Annapolis City Council votes down free transit amendment in all-day budget meeting

Buses will remain free in Anne Arundel County but not in Annapolis, after a proposal to eliminate transit fares was voted down by the City Council Monday. The vote was 7-2 against the budget amendment, which was earmarked to cost the city $700,000. Mayor Gavin Buckley and Alderman DaJuan Gay voted for the measure. After a lengthy debate — including testimony from the city’s acting transportation director supporting the idea — Buckley graciously conceded defeat, saying the fee-free plan was “not ready for prime time.”