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Saturday and Someday



Good morning! It’s cloudy and I’m disgruntled. How is your day shaping up so far?

There are Saint Patrick’s Day themed activities going on in Old Ellicott City today if you are interested in getting out and about. 

 Trashy Hour is back in Long Reach! Boy, do I ever love that name. 

Busboys & Poets is hosting an ASL performance night/open mic event from 9 pm to 11 pm this evening. 

*****

The big news of the day as far as I am concerned is this announcement from County Executive Calvin Ball:

Starting Monday, March 17, we’re launching HoCo RapidRide, a new, on-demand microtransit service connecting Elkridge, Jessup, and Savage along the Route One Corridor!

This affordable and flexible transit option fills critical transportation gaps, making it easier for residents to commute to work, access shopping centers, and connect to regional transit. The service operates Monday – Friday from 6:30 AM to 6 PM, providing reliable and convenient rides at just $2 per trip, with free rides for all during the first month!

HoCo RapidRide is designed to complement our existing transit system by allowing riders to book a shared ride through a mobile app, making travel more efficient and accessible. Book a ride through the HoCo RapidRide app, available on Apple and Google Play. Learn more: HoCo RapidRide .


Image from HoCoGov social media 


Better public transportation is, honestly, good for everyone. I’d recommend you read the comments, to see how the announcement went over. Many were positive, some (in my opinion) didn’t quite get the point. But one was the kind of statement I should be used to by now but still just makes me want to scream. Go see if you can figure out which one.

You are probably tired of hearing me opine about Howard County’s Sally Brown problem. But here we are again, and today’s example which shows what happens when you take her plaintive whines and run with them. 

…all I want is what’s coming to me. All I want is my fair share.

In responding to an improvement in public transportation for Elkridge, Jessup, and Savage, the commenter makes it clear that they will not feel confident and comfortable that they are “receiving their fair share” unless other people are underserved, ignored, and excluded.

I pay taxes, so…what’s in it for me? If I don’t feel a direct benefit, it shouldn’t happen. 

If you thinking that paying taxes means that all that money is required by law to come back to you personally, then maybe you really want to be receiving an allowance. I’m not sure what kind of government that is, but it certainly couldn’t function in any meaningful way. I don’t drive much in Western Howard County, for example. Can I demand that my taxes not be used for the upkeep of their roads?

As for me, I’d like any money I pay in taxes be used to build and maintain a stronger and more supportive community. Better public transportation absolutely qualifies. Roll on, HoCo Rapid Ride. I hope it is a resounding success.

Perhaps someday Howard County will be a place that cheers for improvements for everyone.


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