MDOT MTA, local jurisdictions move forward with transit corridor feasibility studies
The implementation phase of the Central Maryland Regional Transit Plan (RTP) is set to begin with the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) and its regional partners, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford County and Howard County.
Completed in October 2020, the RTP is a 25-year plan to improve public transportation in Central Maryland. A goal of the plan is to increase equitable access to jobs and opportunities across the region through the study and development of new and updated transit projects that optimize connectivity and the integration of transportation services.
The launch of the first phase of the plan includes the study of two new transit corridors: an east-west transit route between Bayview through downtown Baltimore to greater Ellicott City in Howard County, and a north-south transit route between Towson in Baltimore County and downtown Baltimore. Multiple transit modes and alignment alternatives will be considered.
“These efforts will build on the thoroughly detailed, data-based work that went into the RTP planning process,” said MDOT MTA Administrator Kevin Quinn. “It will move us forward as a region through the greater connectivity that results from a safe, more reliable and more efficient public transit system.’’
The proposed regional transit corridors share several common features that distinguish them in the overall RTP. Each has – or is projected to have – sufficient ridership demand to support all day frequent transit.
The corridors also require additional infrastructure investment to fully support successful transit. MDOT MTA, the Baltimore City Department of Transportation, the Baltimore County Department of Public Works and the Howard County Department of Transportation are working together on each step of the study process.
“Collaboration with our partners across the region is crucial to understand the needs, challenges and immense opportunities that exist across jurisdictional lines,” MDOT Secretary Greg Slater said. “Working together, we can develop new and expanded connections that serve communities, grow ridership and provide greater access to jobs and economic centers.”
“Howard County is encouraged by the MTA’s focus on planning for the future transit needs of the Baltimore Region,” added Bruce W. Gartner, administrator of the Howard County Office of Transportation. “Improved transit connectivity between Howard County and our neighboring jurisdictions is important to both employees and employers in the region. I encourage our residents and businesses in the Route 40 Corridor to participate in the upcoming meetings to assist MDOT MTA in their evaluations.”
The corridor studies will be guided by input from the entire Regional Transit Plan Implementation Team, which includes local elected representatives, advocacy groups, business organizations and other stakeholders.
“The launch of the Central Maryland Regional Transit Plan corridor studies marks an important step in creating an interconnected transit network that is reliable, convenient and accessible for all residents,” said Baltimore City Department of Transportation Director Steve Sharkey. “I applaud the MDOT MTA for their efforts on this long-term comprehensive plan and for working collaboratively with regional partners to improve transit services, provide increased connectivity, and consider additional areas where new transit could be established.”
The project team has launched a survey asking those who live, work and visit these corridors how they get around, the destinations along these corridors that are important to them, and feedback on project tradeoffs. Survey responses are due by June 15, 2021. Results from the corridor studies are planned for release in the fourth quarter of 2021, with a final plan due in early 2022.
Following release of the final plan, the next phase is projected to include the development of detailed engineering feasibility studies for each corridor.
