anchor Description
This project provides for the initial steps and supporting studies for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors in the County, supplementing the Metrorail Red Line and MTA Purple Line currently under construction. The County Council approved the Countywide Transit Corridors Functional Master Plan, an amendment to the Master Plan of Highways and Transportation, on November The amendment authorizes the Department of Transportation to study enhanced transit options and Bus Rapid Transit for ten transit corridors, including: Georgia Avenue North, Georgia Avenue South, MD North, MD South, New Hampshire Avenue, North Bethesda Transitway, Randolph Road, University Boulevard, US and Veirs Mill Road. The project also funds programmatic efforts needed to advance the BRT system.
anchorEstimated Schedule
No additional corridor concept development studies are proposed in this six-year CIP. Efforts will focus on supporting the implementation of existing standalone projects.
anchorCost Change
Cost change due to addition of and to this level of effort project, net of cost savings in North Bethesda Transitway and New Hampshire Avenue BRT planning studies.
anchor Justification
The proposed BRT will reduce congestion on County and State roadways, increase transit ridership, and improve air quality. The BRT will enhance the County's ability to meet transportation demands for existing and future land uses. Plans & Studies: MCDOT Countywide Bus Rapid Transit Study, Final Report (July County Executive's Transit Task Force (May and Countywide Transit Corridors Functional Master Plan (November MCDOT US Bus Rapid Transit Project Description Report (March Maryland Transit Administration, MD Bus Rapid Transit Corridor Planning Study (April Maryland Transit Administration, US Bus Rapid Transit Corridor Planning Study (April MDOT MD (Veirs Mill Road) Draft Corridor Study Report (September MD Phase Corridor Study Report (June
anchorFiscal Note
Expenditures will continue as necessary to advance bus rapid transit implementation on master planned transit corridors.
anchorDisclosures
The County Executive asserts that this project conforms to the requirement of relevant local plans, as required by the Maryland Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Act.
anchorCoordination
Maryland Department of Transportation, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, City of Rockville, City of Gaithersburg, Prince George's County.