| The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) designed this website to provide you with information about Bus Rapid Transit, components, initiatives, activities and studies around the State. This is a collaborative effort with the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) and the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA). From brochures and definitions to public meeting dates and locations, this website is the place to visit for information about Maryland’s Bus Rapid Transit initiatives. Users of this site can view general Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) information, definitions, national examples, links to Maryland project studies and other useful online resources, as well as frequently asked questions. Be sure to bookmark this site as information will be updated as study efforts progress. MDOT is committed to providing a transportation system that works for people. Our mission is to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across all transportation modes. Maryland faces a number of challenges in providing the best possible transportation options. There are competing demands for funds due to a backlog of unfunded but important transportation projects – some deferred for a decade or more. This poses a hurdle for tackling congestion statewide, including in the critical I-270 Technology Corridor, on arterial highways in and out of D.C. and Baltimore, in the I-95 Corridor, and throughout Southern Maryland. In light of the State's fiscal constraints, creative approaches must be found to help address traffic congestion and improve customer service. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) offers a way to rethink transit service – merging the service benefits of rail with the cost-effectiveness and flexibility of conventional bus service. BRT systems can be developed as stand-alone transit service or as part of an integrated transit system. Bus Rapid Transit, therefore, is one of a number of strategies being considered to address near- and longer-term travel demand, improve customer service, and expedite transportation improvements. Maryland transportation agencies are considering the role BRT can play throughout the State and believe that the concept holds considerable promise. BRT’s flexibility – the ability to tailor services to meet specific needs as well as its potential lower upfront cost and thus quicker implementation – could help build transit ridership in targeted corridors and help address the State’s congestion challenge.  
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