The discussion about the future of public transit in Central Maryland has changed focus entirely during the past year with the state's regrettable cancellation of the long-planned Red Line and the subsequent announcement of BaltimoreLink, a long overdue call for a comprehensive update to our network of bus routes.

This new bus proposal poses a rare opportunity. All who care about this region should seize it and demand better results from our regional bus system. More broadly, though, BaltimoreLink could set the stage for transforming the public transportation system itself by leveraging the assets in our fleet of over 700 Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) buses while improving coordination and enhancing connections to light rail and other train lines.

We urge MTA leaders to undertake serious analysis and meaningful public engagement in the project, which they're working to implement by June 2017. The MTA has explained the thinking and intention behind its proposed changes, but it has not demonstrated how they will lead to measurable outcomes like improved access to jobs, easier access to schools, healthier air quality or more reliable performance.

A properly conceived and implemented plan could generate new growth in the regional Baltimore economy and give many more residents the opportunity to thrive.

Many of our current routes follow old streetcar lines, and some retain the original streetcar line numbers. These networks were designed to connect residential neighborhoods with downtown jobs, many of which have since decentralized. And today, 10 percent of riders are Baltimore City students taking advantage of our “choice” school system for middle and high schools. The MTA has not altered its bus routes to reflect decades of changes in residents' travel patterns.

For years people have complained that buses do not run on schedule and that inefficient routes require long travel times, limiting access to jobs, schools and recreational opportunities. Running buses more frequently along corridors of high ridership could make buses more reliable for many current riders and entice new riders.

Our Metro subway also has low ridership relative to similar rapid and reliable heavy rail lines elsewhere, due in large part to its lack of efficient connections to other routes. And the light rail system does not take advantage of existing technology to speed its travel through downtown. BaltimoreLink should enhance use of these existing transit assets to connect residents to existing and new MARC line stations, giving them better access to jobs at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Fort Meade, the National Security Agency and BWI Marshall Airport, as well as in Washington, D.C. Using Boston's tradition of bringing key bus routes into transit centers where passengers can cross a platform to get to rail connections could make connections seamless, while improving bus, metro and light rail ridership.

We need rigorous analysis of the possibilities — including how BaltimoreLink will coordinate with intercity connections including MARC commuter rail and Amtrak — because wholesale changes to bus networks happen infrequently. We urgently need Central Maryland residents to provide input and hold the MTA accountable for a new bus plan that delivers the economic, environmental and social benefits we expect from our investment in public transportation.

The Central Maryland Transportation Alliance, along with 1000 Friends of Maryland and the Citizens Planning and Housing Association, proposes a concerted study to answer critical questions. How will BaltimoreLink improve access to jobs and schools? Will it increase public transportation commuting? How will it affect air quality? Will it improve the reliability of public transportation service?

The MTA has held public workshops around the region, but more public engagement is needed to answer these questions. We propose an outreach strategy to have plugged-in community organizations reach stakeholders in neighborhoods, workplaces, institutions and other communities. This includes connecting with Baltimore City school students and their families.

Finally, we must carefully consider the “value add” generated by BaltimoreLink. How realistic is the proposed $135 million budget? Does the $135 million represent new investment, and is it adequate to deliver measurable improvements?

The Central Maryland Transportation Alliance is planning a report that addresses these questions about BaltimoreLink and proposes changes to transform how people move within and beyond Central Maryland. We stand willing to work with state officials to create the right BaltimoreLink plan that will strengthen a city and a region that is so vital to Maryland's future.

Laura Gamble is regional president of Greater Maryland PNC Bank, James L. Shea is chairman of Venable, and Thomas E. Wilcox is president of the Baltimore Community Foundation. All are board members of the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance, an initiative of The Baltimore Community Foundation. They can be reached at twilcox@bcf.org.