Mayor calls for members of Congress to support the Rebuild America Jobs Act to support much needed transportation infrastructure and create jobs.

Today, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake was joined by Council President Bernard “Jack” Young, Councilman Warren Branch, Baltimore City Department of Transportation Director Khalil Zaied, and business and community leaders for a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially launch the Charm City Circulator’s Green Route. At the same event, Mayor Rawlings-Blake called on members of Congress to support the Rebuild America Jobs Act, which is part of President Barack Obama’s efforts to create jobs and grow America’s economy.

“As we celebrate the expansion of this popular service, we are reminded that investments in transportation are critical to the growth of our local and national economy,” said Mayor Rawlings-Blake, noting that President Obama’s proposal includes $50 billion for transportation projects around the country, including $9 billion for transit systems. “Projects like the Charm City Circulator rely on a strong City-State-Federal partnership. Congress must hold up their end of the bargain and pass the Rebuild America Jobs Act.”

Today’s announcement took place near Johns Hopkins Hospital and highlighted the benefits of the Charm City Circulator’s new Green Line. The Charm City Circulator is a fleet of 26 eco-friendly buses that now travels along three routes in Baltimore City. The distinctive fleet of hybrid electric and clean burning diesel buses is designed to reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gases while offering a convenient and reliable alternative mode of transportation. Best of all, the Charm City Circulator provides service free of charge for those who wish to ride.

“The launch of the Green Line will play an important role in helping us grow our city, reduce traffic congestion, and make travel more convenient for residents and visitors,” said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. “With the launch of this route, Baltimore continues to be at the forefront of transit service in the nation.”

The Charm City Circulator buses operate on three separate routes. The new Green Route provides a vital transportation link to schools and jobs for families living in communities targeted by the Mayor’s Vacants to Value initiative. It connects people to parking areas along Fallsway and Guilford, with stops at City Hall, Harbor East, Fells Point, and Johns Hopkins Hospital. The Orange Route began operations in January 2010 and travels along Lombard and Pratt Streets between Hollins Market and Harbor East. The Purple Route, which began operations in June 2010, links Federal Hill to Penn Station via Charles and St. Paul Streets.

The Charm City Circulator has received numerous awards from “Best Use of Taxpayer Funds” to “Best Public Transportation” from numerous media sources. To date, ridership has exceeded over 3 million passengers.

For further details about the Charm City Circulator, you can visit www.charmcitycirculator.com. The website provides detailed information including hours of operation, route maps, and stop locations. Mobile applications may also be downloaded to smartphones for rider convenience. The City of Baltimore encourages residents, visitors, and employees to ride the Charm City Circulator.