Md. lawmakers scrap farebox recovery mandate

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland lawmakers voted to scrap a state requirement that rail and bus systems cover at least 35% of their operating costs through farebox recovery, The Washington Post reports.

Supporters say the “farebox recovery ratio” mandate, in place since at least the 1990s, discouraged the state from investing in transit systems to make them more appealing and, in turn, increase revenues. Supporters also argue that it particularly hurts bus and light-rail service in Baltimore.

According to the WAPO report, it is unclear if Maryland’s Gov. Larry Hogan will sign the bill, which passed both chambers of the General Assembly. For the full story, click here.