Still, looking at transportation in such a broad and integrated manner is simply not standard procedure — not within the state of Maryland, let alone along the Baltimore-Richmond corridor. State delegates, senators, county executives, city council members and on and on will have to be convinced that this is necessary. Unless business leaders who have knowledge of the problem speak out, there’s little incentive for politicians to change their behavior. Even William Donald Schaefer, at the height of his powers as governor, couldn’t convince his beloved city to time the traffic lights on Howard Street to facilitate light rail traffic. Baltimore’s stake in this issue is bigger than most. If the city’s transportation shortcomings aren’t addressed, there’s little chance it can keep pace with its more prosperous neighbors to the south.