Maryland Transit Update

Summer 2012 An Interview with Roadeo Champion Rocky Ford In April 2012, Lawrence “Rocky” Ford of Garrett Tran- sit Service achieved his 13th win at the annual Mary- Maryland Transit Update is land Statewide Roadeo, once again taking 1st place in published quarterly by the Van division. Maryland RTAP applauds Rocky’s KFH Group, Inc. extraordinary record of Roadeo winnings; he has also 4920 Elm St., Suite 350 placed 3rd in the nation at the National Community Bethesda, MD 20814 Transportation Roadeo, and three times at that. Rocky 301-951-8660 is not only a champion by competition standards, he is Send submissions and email also a champion at safe driving and a customer favor- subscription requests to ite. Melissa Kim and Dan Dalton of KFH Group, repre- [email protected]. senting Maryland RTAP, recently visited Oakland and Maryland Transit Update is interviewed Rocky to learn more about his career with jointly sponsored by Garrett Transit Service and his Roadeo experiences. Maryland RTAP and TAM. John Hill, Director of Transportation, was also on hand to share in the discussion.

In this issue: When did you begin driving for Garrett County Community An Interview with Roadeo Action Committee – Garrett Transit Service? Champion Rocky Ford ...... 1 I started in 1982 with the Community Action Commit- Spotlight on Ocean City tee as a Head Start driver. I was volunteering in my Transportation ...... 1 son’s classroom and a driver got sick. continued on page 4 From the President’s Corner ...2 Scenes from the TAM General Spotlight on ... Meeting ...... 2 Legislative Update: ...... 3 MAP-21 Changes ...... 3 Ocean City Transportation FAQs on Public Hearings and A history of service growth along the Coastal Highway Meetings for LOTS ...... 6 By George Thornes, Superintendent of Transportation, Town of Ocean City Howard County Electric Bus Ocean City, Maryland is Project ...... 7 located on a 10 mile long Tri-County Council Multi- barrier island with approxi- Purpose Center Opens...... 9 mately 7,200 year-round residents. Throughout the Local Public & Specialized year, the population var- Transportation News...... 10 ies greatly depending on Debra Adams Honored ...... 11 the events taking place in MDOT CTP Tour ...... 11 the town. On any given weekend in May through Upcoming RTAP Training.....11 September, the town hosts Transit Bookshelf & Toolbox.12 up to 345,000 residents and guests. On an annual basis, Calendar ...... 12 the town hosts approxi- About RTAP & TAM ...... 12 mately continued on page 5 Ocean City Transportation’s South End Transit Center From___ the President’s Corner By George Thornes, Ocean City Transportation Save the date! I hope everyone has enjoyed their summer and has been able to spend quality time with their family. It sure does feel like it has been a short and hot summer TAM Annual in Ocean City. As another summer comes to a close, we change our pattern of thinking to the next season. The Conference changing of seasons presents a new set of challenges in our daily operations. Our service to the public with different modes of transportation is a challenge within itself. I am also quite sure all of our agencies have “Charting the been impacted by at least one type of major ﬁ nancial strain. It seems as though we now spend all of our Course” working hours (and time off) thinking about how we will deliver the service the public expects with less Dec 3-7, 2012 money and stafﬁ ng.

The current situation could cause anyone to lose sight of the big picture. Whether we have the ﬁ nancial backing or not, the service continues. So by now you are wondering, what does changing of the seasons have to do with the lack of funding? Well…they are both tied to the big picture, SAFETY. Safety cannot be sacriﬁ ced under any circumstances. When seasons change, our daily operations change, and safety factors change also. The end of summer usually means you will soon see those big yellow buses on the road. As the buses move slowly down the road, starting and stopping is inevitable. One then thinks about their own equipment, has it been inspected and all defects repaired? When reviewing your Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay safety initiatives, you have prepared your equipment, but what about your staff? Golf Resort, Spa & Marina You have to ask yourself: are you taking care of and using resources wisely? After all, those big yellow buses carry the most precious things in our lives and others. Cambridge, MD

The Maryland RTAP Library and the National RTAP Library offer two of the Watch the TAM website for greatest sources for safety resources developed for community transit. Not only more information. do the RTAP libraries have plenty of resources, they are free. Can you believe it? FREE! What a deal, just when we are ﬁ nancially strained. www.taminc.org SScenescenes ffromrom tthehe TTAMAM GGeneraleneral MMeetingeeting On May 9, 2012, the annual TAM General Membership Meeting & Workshop was held at the Comfort Inn in Bowie. TAM thanks First Financial Group for generously sponsoring the meeting and presenting “Get Financially F-I-T with T-A-M” as a workshop. Additional photos are on page 7. Photos: Bittner Photography

Maryland Transit Update - 2 - Summer 2012 Legislative Update: A Question of Priorities By Christopher B. Costello, Public Sector Consulting Group Since the close of the General Assembly’s regular session, a lot The Governor and the leadership believe that they have the has happened but little has been accomplished – at least as it needed two-thirds votes in both houses to pass a constitutional pertains to transportation funding. At the close of the 90 day amendment on gambling; otherwise they would never call a session on April 9th, the budget had passed, but not the antici- Special Session. Even so, there are many who feel that the pro- pated increase in revenue. When that occurred, the state might posed legislation may encounter stormy seas. have been placed in the uncomfortable position of reducing the appropriations in the budget to balance spending with anticipat- From the perspective of transportation advocates, it would seem ed revenue. The phrase that was coined to identify the situation that the priority should be on protecting the Transportation was a “Doomsday Budget.” Trust Fund. If we did, the needed votes are certainly available. It is very likely that an effort to introduce legislation calling for You may remember that transportation funding and expanded an amendment to protect the Transportation Trust Fund will be gambling were considered during the regular session but noth- attempted. The Governor and the leadership will very likely ing was accomplished. The transportation funding legislation resist any such effort and that would be the end of it unless the that included a 6% sales tax on gas was a non-starter. It was votes for gambling fall short, and a suffi cient number of legisla- at this point that the proponents of transportation funding ac- tors demand that the Trust Fund legislation be considered. It’s cepted the need for a constitutional amendment to require that a long shot, but any shot would be appreciated at this juncture. all transportation revenues (gas tax, vehicle registration, and license fees) would be maintained in the Transportation Trust It is unlikely that any additional funding will be considered un- Fund and restricted to transportation expenditures. Under the til after a constitutional amendment protecting the Trust Fund is proposed amendment, there was a very limited emergency pro- passed. Absent legislation during the Special Session, the next vision where transportation funds could be diverted, but it re- possible opportunity will be in 2014, which is also a general elec- quired that any borrowed funds be replaced soon thereafter. tion year for the Governor and the General Assembly. If leg- islators approve a transportation amendment in 2013 or 2014, In May, the General Assembly was called back to Annapolis to the earliest that additional transportation funding might become dispel the threat of a budgetary doomsday. This was accom- available would likely be in 2016 or later. plished with increases in various taxes and fees. Transportation funding and gambling were not considered. How long can Maryland transportation continue to operate with any degree of effi ciency without suffi cient funding? It would Here we are in August and things are getting desperate again, seem that there is a breaking point and it may be soon. Can we but this time the primary concern is the need for more gambling. afford to fi nd out? MAP-21 Changes Human Service and Rural Transportation Funding On July 6, President Obama signed into law HR 4348 Moving as new factors. There is also an increased emphasis on safety Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21). MAP-21 ef- programs for all transit agencies. These and other signifi cant fects changes to the funding programs for community trans- changes at the federal level will mean changes to how Federal portation, including the elimination of the programs known Transit Administration (FTA) programs are administered at the as Section 5316 (Job Access and Reverse Commute-JARC) and state level in the next grant cycle. While FTA determines how it Section 5317 (New Freedom) under SAFETEA-LU. While these will implement MAP-21, and MTA works out the details of how distinct programs will no longer exist at the federal level, fund- the FTA programs it administers will change in Maryland (stay ing for the projects they targeted will be available under two tuned!), you can fi nd more about federal-level changes here: other programs. JARC services will now be an eligible expense under the Section 5311 rural transit program (for which fund- ■ Details about the new law at the Federal level are available ing increases by 30% from FY 2012 to FY 2014), while the New through the FTA website at: http://fta.dot.gov/map21/ Freedom program has been combined with the Section 5310 pro- ■ The Community Transportation Association (CTAA) has gram (for which funding is authorized to nearly double in FY posted a summary of changes to the FTA programs at: 2014 over FY 2012 levels). Another signifi cant change for human http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/articlefi les/ service transportation is that 60% of Section 5310 funding go to MAP21analysis.pdf designated recipients in large urban areas (greater than 200,000 ■ The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in population), 20% to states for urban areas between 50,000 and presented a webinar on the law which can be played back 200,000 population, and 20% to states for rural areas. The fed- through this page: http://apta.com/resources/profdev/ eral allocation formula for Section 5311 will include rural transit webinars/government/Pages/default.aspx revenue vehicle-miles and non-urban low-income populations

Maryland Transit Update - 3 - Summer 2012 An Interview with Roadeo Champion Rocky Ford (continued)

(from page 1) They asked me if I’d be willing to take over for him for a couple of months and I agreed. I ended up driving Head Start until 1985 or 1986, when I got transferred into Garrett Tran- sit Service. At the time, Garrett Transit Service only had ﬁ ve drivers, including myself, and no wheelchair vans.

In how many Maryland Roadeos have you competed? How many times have you ﬁ nished in ﬁ rst place?

I’ve competed in 16 Maryland Roadeos and have won 13.

You’ve competed in the CTAA Nationals quite a few times as well. Were any especially memorable for you?

The times that I placed 3rd (three times) and 4th (two times) were especially memorable. I also always enjoy meeting new people and having fun with other drivers.

Do you practice before a Roadeo, and if so, how do you go about practicing?

I do practice when there are other drivers willing to go for the ﬁ rst time. The Garrett County Road Department allows us to Over the years I’ve learned to enjoy my job more and more. I’m use their parking lot and their cones. I also get to practice every proud of the service that we provide for our customers. A lot day when I drive for Garrett Transit Service. of people don’t realize how much our customers depend on us.

What is the most challenging part of the course? What is the hardest part of your job?

The offset. The most challenging part of my job is to drive in Garrett County in the winter time. The weather in the winter makes it very hard [For readers who are unfamiliar with transit Roadeo courses, and there are a lot of roads that seem like they can’t fi t two cars. the “Forward Offset Street” skill test challenges operators to drive through two separate narrow lanes that are offset one full [For readers unfamiliar with Maryland geography, rural Garrett lane from each other.] County, the state’s westernmost county, is located entirely within the Allegheny Mountains.] What advice would you give drivers who are preparing for their fi rst time competing? Do you have any moments in your time working for GTS that have been particularly memorable? Always remember that you can’t drive fast, because it will not allow you to make the proper turns, and try your best to stay John Hill: Rocky wouldn’t bring this up himself, but recently calm. The fi rst fi ve or six years I participated, I was very ner- he heard about a fi re that had broken out in an apartment com- vous. When the competition is actually going on, I still get a plex, went to the scene, and helped save some of residents of the little nervous, even though I’ve done it for so many years, and apartment complex. that’s why I give the advice to try to be calm. Rocky: I heard about the fi re and knew the location because I It’s also important to remember that it’s not about winning, deliver meals to a number of the residents. I knew that if I got it’s to have fun. Every year people come up to me and tell me there before the fi re got too out of hand, I would be able to help “you’re the one I have to beat,” and I tell them to just do what I them get out of their place. I was on the scene before any fi re do: do your best and have a good time. and rescue workers were able to get there, so I started knocking on doors and helping residents out of their apartments. A lot of When you’re not driving (or winning Roadeos), what do you en- the doors were unlocked, so I’d just duck as I opened the door, joy doing in your leisure time? because that’s what you’re always taught. Once some of the smoke cleared, I was able to enter and help residents leave the I enjoy swimming in the pool with my family, cooking out on apartment. Once the fi re and rescue squad was there, I was able the grill, and going to car shows. to work with them to get more residents out of their apartments safely. Unfortunately I ended up in the hospital due to smoke What part of your job or awards are you most proud of? inhalation, but if it happened again, I know I’d do it again.

Maryland Transit Update - 4 - Summer 2012 Spotlight on Ocean City Transportation (continued) (from page 1) 8,000,000 guests. As one would imagine, the daily ﬂ uctuation in population challenges city departments in many ways.

Ocean City started a public transit system in 1965; the system was franchised with a local businessman. Beginning the summer of 1966, the town started operating the transit system with 20-foot school buses. A fare of 25 cents per boarding was charged. The Coastal Highway fi xed-route was operated as a modifi ed route. Bus drivers would travel Coastal Highway and ride through the larger neighborhoods, and riders would fl ag down the bus just as they would a taxi.

In the 1970s, the town increased the fl eet by ten 28-foot school buses and charged 75 cents per boarding. The One of Ocean City Transportation’s fi rst buses 1980s brought about change once again; Ocean City purchased 13 30-foot buses. Our South End Transit Center opened in 1990, marking another milestone for the town’s transit system. 1991 brought big changes to the system, when we purchased 37 40-foot buses from the MTA at a minimal cost. The fare structure was changed to a $1.00 Ride-All-Day pass. Rid- ership exploded, and more resources were then needed to handle the increase of riders. Our West Ocean City Park & Ride Transit Center was opened in June of 2001 and a second fi xed-route was established. Fare structures changed again in June of 2002 to a $2.00 Ride-All-Day pass. In 2006, our North End Transit Center opened to service the north end of the Coastal Highway fi xed-route. The West Ocean City Park & Ride Transit Center Throughout the years the transit system became known simply as “The Bus.” In April of this year, we changed the name of our system to give it a fresh new look. The entire transit system is now known as “The B” for “The Beach Bus.”

Our operation has grown drastically over the years. We operate with a year-round full-time staff of a superintendent, an assistant superintendent, an administrative assistant, an operations manager, an internal operations coordinator, a bus technician, and seven bus drivers. From April through October, we operate using seasonal employees to include seven supervisors, 130 drivers, 10 bus technicians, four bus clean- The North End Transit Center ers, ﬁ ve ADA drivers, seven dispatchers, and nine money counters. Today, we operate our transit system 24 hours a day year-round. We have three transit centers to service our guests, Shore Transit, and Greyhound. We accomplish this by providing our riders with 133 bus stops that are serviced by 63 buses and two ADA vans. The system transports over 3,000,000 passengers per year with 90% of them transported May through September. Our current fare structure is $3.00 for a Ride-All-Day Pass or $1.00 per boarding.

For more information about Ocean City Transportation, visit: http://oceancitymd. gov/Public_Works/ transportation.html. An Ocean City Transportation bus circa 2012

Left to right: Brian Connor, Assistant Superintendent; In a friendly manner and with safety as our George Thornes, primary goal, we are committed together to Superintendent; Dianna provide an efﬁ cient public transportation Davis, Administrative Assistant; Jim Shanholtz, system to the residents and vacationers of Internal Operations Ocean City without incident, accident, or Coordinator; Steve inconsistency. Bartlett, Operations - Mission Statement of Ocean City Transportation Manager

Maryland Transit Update - 5 - Summer 2012 Rules & Regulations Reminder: Frequently Asked Questions about LOTS Public Hearings and Public Meetings The recent update to the Maryland Locally Operated Transit System What are the requirements for announcing a (LOTS) Program Manual contained a new chapter on public public hearing? outreach requirements for the LOTS. The LOTS are required to conduct public hearings or meetings under certain circumstances, Prior to submitting the ATP, the as detailed in Chapter 14 of the LOTS Manual. The following LOTS must publish a notice at frequently-asked questions (FAQs) related to public hearings and least 30 days in advance of the public meetings are excerpted from this chapter. The full manual is date of the hearing in a newspaper downloadable through the following web page: http://www.kfhgroup. of general circulation. This is com/MarylandLOTSManual/MarylandLOTSManualContents.htm required for the ATP, as well as part of the public comment process required for What is the difference between a public changing fares or reducing services, unless the LOTS has requested in writing and received hearing and a public meeting? approval from the MTA for an alternate approach. A public hearing is a formal process for 1) providing the public If the community has a large minority of non-English speaking with notice about a proposed plan or project, 2) affording the persons, the notice also should be published in a non-English public an opportunity to review the proposal and to comment publication following the LOTS’ Limited English Profi ciency upon the proposal, with each comment received considered (LEP) plan, as required under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. and addressed before the fi nal plan or project is voted upon by LEP plan requirements are outlined in Chapter 13 of the LOTS the decision-making board. manual. A public meeting can be more informal and interactive, and Details on what must be included in the announcement can be can be used to educate and consult with the public. Public found on page 14-14 of the LOTS Manual. meetings are often used when a transit system is exploring several alternatives for consideration, and wants feedback from the community before selecting the preferred alternative What steps should be taken to ensure that a for further planning. In contrast, a public hearing is often a public meeting or hearing is accessible to as “last chance” opportunity to express an opinion on a plan many members of the community as possible? which is already well-defi ned. Required: • Choose a location which is What are the protocol requirements for accessible to people with conducting public hearings? disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs and The FTA requires grantees to adopt their own local policies and other mobility devices. procedures for soliciting public comments, and follow these • Make available all printed requirements in conducting their hearings. Public entities information in accessible formats (e.g. large print, audio, (and some private entities) are subject to the Maryland Open electronic, and/or braille) upon request. Meetings Act requirements. Guidance on these requirements • Arrange for sign language interpretation, assisted listening is found on the Maryland Attorney General website, http:// devices, or other accommodations at the meeting upon www.oag.state.md.us/Opengov/Openmeetings/support.htm. request. • Ensure that LEP persons are notifi ed and are provided Under what circumstances is a public hearing appropriate language assistance. required? Recommended: Maryland LOTS are required to provide a public hearing, or • Choose a location which is accessible using public transit an opportunity for a public hearing (and therefore the hearing (both location and time-wise). if requested) prior to submitting their Annual Transportation • Offer alternative transportation for community members Plan (ATP), which serves as the LOTS’ grant application and unable to get to the meeting using public transportation federally-required the Program of Projects (POP). because of time or location. LOTS are also required to provide a public hearing or a public • Hold the meeting at a time when people who use the meeting, or an opportunity for one, prior to changing fares or affected services are likely to be able to attend. For implementing a major service reduction. Whether a hearing or example, if the service which transports people to and a meeting is required depends on the LOTS locally-developed from weekday jobs will be affected, holding the meeting process to solicit comments regarding fare changes and major in the early evening (as opposed to earlier in the day) is service reductions. less likely to confl ict with the work hours of your affected customers.

Maryland Transit Update - 6 - Summer 2012 Howard County Is One Step Scenes from the TAM General Meeting Closer to a Greener Future: Continued from page 2. Photos: Bittner Photography The Howard Transit Electric Bus Project By Michael Weinberger, Manager of Community Relations, Central Maryland Regional Transit

On July 20, 2012 the Central Maryland Regional Transit Corpora- tion (CMRT), manager of Howard Transit, executed a grant with the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) to fund three new, lightweight electric buses for the Howard Transit ﬂ eet. These buses will be inductively charged by stopping on an electromagnetic pad, which requires no physical connection, located along the route. Although this type of technology has previously been featured in U.S. amusement parks, this is the ﬁ rst time such technology will be used on an American public transit bus system. The project will serve as an example to the nation, making Howard County a leader in pollution-free transportation.

The project is funded through a grant under the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) Program. The purpose of this program is to work directly with public transportation agencies to implement new strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and/or reducing energy use within transit operations.

The $3.7 million TIGGER grant to CMRT includes the construction and installation of the inductive pad, purchase of three vehicles, and a passenger bus shelter that will provide informational up- dates to riders. These electric vehicles will replace three of Howard Transit’s oldest diesel vehicles.

It is planned that the electric buses will operate on the Howard Transit’s “Green” Route, due to its high ridership (the best in the system) and frequent headways (running every 30 minutes during peak hours). The Green Route serves Howard Community College, Howard County General Hospital, Columbia Mall, and Wilde Lake, making it a catalyst for redevelopment for Downtown Columbia.

With the FTA grant executed, and support backed from key stakeholders including Howard County Government, Howard Com- munity College, and Atlanta-based Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), the project is ready to move forward. Be- ginning with the early development stage this September, CMRT will work with CTE to evaluate the existing Green Route for areas where the service can be improved and identify speciﬁ cations of vehicles and charger requirements.

As the project progresses, a manufacturer will be chosen to provide the vehicles and charging station, site selection will take place to determine the location of the station, and construction will take place to develop the infrastructure needed to support the station.

The Howard Transit Electric Bus project is anticipated to be ready for public demonstration by Spring 2014.

With all the proper pieces in place, the future looks greener for Howard County, the State of Maryland, and the U.S. transportation industry. Maryland Transit Update - 7 - Summer 2012 Tri-County Council Celebrates the Opening of its New Multi-Purpose Center, Regional Hub By Steven Hoehn, Community Transportation Coordinator, Shore Transit After more than two years Taylor, Deputy Administra- of planning and construc- tor and Chief Administra- tion, the fi rst residents of the tive Offi cer for the Mary- Tri-County Council Multi- land Transit Administration Purpose Center moved in on (MTA), welcomed the 200 January 7, 2012. The reno- local, state, and federal of- vations on the 76,000 square fi cials and business leaders foot building took about to the new headquarters for nine months to complete TCC/Shore Transit. They and included replacing the stated that the TCC Multi- roof, building offi ce space Purpose Center was the in the former manufactur- perfect facility for providing ing and loading dock areas, vital services to the commu- upgrading to a computer- nity. Mr. Taylor stressed the controlled heating and cool- Front row, from left: TCC Chair Craig N. Mathies, President of the Worcester importance of a transporta- ing system, installing swipe County Commissioners James (Bud) C. Church, TCC Executive Director tion hub in this region, the card door access controls, Michael Pennington, Senator Ben Cardin, Secretary of Business & Economic fi rst of its kind on the East- cameras, and public Wi-Fi. Development Christian Johansson, Wicomico County Executive Richard ern Shore. The building now houses M. Pollitt, Wicomico County Council Member Sheree Sample-Hughes, and over 100 workers from eight Wicomico County Council President Joe Holloway. Many other state and The partnership between agencies, including both local offi cials and leaders were on hand to celebrate. the three counties - Somer- government and non profi t set, Wicomico, and Worces- entities. ter - was instrumental in achieving this dream. “Get- Shore Transit, a division of ting three counties to work the Tri-County Council of together is tremendous,” the Lower Eastern Shore of Senator Cardin said. The Maryland (TCC), will be the funding sources for this biggest resident in the new project included the U.S. TCC Multi-Purpose Center. The new Tri-County Council Multi-Purpose Center will be the new home for Department of Agriculture, It brings together all three Shore Transit, the public transportation system for the Lower Eastern Shore. U.S. Department of Com- counties - Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester - linking bus merce and Economic Development, the Federal Transit Admin- transportation within the counties and reaching out to Dorches- istration (FTA), and the MTA, as well as the local Hebron Sav- ter County, Ocean City, Delaware, and Virginia. ings Bank.

The One Stop Job Market opened in the new facility at the end The second phase of the TCC Multi-Purpose Center, the Shore of January 2012. It houses the Maryland Workforce Exchange, Transit construction of its state-of-the-art vehicle maintenance which provides job development, job search, and skills training. facility and bus terminal, has already begun. When this portion In the ﬁ rst month, it served 2,270 customers, and continues to of the project is completed, Shore Transit will move all opera- average more than 500 customers per week. Shore Transit has tions, including the downtown Calvert Street Customer Service added a scheduled stop at the facility and services the location Center, Transfer Point, and Greyhound Bus services, to the new several times a day. facility.

The dedication of the new TCC Multi-Purpose Center was held Construction is expected to be completed by May 2013. At that on June 25, 2012, and included a ribbon cutting ceremony and an time, Shore Transit’s ﬁ ve locations will consolidate into the one open house. U.S. Senator Ben Cardin provided the keynote ad- facility creating savings to the operation of the overall agency, dress. Senator Cardin noted how the TCC Multi-Purpose Cen- TCC, and create greater communication among agencies and ter was such a major accomplishment in these tough economic greater efﬁ ciency for the local public transportation system for times. To bring these many partners to the table and work on a all three counties - Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester. project of this magnitude was a great success for the three Lower Eastern Shore counties. The TCC Multi-Purpose Center will become the transportation hub on the Lower Eastern Shore. It will provide access for cus- Christian Johansson, Secretary of the Maryland Department of tomers to get to work, shopping, medical appointments, and rec- Economic Business and Economic Development, and Simon reation as well as many tourism events throughout the region.

Maryland Transit Update - 8 - Summer 2012 Local Public & Specialized Transportation News St. Mary’s Transit System Summer Highlights

The week of May 13-19, 2012 marked the nation’s 60th annual National Transportation Week. St. Mary’s Transit System (STS) celebrated and provided an opportunity for all to join together and raise awareness about public transportation. Events were kicked off with a proclamation by the St. Mary’s County Com- missioners. STS held special events throughout the week, including a “Ride – All Day for a Dollar” event, distributuion of passenger appreciation items to transit bus riders, selection of a favorite bus driver by passengers, and a driver / mechanic crew appreciation luncheon. During this week, STS also teamed up with the Department of Aging and Human Services to stay con- nected with the community and “Stuffed the Bus” with nonperishable food items to replenish local food pantries, bringing in 1,680 pounds of nonperishable food items. June 21, 2012 marked the nation’s 7th annual “Dump the Pump” day. STS encouraged the public to choose public transportation, raised awareness of the fi nancial and environmental benefi ts of public transportation, and offered “Ride – All Day for a Dollar” June 20-22. Photo: Christie Dawson (Mobility Manager) & Charlie Ellis (Coach & Equipment of Penn Yan, NY) STS is offering a “Summer Youth Cruiser Pass” to St. Mary’s County residents 18 and younger. From June 1 through August 31, 2012, youth can ride unlimited for just $20 a month. Partners in Care Launches Mobility Bus, Engages Students in Meaningful Work Central Maryland Regional Transit Corporation Names Nancy Huggins Mobility Manager Partners In Care Maryland, Inc. (PIC) is now operating a new on-demand, fee-for-service small bus transportation program, The Central Maryland Regional Tran- Mobility Bus. This program is a personal door-to-door service sit Corporation (CMRT) is proud to for older adults residing in Anne Arundel County, MD who are announce Nancy Huggins as its Mo- unable to access or ride local fi xed-route public transportation. bility Manager. Ms. Huggins brings The program offers wheelchair accessibility, affordable rates, over 11 years of experience to this po- and “non-fi xed route” transportation. It also offers daily, eve- sition. Ms. Huggins joined CMRT in ning, and weekend services to address the unmet transportation February 2001 as a Marketing Special- needs of older adults in the community and help fi ll these gaps. ist. Since that time, she has served in a This program is open to PIC members as well as non-members, variety of roles including business de- and is available for a variety of transportation purposes ranging velopment, grant writing, human re- from non-emergency medical appointments, prescription pick- sources, and corporate management. ups/deliveries, social events, shopping, senior facilities, and other day-to-day activities. Individual and group rates are avail- As the Mobility Manager, Ms. Huggins will be charged with able and customers needing assistance may be accompanied by building coordination among the existing public transportation one adult family member or caregiver. Mobility Bus is a comple- and human service transportation providers within the service ment to PIC’s Ride Partners program which relies on volunteer area of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard, drivers to provide arm-in-arm, door-thru-door rides to older Montgomery, and Prince George’s Counties, as well as the City adults. PIC also provides Home-to-Work transportation service of Baltimore, the City of Laurel, and Washington DC. She will from Laurel to Fort Meade. For more details or to make reserva- also oversee the region’s centralized information call center tions, please contact PIC’s Mobility Manager Christie Dawson at (877-331-8747) and website (www.mdtrip.org), meet with proj- (410) 544-4800 or [email protected]. ect stakeholders, and develop strategies for seeking additional funding sources. The Sarbanes Center for Public and Community Service at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) recently selected PIC Through a grant from the FTA’s Veterans Transportation and as the Sarbanes Center “Partner of the Year” for the 2012-2013 Community Living Initiative, the TRIP program will be expand- academic year. AACC students will be engaged in meaning- ed to all 23 counties in the State of Maryland with veterans-fo- ful work that enhances their learning while helping to support cused outreach communication efforts. The statewide project PIC’s programs in the community. will also connect TRIP with 2-1-1 Maryland.

Maryland Transit Update - 9 - Summer 2012 Local Public & Specialized Transportation News Central Maryland Regional Transit heads to Pleasant Day Adult Medical Day Care Staff Atlanta to “Train the Travel Trainer” Save a Community Member’s Life The Central Maryland Re- gional Transit Corporation By Ray Parker, Facilities-Safety Manager, Pleasant Day Adult (CMRT) Travel Training Medical Day Care program has made quite an impact on the Baltimore On Wednesday, April 25, 2012, returning to the Center after region. Since its inception, taking Pleasant Day Medical Adult Day Care participants over 400 human service to their homes, Missy LeCompte, Activities Manager and professionals have been Amyia Johnson, C.N.A./Driver, noticed a car on the side participants in its “Train of the road, parked but almost in a ditch, with a gentleman the Trainer” program. This slumped over the steering wheel. training provides human service agency staff mem- After pulling the Pleasant Day bus over, they approached bers with the confi dence to the male driver, who appeared to be in his mid-50s, and teach their clients with dis- found him to be unresponsive. All Pleasant Day Medical abilities how to use fi xed- Adult Day Care staff, as well as all Pleasant Day Drivers, are route transportation in their certifi ed in CPR, First Aid and Automated External Defi bril- MARTA staff experiences Travel lator (AED) use. While Ms. Johnson retrieved the fi rst aid Training conducted by CMRT staff community. Recently, the Travel Training program’s kit from the bus, Mrs. LeCompte stayed with the victim and success has moved beyond the boundaries of Central Maryland. called 911. Within a very short period of time, E.M.S. arrived Last December, CMRT was contacted by the Metropolitan At- and took over. According to the fi rst responders, the gentle- lanta Rapid Transportation Authority (MARTA), in Atlanta, GA, man appeared to be in a diabetic coma. the sixth largest transportation provider in the United States, to develop an introductory seminar to Travel Training. Impressed Who knows what may have happened had these two he- with CMRT’s travel training curriculum, scope and success roes not have been willing to become involved? While the rate, MARTA requested a training for its staff and partners that gentleman’s identity is unknown, Pleasant Day hopes he is could allow for the regional adoption of a similar program in recuperating and doing well! Atlanta. After signifi cant planning and coordination between the two agencies, the Travel Training seminar took place May 2-3, 2012, presented and developed by CMRT Travel Trainer Julie Rosekrans. The training included 7 participants from the MARTA Mobility Department and 24 additional stakeholders from the Atlanta Regional Commission, local disability advoca- cy agencies and local senior centers. Participants were trained in both a classroom setting as well as through fi eld exercises. Dur- ing the outside portion of the seminar, trainees rode a MARTA fi xed-route bus and practiced their newly learned skills.

This high level of engagement has resulted in participants part- nering to develop a future MARTA Travel Training program. Sharon Crenchaw, Director of Mobility Services for MARTA, was able to coordinate, with all the participating members, a new stakeholders group that will guide this new program. “The workshop was not only engaging and motivating, I left feeling that I had all of the key elements and tools to start up a program Shown above, the two Pleasant Day heroes are presented with that would be a success,” stated Ms. Crenchaw. Certiﬁ cates from Ray Parker, Facilities-Safety Manager and Jackie Vickers, Executive Director. The partnership with MARTA is especially noteworthy in that, not only has CMRT’s Travel Training program been successful Got News? in developing a vision for a more equitable and accessible Cen- tral Maryland region, CMRT has shared its best practices and The Maryland Transit Update welcomes submissions from local insights with organizations outside the region who are looking and specialized transportation providers in Maryland as well as to develop programs of their own. For more information on all TAM members. Submissions for the next issue are requested the CMRT Travel Training Program, call 1-800-270-9553 or visit no later than Nov. 1, 2012. Please direct to [email protected] or www.CMRTransit.org. [email protected].

Maryland Transit Update - 10 - Summer 2012 Local News (continued) News from the State TransIT Services of Frederick County Carries Debra Adams Receives ACT Award More Riders, Improves Services, Raises Fares Debra J. Adams, former MTA Ride Share Coordinator and Sec- In FY 2012, ridership on TransIT Services of Frederick County tion 5310 Program Manager in the Offi ce of Local Transit Support, increased by 10%, reaching a new high of 909,804. On June 27, is the recipient of the 2012 Bob Owens TDM Champion Award TransIT celebrated this ridership milestone with a live radio from the Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT). The broadcast from the downtown Transit Center where passengers prestigious Bob Owens award was created to recognize individ- were treated to Rita’s Water Ice. TransIT has enjoyed a long his- uals who have spent a number of years supporting transporta- tory of increasing ridership. The signifi cant growth in TransIT tion demand management (TDM) and infl uencing positive local, ridership is due to a variety of factors, including service improve- regional and/or national change in this arena. Winners of this ments, but this is not the only factor, as signifi cant ridership in- award have provided ongoing infl uence and change, not neces- creases have occurred in years when no new services have been sarily through one major event or a year or two of service. Ms. added and are usually signifi cantly above the national average. Adams successfully managed Maryland’s statewide rideshare Other factors contributing to TransIT’s success include a well- program for 20 years, coordinating with the Washington, DC re- trained, customer-oriented team of drivers, dispatchers, cus- gional program. She is currently MTA’s Transit Store Manager. tomer service and management staff; a successful marketing and outreach program; and, efforts to coordinate local transit service with regional transit services. TransIT Director, Sherry Burford, MDOT CTP Tour Begins September 18 credits the hardworking team of transit professionals, “We have a terrifi c team of dedicated employees who work hard to deliver The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) FY 2013 safe and dependable transportation services every day.” Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) will be presented to the community through a statewide tour of public meetings Effective July 30, TransIT implemented service improvements conducted in each county. The CTP is Maryland’s six-year on Connector and Shuttle routes to provide more direct service capital budget for transportation projects, including major and and reduce travel time at no additional operating cost. Certain minor projects for MDOT and the modal agencies and related routes have become bi-directional by having two routes travel authorities within MDOT, including the Maryland Aviation Ad- in opposite directions, allowing passengers to use one bus to get ministration, the Motor Vehicle Administration, the MTA, the to their destination and the other bus for their return trip. Addi- Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, the Maryland tionally, TransIT reduced areas of overlapping service to expand State Highway Administration, the Maryland Port Administra- and simplify service. Carrie Anderson-Watters, TransIT Plan- tion, and the Maryland Transportation Authority. Beginning in ner/Project Manager, stated, “During the public training ses- Caroline County on Sep. 18 and concluding in Carroll County on sions for the new routes and schedules, customers were pleased Nov. 15, the tour meetings are an opportunity for local commu- with the signifi cant reduction in round-trip travel times, from nity members to learn more about and comment upon MDOT a few minutes to as much as 50 minutes.” TransIT also raised projects planned for their county. For more information includ- fares effective July 30. Fixed route and shuttle fares increased by ing a link to the Fall 2012 tour schedule, visit the MDOT web- 15 cents from $1.10 to $1.25. Prices for fare media increased as site at http://www.mdot.maryland.gov/Offi ce%20of%20Plan- well, and a new 20-trip ticket was introduced. Fares on TransIT- ning%20and%20Capital%20Programming/CTP/Index.html. plus, the demand response transportation for seniors and people with disabilities, were increased by 50 cents per trip.

On June 21, TransIT joined with other transportation systems to celebrate national Dump the Pump Day by providing free rides on the Connector and Shuttle routes, raising awareness that rid- ing public transportation is one of the easiest ways to conserve Training fuel and improve the environment. Connector route ridership Maryland RTAP is sponsoring increased by 16% over average daily ridership. the following upcoming training events: This summer TransIT again offers the $10 Summer FREEDOM Pass for youth, ages 13 – 18, for unlimited rides on Connector Professional Dispatching & Scheduling Workshop and shuttle routes during June, July, and August. Sales of the September 13-14, 2012 - Hagerstown, MD pass – introduced in July 2003 to enable teens to travel indepen- dently to employment and recreational opportunities – have Certiﬁ ed Safety & Security Manager Training increased tenfold since its inception. In addition to unlimited trips, teens are afforded the valuable life skills of learning to December 3-5, 2012 - Cambridge, MD @ TAM Conference read maps, planning and organizing trips, and time management. They gain independence and problem-solving skills and For information, contact Jeannie Fazio at start the good habit of saving the environment by using transit. [email protected].

Maryland Transit Update - 11 - Summer 2012 Transit Bookshelf & Toolbox Calendar of Transit Learning New & Interesting Free Resources Opportunities and Events Aug. 20-24: Transit System Security, Landover, MD - http:// transit-safety.fta.dot.gov/Training/New/CourseDetails. aspx?csid=1

Aug. 20-Sept. 28: People on the Move: The ADA and LOTS Manual Addenda - Several items have been added to the Beyond, online course - http://www.projectaction.org/ website of the Maryland Locally Operated Transit System (LOTS) Sept. 10-11: NTI Bus Procurement Workshop, Hanover, MD Manual (http://www.kfhgroup.com/MarylandLOTSManual/ - http://ntionline.com/courses/courseinfo.php?id=23 MarylandLOTSManualContents.htm) including the index, and on the Supplemental Materials page, the Vehicle Useful Life Sept. 12: Blueprint for an Accessible Community: Policy for 2012. Encouraging Development in the Right Places with the Right Design, webinar - http://www.projectaction.org/ Easter Seals Project ACTION released Effective Transportation Advisory Committees: Creating a Group that Refl ects all Community Sept. 13: Friends, Fans, and Followers: How Transit Voices - www.projectaction.org. Agencies Use Social Media, webinar on TCRP Synthesis SB- 20, Uses of Social Media in Public Transportation - http://www. Recent releases from the Transit Cooperative Research Program ntionline.com/courses/courseinfo.php?id=232 (TCRP) available free of charge through www.tcrponline.org: Sept. 13-14: Professional Dispatching & Scheduling Work- - TCRP Report R-151 - A Guide for Implementing Bus on Shoulder shop, Hagerstown, MD - contact Jeannie Fazio at jfazio1@ (BOS) Systems mta.maryland.gov (RTAP sponsored) - TCRP Report R-153 - Guidelines for Providing Access to Public Transportation Stations Sept. 24-27: Effectively Managing Transit Emergencies, - TCRP Report R-154 - Developing, Enhancing, and Sustaining Landover, MD - http://transit-safety.fta.dot.gov/Training/ Tribal Transit Services: A Guidebook New/CourseDetails.aspx?csid=4 - TCRP Synthesis S-99 - Uses of Social Media in Public Transportation Oct. 15-19: APTA Transit Planning Course, Washington, - TCRP Synthesis S-98 - Ridesharing as a Complement to Transit DC - http://www.cutaactu.ca/en/educationandtraining/ resources/TransitPlanning-WashingtonDC.pdf FTA Publications Oct. 24-25: National Transit Database Training, Salisbury, MD - http://www.ntionline.com/courses/courseinfo.php?id=7 MAP-21 resources - see page 3 of this issue for links. Dec. 3-5: Certifi ed Safety & Security Manager Training, FTA issued a new Environmental Justice Circular 4703.1 on Cambridge, MD @ TAM Conference - contact Jeannie Fazio July 17, 2012, providing guidance and recommendations for at [email protected] (RTAP sponsored) addressing environmental justice principles in transportation planning, programs, and activities. http://fta.dot.gov/legisla- Dec 3-7: TAM Conference, Cambridge, MD - taminc.org tion_law/12349_14740.html. Offi cial US DOT Drug and Alcohol Q & A – the Offi ce of Drug Job Access Mobility Institute and Alcohol Policy and Compliance, with the Offi ce of General Counsel, issued a 49 CFR Part 40 Question and Answer on July Applications are being accepted through Aug. 24 for CTAA’s 26, 2012, on the Public Interest Exclusion process when a service Joblinks Employment Transportation Center’s Job Access Mo- agent has been convicted for an offense related to non-compli- bility Institute. http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarti- ance. http://www.dot.gov/odapc/qanda.html. cles/articlefi les/JobAccessInstituteOverview.pdf

The Maryland Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) is a program of the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) Ofﬁ ce of Local Transit Support. Maryland RTAP provides the following types of assistance targeted at Maryland rural and small urban public transit providers: training classes and materials, scholarships to assist with costs of attending training away from home, a lending library of training and resource materials, and dissemination of information on training opportunities and other issues of interest to community transit providers in Maryland. For more information about Maryland RTAP, contact Lenny Howard, Manager, at [email protected] or 410-767-0029. For more information about the Maryland RTAP library, contact TAM at 866-TAM-0700.

The Transportation Association of Maryland, Inc. (TAM) is a statewide professional organization committed to improving mobility and economic opportunity for all of Maryland’s citizens. Transportation services provided by TAM members link people to community resources and promote business, tourism, and economic development. For more information about TAM’s member services, visit the website at www.taminc.org or call 866-TAM-0700. TAM is conveniently located in Central Maryland at 11735 Homewood Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042.

Maryland Transit Update - 12 - Summer 2012