Exploring Innovative Funding Options for The MARC Growth and Transformation Plan

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dc.contributor.advisorBrown, Paul
dc.contributor.authorMears, Daniel
dc.date.accessioned2026-05-22T14:52:08Z
dc.date.issued2026-05-15
dc.descriptionThis report evaluates innovative governance and funding strategies that could support implementation of the Maryland Transit Administration’s MARC Growth and Transformation Plan. Through comparative case studies of commuter rail agencies in Massachusetts, Virginia, Connecticut, and Utah, the research examines how governance structures, value capture mechanisms, public-private partnerships, and revenue strategies can influence long-term system expansion and financial sustainability. The report identifies policy recommendations that could strengthen MARC’s ability to deliver expanded rail service while maintaining accountability within Maryland’s existing transportation framework. The findings are intended to support future discussions on commuter rail investment, regional coordination, and sustainable transportation finance in Maryland.
dc.description.abstractThis report explores innovative funding strategies to support the Maryland Transit Administration’s (MTA) Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) Growth and Transformation Plan, which outlines major investments to expand capacity, improve reliability, and strengthen regional rail connections. With traditional transportation revenues under strain, new and sustainable funding approaches are needed. The study analyzes the MARC Plan’s financial requirements, reviews existing research on transportation finance, and conducts case studies of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Utah, states that have developed stable and innovative rail transit systems. Through document review, data analysis, and expert interviews, the project identifies practical funding mechanisms that can be adapted for Maryland. These findings inform a set of recommendations to help MTA advance the MARC Growth and Transformation Plan and build a more sustainable financial framework for Maryland’s commuter rail system.
dc.description.sponsorshipMaryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Transit Administration, Office of Statewide Planning
dc.identifierhttps://doi.org/10.13016/ks7g-9aie
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1903/35317
dc.language.isoen
dc.relation.isAvailableAtDigital Repository at the University of Maryland
dc.relation.isAvailableAtUniversity of Maryland (College Park, Md)
dc.rightsCC0 1.0 Universalen
dc.rights.urihttp://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/
dc.subjectMARC
dc.subjectMaryland Transit Adminstration
dc.subjectValue Capture
dc.subjectTransit Planning
dc.subjectPublic Financial Management
dc.titleExploring Innovative Funding Options for The MARC Growth and Transformation Plan
dc.typeReport

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