ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 4, 2007) - Demonstrating his continued support of transit in Maryland, Governor Martin O'Malley today announced the Board of Public Works has approved three contracts worth $28 million to support commuter bus service in Southern and Western Maryland. The five commuter bus routes covered by the contracts handle an average of 3,600 boardings per day.
"More commuters on our buses mean fewer cars on the road," said Governor O'Malley. "Our commuter bus network is a great transportation success story. Ridership on our Southern Maryland routes has increased an average of 20 percent in recent years and our Western Maryland route is up 60 percent. The approval of these contracts will allow us to continue to offer this efficient, environmentally friendly service to our citizens." The contract renewals with Keller Transportation, Inc. in Waldorf and Eyre Bus Service, Inc. in Glenelg cover the continued operation of the following Maryland Transit Administration commuter routes through the spring of 2009: #901 and #907 lines operating between Charles County and Washington, D.C;
#991 operating between Hagerstown, Frederick, the Shady Grove Metrorail Station and Rock Spring Business Park;
#905 and #909 lines operating between St. Mary's County through Waldorf to Washington, D.C.
"The MTA commuter bus service is a key element of our balanced transportation vision," said Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari. "By offering a total of 22 different commuter lines across the state we provide nearly 13,000 passenger trips a day."
In addition to the continued financial support of the commuter bus network, the O'Malley Administration is continuing to build additional park and ride capacity in Southern Maryland. A new 280-space park and ride lot will open in La Plata this fall. Twenty park and ride lots are already operational in St. Mary's, Charles and Calvert counties, providing nearly 4,000 spaces.
"Maryland's citizens and the environment benefit from these transit options. The renewed bus routes get people to work with less stress and help protect the Chesapeake Bay from pollutants at the same time," said Comptroller Peter Franchot.
Contact
Jack Cahalan
Erin Henson
410-865-1025 |
