Gov. Larry Hogan's recent toll reductions ("What price for lower tolls?" May 7) may be politically popular, but it's not the most effective or sustainable way to reduce the cost of transportation for Maryland families.
AAA puts the average cost of car ownership at over $9,000 per year. However, simply taking an occasional transit commute can save a lot of money in fuel and maintenance. Cutting back just 100 miles of car commute each year would save you $61. Since the average Marylander in the Baltimore region has an eight mile commute (16 miles round trip), that means taking transit just seven times a year — less than once a month.
You would have to go "downy ocean" 30 times this summer to realize that amount of savings from Governor Hogan's $2 toll reduction. But to have the option of leaving the car at home, Marylanders need reasonable and reliable alternatives. Expanding and improving transit options means more choices, more personal freedom and more money in our pockets.
Governor Hogan's next steps to reduce our transportation costs should include building the Red Line and improving local bus service.
Eric Norton, Baltimore
The writer is director of policy and programs for the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance.