Implementation
Implementing the Plan
Successfully implementing the Regional Transit Plan will take strategic collaboration among many stakeholders. While some initiatives in the Plan are geographically specific and straightforward, others will demand careful coordination across jurisdictions and disciplines. With a 25-year horizon, setting one-year and five-year workplans and tracking our progress is critical to achieving the Plan’s ambitious goals.
Implementation Team
The Implementation Team will prioritize, coordinate, and advance the many initiatives proposed in the Plan. This team is working closely with MDOT MTA, and comprises representatives from:
Baltimore Metropolitan Council
Regional Jurisdictions
Five jurisdictions in the region:
- Anne Arundel County
- Baltimore City
- Baltimore County
- Harford County
- Howard County
The Implementation Team will also work with MDOT MTA’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), Citizens Advisory Committee for Accessible Transportation (CACAT), community groups, and other stakeholders to advance implementation.
The First Five Years
A five-year implementation plan organized around the Plan’s six objectives provides a framework to advance the proposed strategies, Regional Transit Corridors, and Transit Network Improvements. The Implementation Team identified 30 initiatives to advance in the first five years (2020-2025) – 22 of which will begin in year one (2021). Another four initiatives will be started during the second year of implementation (2022) for a total of 26. Many of these projects require feasibility studies, convening workgroups, stakeholder outreach, and other early planning activities. Public engagement will be strategically designed for each project to ensure appropriate stakeholder outreach. These initiatives are presented below, organized by objective.
30 Total Initiatives for 2020-2025
Provide Faster, More Reliable Service
Provide faster and more reliable service both to serve existing customers and to attract new riders. Transit riders will see new infrastructure to speed up bus and rail travel and modern, well-maintained transit vehicles and stations.
Strategies for this objective:
In Progress
- Install real-time information displays at key transit hubs
- Design and construct improvements at three transit hubs
- Support Amtrak design of a new Baltimore and Potomac (B&P) Tunnel on the MARC Penn Line
- Investigate and implement targeted investments for Local Bus and Commuter Bus:
- An additional five corridors of Transit Signal Prioritization
- An additional 10 miles of dedicated bus lanes
- Traffic signal retiming on Howard Street
- Institute a curb management committee with the local jurisdictions
- Explore level boarding, all-door boarding, and off-board fare collection
- Reintroduce MDOT MTA limited stop service where appropriate
Grow Ridership
Grow ridership by providing transit services that people want to use and that take them where and when they want to go. Transit riders will experience easier transfer connections, more frequent service, and more jobs, housing, and shopping available at transit stations throughout.
Strategies for this objective:
In Progress
- Actively pursue transit-oriented development opportunities around rail stations
- Study extending MARC Train service to L’Enfant Plaza in Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia and closing the commuter rail gap to the north and providing connectivity to SEPTA in Delaware and Pennsylvania
- Convene a Task Force of MDOT MTA, state agencies, city and county agencies, business representatives, community representatives, and riders to focus on growing ridership
Not Started
- Develop a park-and-ride lot plan to grow the capacity and access to Commuter Bus
Increase Access to Jobs & Opportunities
Increase access to jobs, services, and activities by identifying and addressing existing service and infrastructure gaps. Transit riders will have better sidewalks, biking, and shared mobility connections to transit, easier transfers between different systems, and find jobs and services within closer walking distance of transit routes.
Strategies for this objective:
In Progress
- Initiate planning studies for two to three "Early Opportunity” Corridors
- Initiate and implement five Small Area Transit Plans
- Identify ways to improve coordination of private shuttles and the expansion of the use of Commuter Choice Maryland
Not Started
- Identify and actively develop Shared Mobility hubs throughout the region
Improve the Customer Experience
Improve the customer experience by providing transportation services that are safe, easy to use, and comfortable. Transit riders can expect the basic benefits of safety, security, comfort, and timely and accurate information. Fares will be simplified and integrated for all providers in the region.
Strategies for this objective:
In Progress
- Identify ways to simplify fare structures and integrate payment systems throughout the region
- Enhance the cleanliness of stations, stops and vehicles using appropriate sanitization protocols
- Identify actions to reduce assaults on operators
Be Equitable
Conduct ADA accessibility surveys, and passenger amenity reviews and begin implementation of improvements at all Light Rail and Metro Subway stations
Strategies for this objective:
In Progress
- Provide equitable transit access to jobs, services, and other destinations in a just and fair manner, ensuring all users' needs are met. Transit riders can expect transit service and policies to help reduce barriers to opportunity and be involved in decision making.
- Increase number of bus shelters located in low-income areas
- Investigate and implement ways for further collaboration and coordination of transit service including the use of Shared Mobility options to improve transit access
- Create an Equity Manager position at MDOT MTA to proactively integrate an equity perspective into transit planning, service provision, and communication
- Include more opportunities for community member participation in transit projects, including involvement in project planning
- Support policies and programs that improve transit access to economic and social opportunities such as affordable housing, jobs, education, grocery stores, recreation, and healthcare, particularly in underserved communities
- Improve the efficiency of paratransit services with a focus on increasing subscription trips, synchronizing paratransit span of service with local bus service, and improving trip scheduling
Not Started
- Review agency marketing and communications to ensure access for all people including those with vision, hearing, or speech disabilities or limited English language proficiency
Prepare for the Future
Prepare for the future by mitigating and adapting to climate change, enhancing the financial stability of transit services, developing a workforce for tomorrow's transit, and embracing emerging technologies. Customers will see zero-emission buses, testing of automated vehicles, and convenient integration of scooters and other shared mobility with traditional transit modes and payment options.
Strategies for this objective:
In Progress
- Prioritize the rehabilitation and replacement of safety and service critical assets on schedule to maintain a state of good repair
- Procure zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure for the MDOT MTA bus fleet
- Conduct a skills and software needs assessment across all providers
- Participate in the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board study of transit governance and funding
- Improve coordination and collaboration ensuring transit investments are in line with state and local plans, that new development is transit supportive, and that efforts are made to concentrate investments in designated growth areas
Not Started
- Identify and implement ways to reduce energy use, water use, and GHG emissions
