions of State employees are transferred to a contracting entity as a result of the conversion from a diesel–powered State transit bus fleet to a zero–emission State transit bus fleet; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Ensuring that any entity other than the Administration that operates or maintains zero–emission buses on behalf of the Administration provides employee protections equivalent to the protections required by the plan;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A certification that the Administration is adhering to the plan required under item (iii) of this paragraph;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>In coordination with other appropriate State agencies, an estimate of the reduction in the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, measured in pounds, that will be obtained through the use of zero–emission buses each year until the State transit bus fleet is converted to zero–emission buses; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A financial analysis:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Of the projected cost of purchasing, maintaining, and providing charging infrastructure for the zero–emission State transit bus fleet each year until the fleet is converted to zero–emission buses; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Comparing the projected cost under item 1 of this item to the projected cost of continuing to operate a diesel–powered State transit bus fleet.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-501" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Operation of Transit Facilities"> <text>The Administration may provide transit service by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Operating the transit facilities it owns, leases, or otherwise controls; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Causing any other person to operate these or other transit facilities, in whole or in part, under contract, lease, or other arrangement.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-502" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Operation of Transit Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>The Public Service Commission may not grant or renew any operating permit or license unless, after notice and opportunity for hearing, it finds that the route to be served and the service to be performed under the permit or license will conform to the legislative policy stated in § 7-102 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this section, on application, complaint, or its own motion, the Public Service Commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Direct private carriers to coordinate their service schedules with those of the transit facilities owned or controlled by the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Direct private carriers to improve or extend any existing service or to provide additional service over additional routes; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If, after notice and opportunity for hearing, it finds that through service and joint fares are required by the public interest:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Authorize a private carrier, under an agreement between the carrier and the Administration, to establish and maintain through routes and joint fares for transportation to be rendered with transit facilities owned or controlled by the Administration and otherwise to integrate its service with the service performed by the transit facilities owned or controlled by the Administration; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In the absence of agreement, direct a private carrier to establish and maintain with the Administration through routes and joint fares.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Unless the private carrier is earning a reasonable return on its operation as a whole in rendering transportation subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission, the Public Service Commission may not authorize or direct a private carrier to perform any service, including the establishment or continuation of a joint fare for a through route with the Administration, if the service is based on a division between the Administration and private carrier that does not provide a reasonable return to the private carrier.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In determining the issue of reasonable return, the Public Service Commission shall consider any income that is derived from the Administration, whether as payment for services or otherwise, and is attributable to the private carrier or to any corporation, firm, association, or other entity owned in whole or in part by the carrier.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Public Service Commission may not require the Administration to establish and maintain any through service or joint fare.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-503" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Operation of Transit Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>In cooperation with private carriers and the Public Service Commission, the Administration shall coordinate, to the fullest extent practicable, the routes and service of its transit facilities with the routes and service of private carriers.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to the approval of the Public Service Commission, the Administration shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Enter into agreements with private carriers to establish and maintain through routes and joint fares and to provide for the division of these joint fares; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In the absence of agreement, establish and maintain through routes and joint fares in accordance with orders issued by the Public Service Commission and directed to the private carriers, if the terms and conditions for the through service and joint fares are acceptable to the Administration.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-504" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Operation of Transit Facilities"> <text>If the Public Service Commission fails, refuses, or is unable to direct a private carrier to perform a specified service requested by the Administration, the Administration:</text> <level label="1"> <text>With the transit facilities it owns or controls, may perform any transit service it considers necessary to provide adequate transit service; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>By agreement, may make reasonable subsidy payments to private carriers to encourage them to render bus service to the extent practicable.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-505" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Operation of Transit Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>As to all or any part of any railroad facility or transit facility, the Administration may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Fix, revise, charge, and collect rentals, rates, fees, fares, and other charges for its use or for its services; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Contract with any person who desires its use for any purpose and fix the terms, conditions, rentals, rates, fees, fares, and other charges for this use.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To the extent practicable and consistent with providing adequate service at reasonable fares, the rentals, rates, fees, fares, and other charges imposed for and the services provided by the transit facilities and railroad facilities owned or controlled by the Administration shall be fixed and adjusted in respect of the aggregate of the charges so as to provide funds that, together with any other revenues, are sufficient to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Maintain, repair, and operate the transit facilities and railroad facilities;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide for depreciation of the transit facilities and railroad facilities;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Replace, enlarge, extend, reconstruct, renew, and improve the transit facilities and railroad facilities;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Pay the costs of purchasing, leasing, or otherwise acquiring and installing rolling stock and other equipment;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Pay the principal of and interest on any outstanding obligations of the Administration, including obligations incurred for the acquisition of rolling stock;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Pay the current expenses of the Administration; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Provide for any purpose that the Administration considers necessary and desirable to carry out the provisions of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except for the authority of the Secretary and, where applicable, the Maryland Transportation Authority, the rentals, rates, fares, fees, and other charges imposed by the Administration are not subject to supervision or regulation by any instrumentality, agency, or unit of this State or any of its political subdivisions.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration may contract with the federal government, this State, or any of their agencies or political subdivisions for payments to the Administration for free or reduced fare transportation of employees or other persons.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>With respect to the operation of transit service, the Administration shall allow individuals with disabilities who are employed by sheltered workshops and who earn less than the current minimum wage, as determined by the Federal Wage and Hours Board, to travel free to and from those workshops.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-506" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Operation of Transit Facilities"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, until a public hearing is held on the matter, the Administration may not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Fix or revise any fare or rate charged the general public;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Establish or abandon any bus or rail route listed on a published timetable;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Change a bus or rail route alignment listed on a published timetable, unless the change is needed because of temporary construction or changes in the road network;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Reduce the frequency, number of days, or days of service for a commuter bus or commuter rail route without substituting a comparable level of service, unless the reduction is temporary or a result of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A natural disaster;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Weather or other emergency conditions;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Schedule adjustments required by a third party that operates service on the same right–of–way; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Other circumstances beyond the control of the Administration; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Establish or abandon a rail transit station.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration may only implement a change described in paragraph (1) of this subsection during the time period that begins 6 weeks after the public hearing and ends 6 months after the public hearing.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>If the Administration gives inadequate or defective notice of a public hearing on a change described in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Administration may not implement the change unless the Administration makes a reasonable effort to correct the inadequacy or defect and a legally sufficient public hearing is held.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For the purposes of this paragraph, notice shall be considered inadequate or defective if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration does not comply with the newspaper publication requirements under subsection (d) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration does not comply with the notice requirements for affected jurisdictions prescribed under subsection (d) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At least 30% of the Administration’s facilities are not posted as required under subsection (d) of this section; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The notice contains erroneous information.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A public hearing required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be at a place and time that is reasonably accessible and convenient to the patrons of the service to be affected.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Administration shall accept written comments for 30 days after a hearing held on a change described in paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration may add service on a new alignment branching off of an existing route without holding a public hearing, if the addition of the new alignment does not alter the existing route.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The following persons may request the Administration to hold a hearing on any rentals, rates, fares, fees, or other charges of the Administration or any service rendered by the transit facilities owned or controlled by the Administration:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any person served by or using the transit facilities;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The People’s Counsel, as a representative of the general public; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any private carrier operating in the District.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The request for a hearing shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Be in writing;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>State the matter sought to be heard; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Set forth clearly the grounds for the request.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>As soon as possible after the Administration receives a request for a hearing, a designated employee of the Administration shall confer on the matter with the person requesting the hearing. After the conference, if the Administration considers the matter meritorious and of general significance, it may call a hearing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration shall give at least a 30–day notice before a hearing.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The notice shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Published once a week for 2 successive weeks in two or more newspapers of daily circulation throughout the District;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Posted in all of the Administration’s offices, stations, and terminals and all of the vehicles and rolling stock used in revenue service by the mode of transportation that will be affected by the proposed action described in subsection (a) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Provided to the governing body of each county or municipal corporation affected by a change in transit service or fare or rate described under subsection (a)(1) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Administration may establish a process for providing notice to local governments under paragraph (2)(iii) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The 30–day period begins when the notice first appears in the newspaper.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Before calling a hearing under this section, the Administration shall file at its main office and make available for public inspection:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Its report on the subject matter of the hearing; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the hearing was requested under subsection (c) of this section, the written request for the hearing and all documents filed in support of it.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-507" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Operation of Transit Facilities"> <text>An entity that submits a bid or proposal to the Administration on a procurement contract to provide MARC service that is funded in whole or in part by public funds shall comply with the requirements of Title 12, Subtitle 5 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-601" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Labor Relations"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>“Accredited representative” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The representative of any labor organization, or its successor, authorized to act for the employees described in subsection (b) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A representative of the Maryland Classified Employees Association, Local 1935 authorized to act for the employees described in subsection (b)(2)(ii) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>As of December 31, 1983, “accredited representative” included only:</text> </level> <level label="1"> <text>The Amalgamated Transit Union, Division No. 1300;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Office and Professional Employees International Union, Local 2; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Local 1859, Council 67.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Employees” means those employees who are validly represented by an accredited representative.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Supervisor” means an employee of the Administration who is a sworn police officer and who is in a career service position that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Supervises career service positions of a lower grade;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is supervised by an Executive Service position; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Has no authority to take personnel actions.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration shall bargain collectively and enter into written collective bargaining agreements as to wages, salaries, hours, working conditions, and pension and retirement provisions with the accredited representatives of its employees who are employed:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In job classifications that on December 31, 1983, were included in recognized bargaining units pursuant to agreements in force on that date between the Administration and an accredited representative identified in subsection (a)(1)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>In new or revised classifications comparable to those described in paragraph (1) of this subsection, provided, however, that supervisory, managerial, professional, confidential, including secretaries or assistants to administrative department and section heads or to other management staff personnel, and engineering classifications shall not be included; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>As supervisors and sergeants in the Maryland Transit Administration Police.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administration may provide its employees with automatic cost–of–living wage adjustments in accordance with any applicable formula in a collective bargaining agreement between the parties, provided that the aggregate of automatic cost–of–living wage adjustments provided to any employee in any contract year does not exceed 5 percent of the employee’s base wage rate as that base wage rate existed immediately prior to commencement of the contract year.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-602" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Labor Relations"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “labor dispute” is to be construed broadly and includes any controversy as to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Wages, salaries, hours, or other working conditions;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Benefits, including health and welfare, sick leave, insurance, pension, or retirement provisions;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Grievances that arise; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Collective bargaining agreements, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The making or maintaining of any collective bargaining agreement;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The terms to be included in it; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Its interpretation or application.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If, in a labor dispute between the Administration and any employees described in § 7-601 of this subtitle, collective bargaining does not result in agreement, the Administration shall submit the dispute to an arbitration board.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The arbitration board shall consist of three members appointed as follows:</text> <level label="i"> <text>One by the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>One by the authorized representative of the employees; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>One jointly by the Administration and the authorized representative.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If, within 10 days after the appointment of the second arbitrator, a third arbitrator has not been appointed, either arbitrator may request the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service or any other entity specified by contract between the Administration and the authorized representative to furnish a list of five persons, from which the third arbitrator shall be selected. Promptly after receiving the list, the two appointed arbitrators shall determine the order of elimination by lot and, in the determined order, each shall eliminate one name alternately until only one name remains. The remaining person is the third arbitrator.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The third arbitrator is the chairman of the board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A majority determination of the board is final and binding on all disputed matters.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Each party shall pay 50 percent of the arbitration expenses.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-603" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Labor Relations"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to a member of the Maryland Transit Administration Police Force who has the powers granted to a police officer under § 7-207 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration may establish and maintain a system of pensions and retirement benefits for any of its employees.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administration may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Fix the terms of and restrictions on admission to the system and the classifications in it;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide that individuals eligible for admission to the system are not eligible for admission to or eligible to receive any benefits from any other pension system, except Social Security benefits, if the other system is financed or funded, whether wholly or partially or directly or indirectly, by funds paid or appropriated by the Administration; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provide a system of benefits payable to the beneficiaries and dependents of any participant in the system after the death of the participant, whether accidental or not and whether occurring in the performance of duty or not, subject to any exceptions, conditions, restrictions, and classifications that the Administration provides.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Unless the Administration determines otherwise, no employee of the Administration and no beneficiary or dependent of any employee of the Administration is eligible to receive any pension, retirement, or other benefit both under the Administration’s system and under any other pension or retirement system established by an acquired transportation system or provided for under any collective bargaining agreement between the Administration and the authorized representatives of its employees.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The pension system shall be financed or funded as the Administration determines economically feasible.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-604" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Labor Relations"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration shall take the action necessary to ensure that every laborer and mechanic employed by contractors or subcontractors in the construction, alteration, or repair, including painting and decorating, of projects, buildings, and works undertaken or financially assisted by the Administration:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar construction in the locality, as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the federal Davis-Bacon Act; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Receives compensation at a rate not less than one and one-half times his basic rate of pay for all hours worked in any work week over 8 hours in any work day or 40 hours in any work week, as the case may be.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A provision specifying the minimum wages and stating the requirement that overtime be paid as provided in this section shall be consistent with the provisions of Division II of the State Finance and Procurement Article, and shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Set out in each invitation for bids or request for proposals; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Made a part of the contract covering the project, which contract is deemed to be a contract of the character specified in § 103 of the federal Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The requirements of this section also apply to the employment of laborers and mechanics in the construction, alteration, or repair, including painting and decorating, of the transit facilities owned or controlled by the Administration, if the work is performed by a contractor under an agreement with the operator of the transit facilities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-605" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Labor Relations"> <level label="a"> <text>The rights, benefits, and other employee protective conditions and remedies of § 13(c) of the federal Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964, as determined by the Secretary of Labor, apply to the operation by the Administration of the transit facilities owned or controlled by it and to any contract or other arrangement for the operation of those transit facilities.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Administration operates any transit facility or makes any contractual or other arrangement for the operation of any transit facility, the Administration shall do whatever is necessary to give employees of affected mass transportation systems, in accordance with seniority, the first opportunity for reasonably comparable employment in any available nonsupervisory job as to those operations for which they can qualify after a reasonable training period.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This employment may not result in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Any worsening of the employee’s position from that which he enjoyed in his former employment; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any loss of wages, hours, working conditions, seniority, fringe benefits, or related rights or privileges.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-606" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Labor Relations"> <text>If the Administration acquires existing transit facilities from a public or privately owned public utility, whether by condemnation or otherwise, the Administration shall assume all existing labor contracts and pension obligations.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-607" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Labor Relations"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Administration acquires an existing transportation system, all employees of the system who are necessary for its operation by the Administration, except executive and administrative officers, shall be transferred to and employed by the Administration, subject to all the rights and benefits of this title.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>These employees shall be given credit for seniority, sick leave, vacation, insurance, and pension benefits in accordance with the records or labor agreements from the acquired transportation system. Members and beneficiaries of any pension or retirement system or other benefits established by the acquired transportation system shall continue to have rights, privileges, benefits, obligations, and status with respect to the established system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>As to any transportation system that the Administration acquires, the Administration shall assume the obligations of the system as to wages, salaries, hours, working conditions, sick leave, and health, welfare, pension, and retirement provisions for employees.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administration shall assume any collective bargaining agreement between an acquired transportation system and the authorized representative of its employees.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Administration and the transferred employees, through their authorized representative, shall do whatever is necessary to have pension trust funds under the joint control of the acquired transportation system and the participating employees or their authorized representative transferred to the trust fund to be established, maintained, and administered jointly by the Administration and the participating employees through their authorized representative.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>An employee of an acquired transportation system who is transferred to a position with the Administration may not be placed, by reason of the transfer, in any worse position than that which he enjoyed as an employee of the acquired system with respect to workers’ compensation, pension, seniority, wages, sick leave, vacation, health and welfare insurance, or any other benefits.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-701" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>With respect to the operation of transit service, the Administration shall comply with all laws, ordinances, and regulations of Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County, and Baltimore County as to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Use of streets, highways, and other vehicular facilities;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Traffic control and regulations;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Zoning;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Signs; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Buildings.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration may not locate, construct, maintain, or operate any of its transit or related facilities in, on, over, or under any highway, bridge, or other vehicular facility or any parkway or park land without the consent of and except on the terms and conditions required by the affected local government or its agency.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-702" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the provisions of this section, the Administration is liable for its contracts and torts and for the torts of its officers, agents, and employees in connection with the performance of the duties and functions of the Administration under this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The exclusive remedy for a breach of contract or for a tort committed by the Administration, its officers, agents, or employees is a suit against the Administration. No execution may be levied on any property of this State or of the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Subsection (d) of this section does not apply to a tort claim that is asserted by cross-claim, counterclaim, or third-party claim.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A tort claimant may not institute an action under this section unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The claimant submits a written notice of claim to the Administrator or the Administrator’s designee within 1 year after the injury to person or property that is the basis of the claim;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administrator or the Administrator’s designee denies the claim; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The action is filed within 3 years after the cause of action arises.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A notice of claim under this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Contain a concise statement of facts that sets forth the nature of the claim, including the date and place of the alleged tort;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>State the name and address of the claimant;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>State the name, address, and telephone number of counsel for the claimant, if any; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Be signed by the claimant, or the legal representative or counsel for the claimant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A claim under this section is denied:</text> <level label="1"> <text>If the Administrator or the Administrator’s designee sends the claimant, or the legal representative or counsel for the claimant, written notice of denial; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Administrator or the Administrator’s designee fails to give notice of a denial within 6 months after the sending of the notice of claim.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, unless the Administration affirmatively shows that its defense has been prejudiced by the lack of the required notice, a court may allow the action to proceed even if the written notice of claim was not submitted.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-703" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration shall self insure or purchase and maintain insurance against:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Loss or damage to its property; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Liability for injury to persons or property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration may purchase insurance against loss of revenue from any cause.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Subject to the requirements of any agreement in connection with the issuance by the Administration of its obligations, all insurance coverage shall be in the form and amount that the Administration determines.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Each lease of Administration property shall require the lessee to purchase, maintain, and pay for insurance that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Reasonably protects the Administration from liability related to the property; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Insures the leased property in the name of the Administration for its full insurable value against all reasonable and insurable risks.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each lease of Administration property shall require the lessee to indemnify and hold the Administration harmless for the negligence of the lessee, its agents, and its employees.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-704" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The creation of the Administration and the carrying out of its purposes are in all respects for the benefit of the people of this State and the District and for a public purpose, and the activities of the Administration are essential governmental functions.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except for water and sewer charges imposed by this State or any of its agencies or political subdivisions, the Administration, its activities, and the property it owns or controls are exempt from all taxes, assessments, and charges, whether State or local, now or subsequently levied or imposed.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-704.1" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “unattended transit vehicle or facility” means a transit vehicle or facility the entrance of which is not controlled by the presence of an authorized fare collection agent of the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any person entering an unattended transit vehicle or facility owned or controlled by the Administration for the purpose of obtaining transit service shall prepay the applicable fare charged by the Administration in the required manner.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If a person engages in an act prohibited under § 7-705 of this subtitle and a police officer or an authorized agent of the Administration requests the person to provide identification, the person shall provide:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The person’s true name and address; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any written verification of the person’s true name and address in the person’s possession.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Upon receipt of satisfactory evidence of identification and a written promise to appear in court, a person who is charged with any of the offenses specified in § 7-705 of this subtitle, may be issued a citation by an authorized agent of the Administration or a police officer.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A police officer may arrest a person in lieu of the issuance of a citation when:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The officer is not furnished satisfactory evidence of identity;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The officer has reasonable grounds to believe the person will disregard a written promise to appear; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The person refuses to sign a written promise to appear after being advised by the officer that such refusal may result in the person’s arrest.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The form of the citation shall be prescribed by the District Court and shall contain:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The offense charged;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A notice to appear in District Court on the date shown on the citation or when notified by the court;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A promise to appear to be signed by the person charged;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The signature and title of the authorized issuer; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Such other information as the Administration and the court shall require.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>A person shall comply with the notice to appear in District Court by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Appearing in person;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Appearance by counsel; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Payment of the fine in advance of trial.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>A person who fails to comply with the notice to appear shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of $100.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In addition, the court may notify the person by mail at the address indicated on the citation that a warrant for the person’s arrest may be issued unless, within 15 days from the mailing of the notice, the person:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Pays the fine or posts a penalty deposit on the charge as stated on the citation; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Posts a penalty deposit of $100 for failing to appear.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, by July 1, 1997, the Administration shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Install and maintain a video monitoring system on all light rail transit vehicles to enhance security on the light rail transit system; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Take any other actions reasonably considered by the Administrator to be necessary to restrict public access to any unattended transit vehicle within the light rail transit system.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-705" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>It is unlawful for any person entering a transit facility or transit vehicle owned or controlled by the Administration for the purpose of obtaining transit service or a train owned or controlled by the Administration or operated by a railroad company under contract to the Administration to provide passenger railroad service to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Fail to pay the applicable fare charged by the Administration in the required manner; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Fail to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Pay the applicable fare;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Exhibit proof of payment; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Provide truthful identification.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>It is unlawful for any person to engage in any of the following acts in any transit vehicle or transit facility, designed for the boarding of a transit vehicle, which is owned or controlled by the Administration or a train owned or controlled by the Administration or operated by a railroad company under contract to the Administration to provide passenger railroad service:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Expectorate;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Smoke or carry a lighted or smoldering pipe, cigar, or cigarette;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Consume food or drink, or carry any open food or beverage container;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Discard litter, except into receptacles designated for that purpose;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Play or operate any radio, cassette, cartridge, tape player, or similar electronic device or musical instruments, unless such device is connected to an earphone that limits the sound to the hearing of the individual user;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Carry or possess any explosives, acids, concealed weapons or other dangerous articles;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Carry or possess any live animals, except seeing–eye animals and hearing–ear animals properly harnessed and accompanied by a blind person or a deaf person, and small animals properly packaged;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Board any transit vehicle through the rear exit door, unless so directed by an employee or agent of the Maryland Transit Administration;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Urinate or defecate, except in restrooms;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Fail to move to the rear of any transit vehicle when requested to do so by the operator or a police officer;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Fail to vacate a seat designated for the elderly or handicapped when requested to do so by the transit vehicle operator, train conductor, or a police officer; or</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>Except by contract with the Administration, solicit the purchase of any goods or services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>As used in this section, “elderly and handicapped person” means any person who, by reason of illness, injury, age, congenital malfunction, or other permanent or temporary incapacity or disability, is unable to use transit facilities and transit services or railroad facilities and railroad services as effectively as a person who is not so affected.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The provisions of subsection (b)(3), (5), (8), and (12) of this section do not apply to charter bus service rendered by the Administration. The provisions of subsection (b)(2) and (12) of this section do not apply to excursion train service rendered by the Administration or by a railroad company under contract to the Administration. The provisions of subsection (b)(3) of this section do not apply to any railroad service rendered by the Administration or by a railroad company under contract to the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to a fine of not more than $500 for each offense.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>It is unlawful for any person to obstruct, hinder, or interfere with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The operation or operator of a transit vehicle or railroad passenger car; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A person engaged in official duties as a station agent, conductor, or station attendant who is employed by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An entity that provides transit service under contract with the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A local government agency or public transit authority;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A private entity that provides public transit service; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>An entity that provides transit service under a transportation compact under Title 10 of this article.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year, or both, for each offense.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>This section does not prohibit enforcement of any other State or local law or regulation that is consistent with the provisions of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-705.1" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>“Public transit operator” has the meaning stated in § 7–714 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Public transit operator” includes a person engaged in official duties as a station agent, conductor, or station attendant who is employed by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An entity that provides transit service under contract with the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A private entity that provides public transit service; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An entity that provides transit service under a transportation compact under Title 10 of this article.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“State public transit service” means any of the following, if operated by the Administration or another State agency:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Bus service;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Train service;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Light rail service; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Subway service.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“State public transit service station” means a stop or station for State public transit service.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A person who is alleged by a public transit operator to have committed an assault or other intentional act causing bodily injury to a public transit operator or a passenger while the person is on board a State public transit service or at a State public transit service station may be prohibited from using a State public transit service or entering a State public transit service station, under guidelines and subject to an appeals process established by the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This section does not increase the duty of care for the Administration or another State agency or their employees, contractors, or contractor’s employees for any tort or other liability purposes in connection with actions by a person alleged to have committed an assault on a public transit operator or passenger.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-706" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <text>This title is necessary for the welfare of this State and its inhabitants and, except for § 7-705 of this subtitle, shall be liberally construed to accomplish its purposes.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-707" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration may adopt and enforce regulations for the parking, operation, towing, impoundment, and sale of motor vehicles and unauthorized articles and pieces of equipment improperly placed or abandoned on property owned or controlled by the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration police force and local police agencies may issue citations for violations of the regulations adopted under this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any person who violates a regulation pertaining to this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is subject to a fine as specified; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is not guilty of a criminal offense.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-708" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department, in cooperation with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), shall conduct a study every 5 years of the utilization of bus, rail, and subway transportation services under the jurisdiction of WMATA.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In conducting the study, the Department shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Compile and analyze statistics regarding the starting points and destinations, by jurisdiction, of individuals using WMATA–provided transportation services;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Determine the modes of transportation individuals use to connect to WMATA–provided transportation services and the modes of transportation used between WMATA–provided transportation services and final destinations, including walking, personal vehicle, bus, and Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Compile and analyze data on the number of individuals who use Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess and the frequency of use; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Study and compare the various reasons individuals use WMATA–provided transportation services, including traveling for work, educational, entertainment, recreational, or other purposes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the information used in the study shall be from data gathered within the previous 5 years.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In conducting the first study, the Department shall compile and analyze the information pertaining to WMATA–provided transportation services listed under paragraph (2) of this subsection that is available at the time.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>Information used in the study pertaining to Maryland jurisdictions shall be organized:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, by jurisdiction rather than by region, including separate information for Baltimore County and Baltimore City; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>By zip code.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Information pertaining to Caroline County, Cecil County, Dorchester County, Kent County, Queen Anne’s County, Somerset County, Talbot County, Wicomico County, and Worcester County may be compiled and organized under the category “other Maryland”.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before December 1, 2015, and every 5 years thereafter, the Department shall submit a report detailing the results of the study conducted under this section to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, the House Appropriations Committee, and the House Environment and Transportation Committee.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-709" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “Commission” means the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission established under § 10–208 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Two regular members and one alternate member of the board of directors of the Commission shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>One of the regular members of the board of directors of the Commission who is appointed by the Governor shall be a resident of Montgomery County or Prince George’s County.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The individual appointed under this subsection may not be succeeded in office by an individual who is a resident of the same county.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-710" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration shall provide ridership on transit vehicles to any eligible:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Student of a public school of Baltimore City; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Youth worker in the Baltimore City YouthWorks program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The services provided under subsection (a) of this section shall be provided only for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A student of a public school in Baltimore City:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Between the hours of 5 a.m. and 8 p.m.; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For school–related or educational extracurricular activities on and off campus; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A youth worker in the Baltimore City YouthWorks program:</text> <level label="i"> <text>During the YouthWorks summer job period; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For purposes of engaging in YouthWorks–related activities.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administration may not collect fees or reimbursement for services provided under this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Administration, in conjunction with Baltimore City Public Schools and the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development, shall adopt regulations that establish the eligibility criteria for students and youth workers receiving a student transit pass for the use of services provided under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-711" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration shall provide ridership on transit vehicles to any permanent employee in any unit of the Executive Branch of State government, including a unit with an independent personnel system.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The services provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection apply to transit vehicles that are part of the Administration’s:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Light rail transit system;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Metro subway;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Local bus service;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Commuter bus service in the Baltimore region; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Any other systems and services specified by the Administration.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration may not collect fees or reimbursement from an employee for services provided under this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administration may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-712" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration shall make available to opioid treatment programs monthly transit passes that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Are for use by patients of opioid treatment programs who qualify for the Administration’s Disabled Reduced Fare Program; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May be issued to patients on site at opioid treatment programs by opioid treatment program staff.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The transit passes issued under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be made available at a reduced price that reflects the price of a monthly pass issued under the Disabled Reduced Fare Program as of October 1, 2020, less any cost savings to the Administration that result from having participating opioid treatment programs issuing transit passes directly to patients.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration shall adopt regulations to establish the process by which participating opioid treatment programs may issue transit passes under this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On or before December 1, 2021, and on or before December 1 each year thereafter, the Administration, in consultation with participating opioid treatment program providers, shall submit a report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the status of the implementation of the requirements under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-713" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “Southern Maryland Rapid Transit Project” means a high–capacity, fixed–route rapid transit service, with light rail transit as the preferred option, operating in a dedicated, grade–separated, 18.7–mile transitway in the Maryland Route 5/U.S. Route 301 corridor from the Branch Avenue Metrorail Station in Prince George’s County to Waldorf and White Plains in Charles County.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to subsection (c) of this section, the Department promptly shall undertake all steps necessary to complete the design, engineering, and National Environmental Policy Act process and secure a record of decision for the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit Project.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, in each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027, the Governor shall include in the annual State budget an appropriation from the Transportation Trust Fund of at least $5,000,000, contingent on the receipt of federal funds to be used to provide matching funds needed to conduct an environmental impact study under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit Project.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An appropriation required under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be reduced by the amount of the total authorized in the prior fiscal year to conduct the NEPA study.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-714" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Local executive authority” means:</text> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>The chief executive officer of a county; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a county does not have a chief executive officer, the county governing body; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If a municipality operates a transit system:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The chief executive officer of the municipality; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the municipality does not have a chief executive officer, the governing body of the municipality.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>“Public transit operator” means an individual who is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Employed by the Administration, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, or a political subdivision; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Engaged in providing public transportation services, including:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Bus service;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Train service;</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>Light rail service; and</text> </level> <level label="D"> <text>Subway service.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Public transit operator” includes a transit station manager.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration shall submit an annual report on assaults on public transit operators as required by this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The report shall include the following information for the immediately preceding 12 months:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For each assault on a public transit operator:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The nature of the assault;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The mode of transit where the assault occurred;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The location of the assault;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Whether police were involved in responding to the assault; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The outcome of any investigation into the assault, including any disciplinary action taken, if the information is available;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A comparison of the aggregate data compiled under item (1) of this subsection with at least two other states with similar transit systems or populations; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A review of current transit industry best practices to prevent and mitigate assaults on public transit operators.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>On or before December 1, 2023, and each December 1 thereafter, the Administration shall submit the report under this section to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Each local executive authority;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State’s Attorney for each county; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The following committees of the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Senate Finance Committee;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The House Judiciary Committee; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The House Environment and Transportation Committee.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-715" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <text>The Administration shall develop transit equity analysis policies and guidelines, including thresholds for when a reduction or cancellation of a capital expansion project in the construction program of the Consolidated Transportation Program requires analysis.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-716" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Before announcing any service change that would constitute a major service change under the Federal Transit Administration’s Title VI Requirements and Guidelines for Federal Transit Administration Recipients, the Department, in collaboration with the Administration, shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Conduct a transit equity analysis in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended to determine whether the change will create a disparate impact on persons with disabilities;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Conduct a transit equity analysis in accordance with the Title VI Requirements and Guidelines for Federal Transit Administration Recipients to determine whether the change will create a disparate impact or a disproportionate burden;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Perform a cost–benefit analysis, including an analysis of impacts on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Economic development;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Employment;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Education;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Health; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Environmental justice; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Consult with members and leaders of affected communities, including through community outreach to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Racial minority communities;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Low–income communities;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Disabled riders;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Riders with limited English proficiency;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Transit–reliant riders; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Senior riders.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If a transit equity analysis reveals disparate impact or disproportionate burden, the Administration shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Develop alternatives that would meet the goals of the proposed service change; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Conduct a transit equity analysis on the alternatives.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a disparate impact can be avoided through use of one of the alternatives analyzed, the Administration shall proceed with that alternative as the primary proposed service change.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If there is no alternative that would avoid a disparate impact or disproportionate burden, the Administration:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May not implement the proposed service change unless a substantial justification exists that necessitates the change; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall implement the alternative that causes the least disparate impact or disproportionate burden.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Before holding a public hearing on a proposed service change, the Administration shall publish on the Administration’s website with a visible link identifying the proposed service change on the primary page, for the routes, lines, or any corresponding paratransit service area impacted by the service change:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A description of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The demographics of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The riders on the affected route, line, or paratransit service area; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The affected service area;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The schools in the affected service area;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The types of businesses in the affected service area;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The monthly ridership for the route, line, or service area; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The effect that the proposed service change would have on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The commutes of riders on the route, line, or service area;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The corresponding paratransit service area; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The estimated number of paratransit riders impacted;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A summary of any publicly available minutes, records, or documents related to the proposed service change; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A brief statement explaining the reason for the proposed service change.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>After completing the public hearings, the Administration shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Publish the transit equity analysis and cost–benefit analysis on the Administration’s website; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Compile a report on the impacts of the proposed service change.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The report shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The transit equity analysis;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The cost–benefit analysis;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A community outreach report;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Any alternatives analyzed; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>If applicable, the final alternative selected.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If a disparate impact or disproportionate burden exists in the final alternative selected, the report shall include a substantial justification statement.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The report shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Made available to the public on the Administration’s website, with a visible link from the primary information page relating to the proposed service change; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Distributed to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The members of the Board of Public Works;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Attorney General;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary of Transportation;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any elected officials whose districts would be impacted by the proposed service change;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any community leaders consulted during the community outreach process; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>In accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>The President of the Senate;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>The Speaker of the House;</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>The Senate Finance Committee;</text> </level> <level label="D"> <text>The House Environment and Transportation Committee; and</text> </level> <level label="E"> <text>Each member of the General Assembly whose district would be impacted by the proposed service change.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-717" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Before announcing any reduction or cancellation of a capital expansion project in the construction program of the Consolidated Transportation Program that exceeds the thresholds developed by the Administration, the Department, in collaboration with the Administration, shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Conduct a transit equity analysis in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended to determine whether the change will create a disparate impact on persons with disabilities;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Conduct a transit equity analysis in accordance with the Title VI Requirements and Guidelines for Federal Transit Administration Recipients and the guidelines developed by the Administration to determine whether the reduction or cancellation will create a disparate impact or a disproportionate burden;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Perform a cost–benefit analysis, including an analysis of impacts on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Economic development;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Employment;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Education;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Health; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Environmental justice; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Consult with members and leaders of affected communities, including through community outreach to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Racial minority communities;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Low–income communities;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Disabled riders;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Riders with limited English proficiency;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Transit–reliant riders; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Senior riders.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>After completing the requirements under subsection (a) of this section, the Administration shall compile a report on the impacts of the proposed reduction or cancellation of a capital expansion project in the construction program of the Consolidated Transportation Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The report shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The transit equity analysis;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The cost–benefit analysis; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A community outreach report.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The report shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Made available to the public on the Administration’s website, with a visible link from the primary information page relating to the proposed reduction or cancellation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Distributed to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The members of the Board of Public Works;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Attorney General;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary of Transportation;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any elected officials whose districts would be impacted by the proposed service change;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any community leaders consulted during the community outreach process; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>In accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>The President of the Senate;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>The Speaker of the House;</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>The Senate Finance Committee; and</text> </level> <level label="D"> <text>The House Environment and Transportation Committee.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-718" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “Purple Line” has the meaning stated in § 2–103.8 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to subsection (c) of this section, the Administration shall develop and implement a program to provide:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For the first month after transit service on the Purple Line begins, ridership on Purple Line transit vehicles at no cost to individuals residing within a one–quarter–mile radius of the Purple Line track; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Beginning on October 1, 2025, and until 3 months after transit service on the Purple Line begins, promotional materials and services at no cost to small businesses, as defined in § 2–1505.2 of the State Government Article, located within a one–quarter–mile radius of the Purple Line track.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administration shall use internal resources it has available to implement the program, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Websites maintained by the Administration; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The printing and design services of the Administration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Nothing in this section may be construed to require the Administration to procure private advertising or marketing services.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Administration shall adopt regulations to implement this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-719" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration shall automatically renew the Disability Reduced Fare Program certification of an enrollee who is permanently disabled.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration shall adopt regulations establishing a process to carry out this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-801" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Public Transportation Services"> <text>Anne Arundel County, Calvert County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Garrett County, Howard County, and Montgomery County may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Levy and collect taxes for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The organization, operation, and maintenance of public transportation services; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The purchase, sale, construction, maintenance, and operation of all real and personal property necessary or incidental to public transportation services; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Establish, modify, amend, and abolish special taxing areas for public transportation services.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-901" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Railroads"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section, “railroad corridor property” means any railroad property owned or maintained by a railroad company over which passenger or rail freight traffic moved from one destination to another, not to exceed 100 feet in width, and is or was subject to the Interstate Commerce Commission’s abandonment process.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Railroad corridor property” does not include a rail yard, depot, station, or industrial park.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>With the approval of the Board of Public Works, the Secretary or the Administration may acquire on behalf of this State, by gift, purchase, lease, condemnation, or otherwise, for any transportation related purpose, any railroad corridor property that has been abandoned pursuant to action or regulations of the Interstate Commerce Commission or other governing agency with jurisdiction in the matter.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any condemnation proceeding under this section shall be instituted and maintained in the name of this State and is governed by Title 12 of the Real Property Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If a railroad company intends to sell or otherwise dispose of any railroad corridor property that is located in this State and for which the company has received permission from the Interstate Commerce Commission or other governmental agency with jurisdiction in the matter to abandon transportation services, the company shall notify the Secretary and the Administration of its intent to sell or otherwise dispose of the property.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Within 120 days after the State receives a notice under subsection (c) of this section, the State may respond to the railroad company and notify the company of whether this State intends to acquire the railroad corridor property.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>If the State does not respond within the time required by subsection (d) of this section or if the State notifies the railroad company that this State does not intend to acquire the railroad corridor property, the railroad company:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is relieved of all responsibility to this State under this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May sell or otherwise dispose of this property in any manner it considers appropriate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>To be effective, all notifications provided for in this section shall be in writing and mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, bearing a postmark from the United States Postal Service.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-902" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Railroads"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Level of service” includes the number of round trips operated on a route and the number of stations along a route.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Route” means a passenger railroad service line described under subsections (b) through (d) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration shall continue to operate the following passenger railroad services at levels of service at least equivalent to the level of service established as of July 1, 1981:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The CSX line between Brunswick and the District of Columbia;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Amtrak line between Penn Station in Baltimore and the District of Columbia; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The CSX line between Camden Station in Baltimore and the District of Columbia.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administration shall continue to operate the passenger railroad service on the Amtrak line between Perryville and Penn Station in Baltimore at the level of service at least equivalent to the level of service established as of May 1, 1991.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Administration shall continue to operate the passenger services on the CSX line between Frederick and Point of Rocks at the level of service at least equivalent to the level of service established as of December 17, 2001.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration may not close a station on any route before June 30, 2008.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the Administration may close the Jessup Station on the CSX line between Camden Station in Baltimore and the District of Columbia at any time if the Administration finds that the ridership at the Jessup Station does not warrant keeping the station open.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Administration shall adopt regulations to facilitate the transportation of bicycles on board passenger railroad services.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Before closing a station on a passenger railroad service line described in subsection (b) of this section, the Maryland Transit Administration shall review and report, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the Governor and the General Assembly, on the following:</text> <level label="1"> <text>With respect to the Dickerson and Boyds MARC stations on the CSX line between Brunswick and the District of Columbia:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The impact on traffic congestion along the Interstate 270, Md State Route 117, and Md State Route 28 corridors as a result of the station closures;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The impact of future growth in upper Montgomery and southern Frederick counties, particularly in Clarksburg over the next 5 years, and the projected ridership for the Boyds and Dickerson stations as a result of that future growth;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The impact of the projected growth in upper Montgomery and southern Frederick counties on traffic congestion along the Interstate 270, Md State Route 117, and Md State Route 28 corridors and the transit alternatives that are contemplated to meet any increased demand;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The methodology used to compute average daily ridership;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The impact on projected ridership on the line if the stations are closed and later reopened due to impending growth;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The projected ridership if train stops are increased from three stops each to nine stops each for trains arriving at Washington Union Station and from four stops each to ten stops each (to discharge passengers only) for trains departing Washington Union Station;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Under an expanded schedule, the estimated increase in train service as a result of increasing the number of stops;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Options to increase ridership at stations with low ridership, including investing in a ridership campaign to promote stations with low ridership;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>The projected ridership after investing in a ridership campaign to promote the stations;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>The schedule for installing ticket vending machines at the stations and whether such vending machines have already been purchased;</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>Whether a vending machine that is scheduled to be installed at another station could temporarily be used at either or both of these stations;</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>The impact on riders boarding at these stations if vending machines are not installed at the stations;</text> </level> <level label="xiii"> <text>An evaluation of potential increased bus service to the stations, and parking lot expansion near the stations, including any possible options for parking lot expansion;</text> </level> <level label="xiv"> <text>Specific efforts undertaken to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Attract new riders on the lines and to retain riders already using the lines; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Improve access for individuals with disabilities;</text> </level> </level> <level label="xv"> <text>Potential alternatives to closing stations that would achieve greater efficiency on the Brunswick and Camden CSX lines;</text> </level> <level label="xvi"> <text>Potential sources of alternative funding for the operating and capital costs of keeping the stations open, including collaboration with local governments; and</text> </level> <level label="xvii"> <text>The description of the $300,000 passenger warning system for the Dickerson Station and whether other possible, less costly, passenger warning systems were considered and the reasons why such systems were not employed; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>With regard to the St. Denis Station on the CSX line between Camden Station in Baltimore and the District of Columbia:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The information required under item (1)(vii) through (xvi) of this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The implications of closing a passenger railroad service facility that is a State or federally designated historic landmark or that is located in a State or federally designated historic district;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The impact on traffic congestion along the Interstate 95, Interstate 295, and Md State Route 100 corridors as a result of the station closure;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The effect of closing the St. Denis Station on ridership at the Halethorpe Station, including the effect on traffic and parking at the Halethorpe Station and in Arbutus;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The projected ridership at the St. Denis Station if train stops are increased up to nine stops; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The projected ridership at the St. Denis Station if service to and from Baltimore is resumed.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>Until a public hearing is held on the matter, the Administration may not establish or abandon a station on a route.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration shall give notice of a hearing at least 30 days before the hearing.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The notice shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Published once a week for 2 successive weeks in two or more newspapers of wide circulation throughout the Administration’s commuter rail service area; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Posted in all of the Administration’s offices, stations, and terminals and all of its commuter rail rolling stock in revenue service.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The 30–day period begins when the notice first appears in the newspaper.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>If the Administration gives inadequate notice of a public hearing on a matter described in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Administration may not establish or abandon a station unless a legally sufficient public hearing is held.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For the purposes of this paragraph, notice shall be considered inadequate if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration does not comply with the newspaper publication requirement under paragraph (3)(i) of this subsection; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At least 30% of the Administration’s facilities are not posted as required under paragraph (3)(ii) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Administration may implement a change of policy on a matter described in paragraph (1) of this subsection only during the time period beginning 6 weeks after the date of the public hearing and ending 6 months after the date of the public hearing.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-903" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Railroads"> <text>Every rule, regulation, form, order, and directive adopted by or relating to the former State Railroad Administration remains in effect until changed by the Maryland Transit Administrator or the Secretary. Every reference in this Code, any other law, ordinance, resolution, rule, regulation, order, directive, legal action, contract, deed or any other document to the State Railroad Administration means the Maryland Transit Administration.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-1001" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Maryland Senior Rides Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Door–to–door transportation” means providing, through prearranged appointment, safe escort from a departure point, into and out of a transport vehicle and to the door of the destination.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Low–income to moderate–income” means the household income of an individual does not exceed 400% of the poverty threshold that is established by the United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of Statistics for a given year.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Program” means the Maryland Senior Rides Program established under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Program applicant” means a government agency, nonprofit entity, or faith–based agency that provides transportation services and is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Program participant” means a Program applicant that has been approved for participation in the Program.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Senior” means an individual age 60 or older.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-1002" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Maryland Senior Rides Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Maryland Senior Rides Program in the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to encourage regional providers to provide door–to–door transportation for low–income to moderate–income seniors.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administration shall award grants to qualified Program applicants, as provided in § 7–1003 of this subtitle, for the operation of transportation services as specified in this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>To be eligible for a grant under § 7–1003 of this subtitle, a Program applicant shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide door–to–door transportation for low–income to moderate–income seniors who have difficulty accessing or using other existing transportation systems;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Use primarily volunteer drivers who drive their own vehicles;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Use a dispatcher system to respond quickly to requests from low–income to moderate–income seniors for door–to–door transportation; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Define a geographic area for which door–to–door transportation is provided.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A Program participant may provide door–to–door transportation to an eligible senior who does not reside in the geographic area defined by the Program participant under subsection (d)(4) of this section when applying to participate in the Program, so long as service is not diminished to an eligible senior who does reside in the defined geographic area.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A Program participant shall expend a matching fund of at least 25% of the total capital or operating costs associated with providing door–to–door transportation for low–income to moderate–income seniors.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>A Program participant may charge reasonable fees for door–to–door transportation provided by the Program participant.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Nothing in this section prohibits a Program participant from providing services in addition to those described in subsection (d) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-1003" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Maryland Senior Rides Program"> <text>The Administration shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Solicit grant applications from prospective Program applicants;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Award grants to qualified Program applicants;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Ensure that the grants awarded under item (2) of this section are distributed among Program applicants to provide door–to–door transportation in the following areas:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Baltimore Metropolitan Area;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Western Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Southern Maryland; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The Eastern Shore; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Ensure, to the extent practicable, that at least one grant is awarded to Program applicants to provide door–to–door transportation in each of the following areas:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A rural area;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An urban area; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A suburban area.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-1004" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Maryland Senior Rides Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration shall consult with the Department of Aging when considering the eligibility of a Program applicant for a grant under § 7-1003 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>When awarding a grant under § 7-1003 of this subtitle, the Administration shall consider:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The ability of the Program applicant to provide door-to-door transportation to low-income to moderate-income seniors;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The projected volume of ridership;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Program applicant’s marketing and outreach plan to attract riders and drivers;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The ability of the Program applicant to sustain door-to-door transportation for low-income to moderate-income seniors beyond the time when grants may be available;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The ability of the Program applicant to coordinate its dispatcher system with a local central dispatcher system; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The extent to which the Program applicant encourages:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shared ridership;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Coordination between public and private sector transportation providers; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Innovations in risk management for drivers and riders.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In consultation with the Department of Aging, the Maryland Insurance Administration, and senior citizen advocacy groups, the Administration shall adopt regulations to implement this subtitle, including regulations governing:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Criminal background and driving record checks of drivers;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Driver and vehicle safety;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Driver training; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The liability coverage of a Program applicant that provides door-to-door transportation under the Program.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-1005" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Maryland Senior Rides Program"> <text>A Program participant that receives a grant under § 7-1003 of this subtitle shall submit to the Administration a written report annually, which shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The number of riders and drivers participating in the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The amount and source of matching funds used for grants awarded under § 7-1003 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The nature of cooperative efforts between the Program participant and other government and private-sector entities;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Innovations in risk management for drivers and riders;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>If the Program participant charges fees for door-to-door transportation:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The fee schedule used by the Program participant;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The methodology used in establishing the fee schedule; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The total amount of fees collected by the Program participant;</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The amount and source of any revenue, other than fees reported under item (5) of this section, generated by the Program participant in connection with the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Any other information required by the Administration to evaluate and operate the Program and monitor the use of grant funds awarded to the Program participant.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-1101" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Job Access and Reverse Commute Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Job access and reverse commute project” means a project that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Provides transportation services to targeted populations; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Serves targeted employment areas.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Job access and reverse commute project” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The extension of service hours on local fixed route transit systems to a targeted employment area;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Vanpool services;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Employer provided transportation services; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Demand–response or deviated fixed route transit services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Job access and reverse commute project” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Ride matching, mobility management, or commuter assistance services;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Services provided by a for–hire vehicle or a transportation network company;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Carpool services;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Volunteer driver programs; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Except for services in support of a job access and reverse commute project, other services provided on an individual basis.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Program” means the Job Access and Reverse Commute Program.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Provider” means a private nonprofit organization, a local transit system, or one or more employer that implements a job access and reverse commute project.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Targeted employment area” means an area that has recently experienced a significant growth in employment opportunities in sectors including construction, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, retail trade, or the service industry.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Targeted population” means individuals in defined areas who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Reside in low income areas, as determined by the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Have limited or no access to the use of a personal vehicle; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Reside in areas with limited access to fixed route transit service.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-1102" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Job Access and Reverse Commute Program"> <text>There is a Job Access and Reverse Commute Program in the Administration.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-1103" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Job Access and Reverse Commute Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration may make grants under this subtitle to a provider for job access and reverse commute projects that connect targeted populations with targeted employment areas.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A provider may use not more than 10% of the amount distributed to the provider under this subtitle for administrative costs, as determined by the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, the Administration shall distribute amounts made available for a fiscal year to implement this subtitle as follows:</text> <level label="1"> <text>70% of the funds shall be distributed to providers for use in urbanized areas; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>30% of the funds shall be distributed to providers for use in rural areas.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Administration may distribute funds:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Under subsection (c)(1) of this section for rural projects if the Administration certifies that no eligible grant requests have been made in urbanized areas; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Under subsection (c)(2) of this section for urban projects if the Administration certifies that no eligible grant requests have been made in rural areas.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-1104" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Job Access and Reverse Commute Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Before accepting grant applications under § 7–1103(c)(1) of this subtitle, the Administration shall conduct, in cooperation with the appropriate metropolitan planning organization, an area–wide solicitation for grant applications for projects.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before accepting grant applications under § 7–1103(c)(2) of this subtitle, the Administration shall conduct a statewide solicitation for grant applications for projects.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A provider that is seeking a grant under this subtitle shall submit to the Administration an application on a form and in the manner that the Administration requires.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-1105" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Job Access and Reverse Commute Program"> <text>The Administration shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Award grants under this subtitle on a competitive basis;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Ensure that grants are awarded and distributed to providers on a fair and equitable basis; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For projects in urbanized areas, award grants only to projects endorsed by the appropriate metropolitan planning organization.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-1106" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Job Access and Reverse Commute Program"> <text>A grant under this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not exceed 80% of the net operating costs of the project, as determined by the Administration; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall provide services for more than 3 years.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-1107" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Job Access and Reverse Commute Program"> <text>The Governor shall provide funding for the Program in the State budget.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-1108" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Job Access and Reverse Commute Program"> <text>On or before December 1, 2021, the Administration shall conduct a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Program and submit the study to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-1109" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Job Access and Reverse Commute Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“State agency” means an executive department, agency, or office of the State.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Transportation–disadvantaged” means an individual who qualifies for federally conducted or federally assisted transportation–related programs or services, as implemented and coordinated by a State agency, due to disability, income, or advanced age.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a State Coordinating Committee for Health and Human Services Transportation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Committee consists of the following members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary of Human Services, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary of Health, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Secretary of Aging, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Secretary of Disabilities, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Secretary of Housing and Community Development, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The Secretary of Planning, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The Secretary of Veterans and Military Families, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The Secretary of Labor, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>The Director of the Office of the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing, or the Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>The Executive Director of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, or the Executive Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>The Executive Board Chair of the Rural Maryland Council, or the Executive Board Chair’s designee; and</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>Any additional members recommended by the chair of the Committee and appointed by the Governor to provide input from local governments, employers, agencies, and organizations serving priority populations, transportation providers, and consumers from priority populations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The appointed members serve at the pleasure of the Governor.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The term of an appointed member is 3 years.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Governor may stagger the terms of the appointed members.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Secretary, or the designee of the Secretary, shall chair the Committee.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Department shall provide staff for the Committee.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>A member of the Committee:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not receive compensation as a member of the Committee; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The Committee shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Examine the transportation needs of residents of the State who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Are elderly;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Have a disability; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Require transportation to access jobs, medical and other health–related appointments, senior citizen programs, or other programs requiring the transportation of individuals who qualify as transportation–disadvantaged;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Coordinate efforts in the State to provide quality health and human services transportation services by working with appropriate federal, State, and local agencies, transit consumers, and transportation providers, to develop a cooperative and coordinated health and human services transportation system;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Conduct an inventory and assessment of health and human services transportation providers in the State;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Devise a 5–year health and human services transportation plan that sets goals and objectives to help transportation–disadvantaged residents of the State access jobs, education and training programs, health care services, and other activities by providing cost–effective, affordable, high–capacity, high–quality, easily understood, and safe and accessible transportation; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>Serve as the clearinghouse for health and human services transportation coordination issues in the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Identify and facilitate resolution to issues regarding health and human services transportation, both locally and statewide;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Participate in the identification of potential allocations of health and human services transportation resources during emergency evacuations;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Evaluate cost–saving measures;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Investigate the need for the establishment of standards for vehicles and drivers within health and human services transportation programs; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Examine other appropriate areas to facilitate the development of a quality health and human services transportation system in the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>On or before September 1 each year, the Committee shall report on its activities to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-1201" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Transit–oriented Development Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Financial assistance” means a grant or loan from the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Fund” means the Transit–Oriented Development Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Gap funding” means funding provided to compensate for a shortfall between the expected development costs of a project and the available funds for the project.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Local jurisdiction” means a county or a municipal corporation.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Municipal corporation” means a municipality as defined in § 1–101 of the Local Government Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-1202" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Transit–oriented Development Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Transit–Oriented Development Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-1203" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Transit–oriented Development Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to promote the equitable and inclusive development of transit–oriented developments throughout the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Money made available for qualifying uses by the Fund from other governmental sources, including eligible federal funding and the Transportation Trust Fund;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Ground rents or land sale proceeds in accordance with § 10–306(c)(2) of the State Finance and Procurement Article;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Payments of principal of and interest on loans made under this title;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Investment earnings of the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Any other money from any other source, public or private, accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Contributions to the Fund under paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Be separately accounted for in the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Be used only for the benefit of transit–oriented developments in the same county where the real property subject to the ground rent or land sale is located.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>For each fiscal year, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation sufficient to ensure a Fund balance of at least $5,000,000 at the start of the fiscal year.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-1204" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Transit–oriented Development Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund may be used by the Department to provide financial assistance to local jurisdictions for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Design plans for a transit–oriented development, provided that the transit–oriented development will be designed to meet equity goals established by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Public infrastructure improvements within a transit–oriented development; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Gap funding for public or private development within a transit–oriented development.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A private entity, including a nonprofit entity, participating in the development of a transit–oriented development may partner with a local jurisdiction to submit an application for financial assistance under paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Sustainable Growth Subcabinet established under § 9–1406 of the State Government Article shall establish eligibility requirements and objective scoring standards for the review of applications for financial assistance.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Sustainable Growth Subcabinet established under § 9–1406 of the State Government Article may establish:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Different eligibility requirements and objective scoring standards for different types of financial assistance; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Scoring preferences for applications that demonstrate that the proposed project will:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Enhance access to transit for low–income and minority residents of the local jurisdiction;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Enhance access to transit in areas with affordable housing and a diversity of job and educational opportunities; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Encourage development around underdeveloped and underutilized transit stations in transit–oriented developments.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Publish the eligibility requirements and scoring standards on the Department’s website; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In collaboration with the Department of Housing and Community Development, support recipients of awards from the Fund by supporting any studies, plans, and code changes with technical services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An application for financial assistance shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Commitments from the local jurisdiction to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Establish transit–supportive land use designations for real property within a transit–oriented development; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Implement, where practicable, improvements to the transit–oriented development that promote the complete streets policy adopted in accordance with § 2–112 of this article;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a private entity partners with a local jurisdiction to submit an application for financial assistance, commitments from key stakeholders to develop the transit–oriented development; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the application is for a grant to support the design or construction of a proposed enhancement to a transit–oriented development, credible funding strategies that demonstrate full funding of the design or construction costs for the proposed enhancement on award of the grant.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="7-1205" title_number="7" title_name="Mass Transit" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Transit–oriented Development Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be paid into the Fund.</text> </level> </section>