Last year we started to hear about the free downtown shuttle that would take tourists and residents to popular areas around downtown Baltimore. This free shuttle was to be funded by higher parking rates that went into effect in 2008.
Eventually the shuttle was named the Charm City Circulator. We were told to expect it by late summer of 2009. Then we were told to expect it by September 21, 2009. Now we are being told that there has been another delay because of "manufacturing problems".
Once again we see that with Baltimore bureaucracy even a good idea can get screwed up and delayed. I wonder where all the parking rate increase money is going? I hope they are saving it for the actual project. It would be terrible if the next delay was cause by a lack of funds. It would not shock me though, something has to fund the Mayor's idling SUV.
It appears that some UMB employees like the delays and do not want the free Charm City Circulator to ever appear.
Comments
"TRICK OR TREAT" The Baltimore Citizens were tricked and the City got more tax money for a treat. How can one group stop a whole city unless you're connected? I wish someone comes up with a good tax idea that is viable for everyone. Why is it the people of Florida pay taxes but so call tourist cities like ours do? I thought the revenue that the so call tourist bring in would handle the taxes of the populance. But why I'm finding out is that we are not bringing what we expected and that the gloss & glitter of the inner harbor is wearing off. Crime is bad to the bone done there and the city is getting a bad name in the country. So I guess I move to a state where I don't have to pay high property taxes and other taxes. Guess what Baltimorons we could really be a tourist city if you open it up for the cruise lines to come in here and cruise all year long. Also lower the taxes for the people including military retirees. All these post and no one want to name Maryland as their domicile.
I have asked many people who work over in the University of MD area, if they would use this system. They said no since the number 7 is so easy from the east side. This like the free Water Taxi to Tide Point, that only serves a handful of residents, seems like a waste. While I am all for world class mass transit, this is not, and we have much more pressing issues to contend with right now. i.e. big budget hole, that threatens to increase taxes further, due to overspending.
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