The MTA contends that the late Penn Line trains were proposed for elimination because they are not as heavily used as earlier runs. Schmitt agrees, but he says the later train seems to attract a respectable level of ridership. He is suggesting that MARC drop an earlier run and spread out departures while keeping the late train.
Without the late train, Schmitt said, he would be forced to drive to Washington on days that his work might keep him late. He said that taking a late Amtrak train would cost $20 and that Greyhound service no longer takes passengers into the central business district.
Cole expressed concern that the lack of a late train would discourage people who work in Washington from living in Baltimore.
In their letter, the council members point out that the proposed service elimination comes at a critical time - just as a new administration is about to take over in Washington.
"Eliminating evening service will discourage incoming officials of the administration from considering Baltimore as they purchase homes," the council members say. "D.C. commuters have made a significant contribution to Baltimore's tax base, as will future commuters if they have adequate public transportation available to them."
Kirby Fowler, president of the Downtown Partnership, said his organization and board members have also weighed in with O'Malley in opposing the cuts. He noted that under the MTA proposal, the 8:40 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. departures from Penn Station to Washington would also be eliminated.
"I believe it sends the wrong message to have the last train out of Baltimore to be the 7:25 train," he said. Among other things, Fowler said, such a schedule would make it difficult for Washingtonians who work in Baltimore to stay after work to go to the city's restaurants.
"There's absolutely no doubt that it's important for Baltimore residents to be able to work in D.C. and vice versa," he said.
A spokeswoman for the governor referred questions about the matter to the Maryland Department of Transportation. Erin Henson, an MDOT spokeswoman, said officials there appreciate the concerns about transit cuts.
"The reality of it is, as revenues continue to decline due to the national economic downturn, all options must remain on the table," she said. "We continue to work to minimize the impact of these difficult decisions."
Joining Cole in signing the appeal to O'Malley were council members James B. Kraft, Robert W. Curran, Bill Henry, Rochelle "Rikki" Spector, Sharon Green Middleton, Helen L. Holton, Bernard C. "Jack" Young and Mary Pat Clarke.
