1394                             LAWS OF MARYLAND                       [CH 869

(g) Create and abolish offices, employments and positions (other
than those specifically provided for herein) as it deems necessary
for the purposes of the Authority, and fix and provide for the
qualification, appointment, removal, term, tenure, compensation, pen-
sion and retirement rights of its officers and employees without
regard to the laws of any of the signatories;

(h) Establish, in its discretion, a personnel system based on
merit and fitness and, subject to eligibility, participate in the pension
and retirement plans of any signatory, or political subdivision or
agency thereof, upon terms and conditions mutually acceptable;

(i) Contract for or employ any professional services;

(j) Control and regulate the use of facilities owned OR CON-
TROLLED by the Authority, the service to be rendered and the fares
and charges to be made therefor;

(k) Hold public hearings and conduct investigations relating
to any matter affecting transportation in the Zone with which the
Authority is concerned and, in connection therewith, subpoena wit-
nesses, papers, records and documents; or delegate such authority
to any officer. Each Director may administer oaths or affirmations
in any proceeding or investigation.

(l) Make or participate in studies of all phases and forms of
transportation, including transportation vehicle research and de-
velopment techniques and methods for determining traffic projec-
tions, demand motivations, and fiscal research and publicize and make
available the results of such studies and other information relating
to transportation; and

(m) Exercise, subject to the limitations and restrictions herein
imposed, all powers reasonably necessary or essential to the declared
objects and purposes of this Title.

Article VI
Planning
317-13. Mass Transit Plan—

(a)    The Board shall develop and adopt, and may from, time to
time review and revise, a mass transit plan for the immediate and
long-range needs of the Zone. The mass transit plan shall include
one or more plans designating (1) the transit facilities to be
provided by the Authority, including the locations of terminals,
stations, platforms, parking facilities and the character and nature
thereof; (2) the design and location of such facilities; (3) whether
such facilities are to be constructed or acquired by lease, purchase
or condemnation; (4) a time-table for the provision of such facilities;
(5) the anticipated capital costs; (6) estimated operating expenses
and revenues relating thereto; and (7) the various other factors
and considerations, which, in the opinion of the Board, justify and
require the projects therein proposed. Such plan shall specify the
type of equipment to be utilized, the areas to be served, the routes
and schedules of service expected to be provided and the probable
fares and charges therefor.

(b)    In preparing the mass transit plan, and in any review or
revision thereof, the Board shall make full utilization of all data, stud-