Toll road projects using a public-private partnership often have non-compete clauses that protect the private partner if nearby projects impact profits. Maryland wants to exempt transit from those clauses.
"The Maryland General Assembly passed a bill this week that will free state-funded transit projects from the threat of non-compete clauses in state contracts with private toll lane operators," reports Sean Emerson.
According to Emerson, the bill represents a win for public transit investments, because "Maryland can invest in transit improvements adjacent to potential toll lanes without having to pay off a private toll operator for the privilege."
And there are toll lane projects ongoing in Maryland, where "the Hogan administration has proposed an extensive P3 to construct express toll lanes on I-270 and the Capital Beltway which will in all likelihood include such a clause," according to Emerson. The plan does not include any transit, but the "state has long planned to upgrade MARC rail service, especially the Brunswick Line between Frederick and DC, and this bill guarantees that the state will not need to compensate a private toll lanes operator for lost revenue should the state implement those MARC service enhancements."
FULL STORY: Maryland passes a bill to protect transit from non-compete clauses
Feds Block Maryland Toll Lane Project
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan says the state was “blindsided” by the decision, which further delays the $7.6 billion plan.
Maryland Toll Lane Plan Gains Federal Approval
In a victory for Governor Larry Hogan, who has championed the project, the Federal Highway Administration is allowing the Beltway expansion project to move ahead.
Regional Transit Investment Priorities Set for Puget Sound
Funding allocations under consideration at the Puget Sound Regional Council give an indication of the region's public transit priorities.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service