Cities that work have transportation systems that meet the needs of their residents. The Baltimore region has made substantial progress in developing a comprehensive regional transportation system, but it's clear that more needs to be done.

Recently, I testified before the House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee about the transportation needs of our region. One of the most important themes I stressed to the subcommittee is the need to be innovative and flexible in finding ways to move people effectively and efficiently from one location to another.

The federal government has an important role to play in helping us develop successful transportation networks. An example of that is the $120 million that has already been authorized to double-track the Light Rail Line. The project involves double-tracking 9.4 miles of the 29-mile system, which will end the serious operational delays that are inevitable in a system that is dependent on single-tracking for much of its operation.

Another important issue facing our region is the growth of "reverse commuting," in which Baltimore City residents are finding employment in the surrounding suburbs of Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Howard counties. Nearly 250,000 Maryland households have no car and are dependent on a comprehensive public transportation system to get them to their jobs.

As the leading Democrat on the Human Resources Subcommittee, I strongly support expanding transportation services so that those who are moving from welfare to work can get to jobs, particularly in suburban locations.

Employment needs in the surrounding counties makes reverse commuting a necessity for many businesses. With an unemployment rate of less than 2%, many area business leaders have talked to me about finding ways to connect the people who need jobs with the communities where the jobs are.

I also testified before the Subcommittee about a plan to improve public transportation in the downtown area. I am very excited about the idea of expanding a water transportation system that would incorporate our unique geography into our transportation system.

An existing water taxi service offered by a local non-profit organization served more than 250,000 people last year, demonstrating that such a proposal is certainly feasible. But to establish a water taxi service as a comprehensive transportation model we need additional federal funds.

I have urged the Transportation Subcommittee to support expanding the present water taxi service as an innovative, low-cost way to improve Baltimore's mass transit system. I would like to see a public/private partnership expand the current water taxi service so that it can better meet the needs of businesses and residents who live and work around the Inner Harbor area.

A strong regional transportation system is important for all of us. It helps to improve quality of life and increase economic growth and opportunity. We have made some significant progress, but we need to continue to be creative in finding ways to expand our transportation infrastructure for the future.