Maryland’s transportation system is in a funding crisis. The TTF Coalition is here to help.
Maryland’s heavily traveled infrastructure needs additional investment to ease congestion & improve mobility. One big problem: Maryland’s Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) is facing a massive shortfall. If we don’t take action, these
financial deficits will damage our economy, infrastructure, and quality of life.
Our mission: The TTF Coalition fights for holistic, sustainable, and innovative funding solutions across all transportation modes, including reliable roads & highways, as well as dependable & efficient mass transit.
We are urging our elected officials to address the growing shortfall in the TTF, and support the following legislative goals:
Adjust the Gas Tax:
Gas tax revenues will only continue to decline as electric & fuel-efficient vehicles sales continue to climb. To compensate, the TTF Coalition recommends an adjusted gas tax. Rates would vary to capture additional revenue when average prices drop below a certain benchmark level. Current rates would apply when prices rebound above the benchmark to limit impacts on consumers, boosting revenues only when prices are low and providing greater market incentives for fuel efficiency.
Explore Mileage-Based Fees:
Some states are considering mileage-based fees such as a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) tax or Road Usage Charge (RUC) to replace or supplement the gas tax with a more equitable user fee. This lets those who use transportation infrastructure the most pay their fair share, including EVs (which are heavier than standard vehicles and therefore cause more wear and tear on the roads). There would be an opt-out provision to pay a set fee instead.
Increase Sales Tax:
While no one wants to pay more taxes or fees, the reality is that degrading infrastructure costs taxpayers billions more in the long run. The TTF Coalition recommends a 1-cent surcharge to the state sales tax, or allow counties to add a regional sales tax, dedicated to fund transportation. Unlike some states, Maryland’s sales tax does not include groceries. A 1-cent surcharge is far less regressive than the negative impacts of a deteriorating transportation system on Maryland’s equity & economy.
Encourage Public-Private Partnerships (P3s)
P3s are a proven financing approach that has worked well in Virginia & other states on major toll road projects. The primary benefit of P3s is the ability to attract new capital investment upfront for projects that can generate revenue over time. This approach allows public funds to be allocated to transit and other projects that need continuous long-term subsidies. The TTF Coalition recommends further pursuing these avenues.
Support Regional Transportation Authorities (RTAs)
The TTF Coalition recommends allowing local jurisdictions to come together to fund key regional priority projects using local revenues managed by a regional authority. Virginia has had great success through the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority using this approach.
Expand Toll Financing
Major highway & bridge improvements can be financed through toll revenues, freeing up billions in scarce TTF dollars. Increasing toll rates or expanding Maryland’s toll network creates new revenue, a portion of which can be dedicated to fund transit improvements and can provide free travel options for low-income motorists. While no one wants to pay more in tolls, the lack of a toll increase over the past decade has put Maryland in a massive hole, and the TTF Coalition recommends an increase.