As a regular transit user, I was struck by how unprofessional the Maryland Transit Administration's response was to the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance's mixed review of the new $135 million BaltimoreLink bus network reorganization plan ("Transportation alliance critical of MTA's plan to overhaul bus routes," Sept. 22).
The review, which a state official dismissively labeled as "nonsense," is an even-handed 64-page analysis that points out where BaltimoreLink is — and is not — working, backed up with extensive data and maps. However, the state goes so far as to suggest that the Transportation Alliance ought to "join with MTA" on its mission to improve bus service, as if providing independent feedback and constructive criticism is forbidden as a part of that mission.
BaltimoreLink has the potential to dramatically improve or curtail the ability of citizens to get around the region for work and for school, but it is nearly impossible for the average person to evaluate such a large proposal. I, for one, am thankful that we have an independent watchdog group such as the Transportation Alliance providing the closest thing we have to accountability for MTA and the region's public transit system.
If there are concerns being raised by the independent analysis of BaltimoreLink, then address those concerns.
Grant Corley, Baltimore