Citizens Planning and Housing Association is very concerned with the proposed development of a people mover system in downtown Baltimore. As has been the experience in other North American cities, the people mover could be a burden to Baltimore as it is expensive to build and costly to operate. CPHA believes that the City has not yet made a strong case for the need for a "people mover," nor has significant public discussion been given to the many possibilities of such a transit system or the alternatives to such a system. As such, CPHA is not prepared to support the construction of a people mover, and we adopt the following recommendations both for the process of deciding whether or not to develop a "people mover" in Baltimore and for planning the people mover in the event that it is to be built.

significantly and immediately involve the public at-large. Specific attention should be paid to involving neighborhood associations, business organizations, transit riders, and others who will be affected by the development of a new mode of transit in Baltimore.

take into consideration the lessons learned by other cities and regions which have adopted a people mover system. Understanding the experiences of cities such as Miami, Tampa Bay, and Detroit, will be useful information in determining the feasibility of a people mover for Baltimore.

be consistent with the PlanBaltimore! comprehensive planning process as well as long-range economic and transportation plans for the Baltimore region.

integrate the radial routes of the region’s transit system by providing direct access to at least one Metro subway station, Light Rail station, and MARC commuter rail station, and facilitate hassle-free transfers to other transit modes and routes.

provide access to at least one major bus transit hub at each end of downtown.

use a technology and alignment that provide extremely frequent and reliable service.

extend the east/west reach of downtown transit. Consideration should also be given to extending the northern reach of the system.

be strongly oriented toward employment centers in addition to tourist attractions and facilities.

avoid any alignment or technology that impairs the aesthetic, cultural, and historic value of Baltimore’s neighborhoods.

1 In this document, the term "people mover" refers to an automated, elevated transit system; however, this does not constitute an endorsement of any specific technology of this type.

2 The "principles" listed below do not constitute an endorsement of a people mover system in Baltimore, rather they are meant to be the basis of a well-developed plan for building such a project.