{"data":{"id":"us-md/md.-code-local-government-1-703","jurisdiction":"us-md","citation":"Md. Code, Local Government § 1–703","heading":"","body":"(a) It is the policy of the State to authorize each county and municipality to\ndisplace or limit competition in the area of public transportation to:\n(1) provide adequate, economical, and efficient transportation\nservices;\n(2) protect against excessive and inconsistent prices for\ntransportation services;\n(3) conserve energy and reduce accidents, air pollution, congestion,\nand traffic hazards through public transportation;\n(4) encourage its use by contributing capital and operating funds so\nthat transportation may be provided at the lowest cost; and\n(5) promote the general welfare by providing a comprehensive\ntransportation system.\n(b) Notwithstanding any anticompetitive effect, a county or municipality\nmay:\n(1) (i) grant one or more franchises for transportation services on\nan exclusive or nonexclusive basis;\n(ii) impose franchise fees;\n(iii) establish rates applicable to the franchise; and\n(iv) adopt rules, regulations, and licensing requirements for\nthe operation of the franchise; or\n(2) operate a public transportation system on an exclusive basis,\nincluding:\n(i) establishing rates for the public transportation system;\nand\n(ii) adopting rules and regulations for the operation of the\npublic transportation system.","path":["Article - Local Government"],"source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=glg\u0026section=1-703","current_through":"2026-01-01","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T19:59:58Z","sha256":"9a3db306888b3f41d1518b63a3f6aa650ec53abdd66fd376073351e497a7df1b","source_id":"us-md","stale":false,"prev":"us-md/md.-code-local-government-1-702","next":"us-md/md.-code-local-government-1-704"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}