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Governor Wes Moore has announced that Baltimore’s Red Line transit project will be a light-rail system instead of a bus fleet. This decision fulfills one of Moore’s key campaign promises to address generational disinvestment in Black communities by connecting high-poverty neighborhoods to regional job centers. Moore criticized his predecessor, Larry Hogan, for canceling the project and referred to it as a “wasteful boondoggle.” He emphasized the importance of physical mobility for economic mobility and pointed out that many Baltimore residents have difficulty accessing important city facilities.
Construction on the 14-mile, 19-station project is expected to begin in 2026 or 2027. Despite the higher cost and longer timeline associated with a light rail system, Moore believes it is the best option after consulting with thousands of Baltimore residents. He assured that the necessary resources are available for the current phase of the project and stated that taxes would not be raised to fund it.
City leaders and stakeholders, such as Kevin W. Sowers from the Johns Hopkins Health System, support the Red Line as a crucial part of enhancing residents’ livelihoods and connecting them to essential sites. The project has faced opposition and cancellation from previous governors but is now moving forward with momentum. Moore unveiled a redesigned Red Line logo and expressed confidence in the project’s success, urging skeptics to watch as they work and win. This announcement marks a significant development in Baltimore’s transportation infrastructure and economic development.
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