MDOT MTA Promotes Innovation to Connect Marylanders to Life’s Opportunities

Statewide Transit Innovation Grant Enables Transportation Providers, Local Governments to Explore Innovative Transit Projects

Delivering on the Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) commitment to invest in the multi-modal transportation needs of all Marylanders, the MDOT Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) will administer a new $2 million Statewide Transit Innovation Grant (STIG) program in fiscal years 2019 and 2020. Local transit agencies and county officials can apply for up to $2 million in annual state funding to plan, design or construct innovative transit projects.

“These grants will encourage local jurisdictions to explore innovative transit projects to connect their residents with where they need and want to go,” said Transportation Secretary Pete K. Rahn.

Eligible projects will enhance regional transit performance by: reducing travel times; improving trip reliability; enhancing system recognition; improving safety and security; maximizing bus capacity and comfort; and improving regional transit connectivity – all while maintaining acceptable performance of the state’s highway system. Eligible projects may be in the planning design, engineering or construction phases. Some examples of projects are corridor studies, feasibility studies, bus rapid transit corridors, dedicated bus lanes, transit signal priority, innovative fare payment upgrades, and connected and autonomous vehicle pilot programs.

MDOT MTA will administer the grants and applications will be accepted through June 27, 2018. To learn more about the Statewide Transit Innovation Grant, visit https://mta.maryland.gov/content/grants

Local jurisdictions and transit agencies also may consider implementing or expanding commuter or express bus service, new local bus routes, or improving upon the existing bus service.

“This is an exciting opportunity for our agency to advocate for and support local transit projects that will benefit all Marylanders,” said MDOT MTA Administrator Kevin Quinn. “Our goal is to create a customer-focused and efficient transit system for the state that better meets the needs of all our residents.”

MDOT MTA is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States. MDOT MTA operates LocalLink and commuter buses, Light RailLink, Metro SubwayLink, Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) Train service and a comprehensive Mobility (paratransit) system. MDOT MTA’s goal is to provide safe, efficient and reliable transit across Maryland with world-class customer service. To learn more, visit mdot.maryland.gov or mta.maryland.gov, check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/mtamaryland and follow us on Twitter @mtamaryland.

Media Contacts
Sandy Arnette
Office: 410-767-8367
Cell: 443-835-7984
sarnette@mta.maryland.gov

Paul Shepard
Office: 410-767-3935
Cell: 443-622-4181
pshepard@mta.maryland.gov