What do you see as Maryland s biggest transportation issue and how would you solve it - Essay Example

Maryland Transportation Issues Maryland officials charged with the responsibility of rectifying the transportation crisis in the state continue to struggle with the vast challenges. This discussion focuses on the inadequate public transport facilities that link rural areas to urban areas within the state, and congestion on the highways (Cardin). Statistics from the U.S Census Bureau in 2000 revealed that 85% of Marylands population lives in the states congested urban areas such as Baltimore and Philadelphia metropolitans (Cox, 2009).

The remaining population lives in the rural areas; however, many of them commute to urban areas on a daily basis to fulfill their working obligations. Majority of these citizens have to use their personal cars due to the limited public transportation systems incurring very high gas expenses. Research by the Bureau of Labor estimates that households use 20% of their income on transportation expenses (Cardin). The commute from rural, Southern Maryland to the urban, Northern area takes a toll on many forcing them to opt for cheaper, unlimited housing opportunities in neighboring states such as Virginia.

Congestion on Marylands highways costs the state a lot of money. Many spend productive working hours stuck in traffic. In a survey done by the U.S Census Bureau, traffic volume increased exponentially in a span of 10 years (1998-2008) to 17.2%; however, transport infrastructure expanded only by 7% (Cox, 2009). This meant that the infrastructure is unable to meet the high demand leading to congestion. In conclusion, unless state officials find lasting solutions to the transportation crisis, the states economy will plummet.

The high expenses incurred from gas expenditure for personal cars, and the loss of productive time on congested highways is among the challenges state officials must resolve. ReferencesCardin, B. (n.d.). Transportation. Retrieved March 4, 2014, from Ben Cardin: U.S Senator for Maryland: www.cardin.senate.gov/issues/transportionCox, W. (2009). Transportation Policy in Maryland. Retrieved March 4, 2014, from The Maryland Public Policy Institute: www.mdpolicy.org/maryland_journal/detail/transportion-policy-in-maryland