ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 21, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works approval of $3.36 million to expand and improve the highly successful commuter bus program around the state. Operated by the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), commuter bus service between Washington, D.C. and Southern, Western and Central Maryland has seen up to double digit ridership increases over the past year.
“By adding more trips on our established routes, we are making transit a more viable transportation option for more commuters,” said Governor O’Malley. “Our success with this service to date proves that when provided with an efficient and effective transit choice, people will get out of their cars, help reduce congestion and improve our environment. Better transit helps create better opportunities for Maryland’s families and businesses.”
The $3.36 million in contracts approved today will fund additional Monday through Friday trips on nine of the MTA’s most highly used commuter bus lines. These lines include: Two daily round trips added to the #901 line operating between Charles County and Washington, D.C. One daily round trip added to the #902 line operating between Prince Frederick and Washington, D.C. One daily round trip added to the #904 line operating between North Beach and Washington, D.C. Two daily round trips added to the #905 line operating between Charlotte Hall, Waldorf and Washington One daily round trip added to the #922 line operating between Kent Island and Washington, D.C. One daily round trip added to the #950 line operating between Kent Island and Washington, D.C. Funding will allow the extension of Kent Island trips on the #922 and #950 lines to reach farther east to include Kent Narrows. Two daily round trips added to the #915 line operating between Columbia and Washington, D.C. One daily round trip added to the #929 line operating between Columbia and Washington, D.C. One daily round trip added to the #991 line operating between Hagerstown, Frederick, Shady Grove Metro, the Rock Spring Business Park and Washington, D.C.
In addition to expanding commuter bus service, since taking office Governor O’Malley has increased transit investments across the state including: $411 million to develop the Purple Line, the Corridor Cities Transitway and the Red Line; More than $200 million for the MARC Growth and Investment Plan; and $50 million a year match for Washington Metro dedicated funding.
Working with the 2008 General Assembly, Governor O’Malley also passed legislation that will make it easier for the state to create transit communities around established transit stations. At the Governor’s direction, the Maryland Department of Transportation is working with local communities and private sector partners to create walkable communities near established transit stations. These communities will be created on undeveloped or underdeveloped state owned land adjacent to transit stations and could include retail, residential, office and entertainment space. This transit community effort will maximize the state’s transit investment, increase ridership and help improve the environment.
Media Contacts:
Shaun Adamec,
Governor’s Office
Office: 410-974-2316
Cell: 410-919-3206
Jack Cahalan,
MDOT
Office: 410-865-1025
Cell: 443-829-4677 |
