MD: MTA Responds to Public Support for ICC Commuter Buses

July 11, 2013
In response to public input, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) will continue service on Intercounty Connector (ICC) Commuter Bus Routes 202 and 203 after July 31.

In response to public input, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) will continue service on Intercounty Connector (ICC) Commuter Bus Routes 202 and 203 after July 31.

The decision follows vocal support from more than 100 passengers and elected officials, who testified or offered written comments in support of the service, during a series of public hearings held from June 4 to 6. The routes were being considered for termination because of low ridership.

“We are truly grateful for the input we received from commuters, elected officials and transit advocates,” said MTA Administrator Robert Smith. “They took time out of their busy schedules to voice their interest in keeping key ICC Commuter Bus routes, and we heard them. The MTA will maintain the service on Routes 202 and 203 and work with Fort Meade, Walter Reed Medical Center, National Institutes of Health and our riders to attract new passengers to the service.”

The MTA also is implementing the recommendation of passengers at the public hearings to eliminate the midday runs on routes 202 and 203 as a way to make the routes more efficient. Additionally, the MTA will add an afternoon run on Route 203 based on passenger requests for a later bus to accommodate longer work schedules. The MTA will continue to closely monitor both routes to ensure growth in ridership.

The MTA will discontinue ICC Commuter Bus route 205 effective Aug. 1, due to extremely low ridership numbers and not enough demand to justify the service. The average trip on this service had only two riders. The MTA will work with customers to help identify other possible transit options. The savings will be used to alleviate overcrowding on other bus service.