Four Statewide Transit Innovation Grants (STIG) totaling more than $950,000 was awarded by the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) to Baltimore City, the city of Salisbury and Howard and Montgomery Counties for projects to improve transit services in these communities.
This competitive grant program allows local transit agencies and county officials to apply for annual state funding to plan, design or construct innovative transit projects.
“MDOT MTA plays a critical role in supporting transit operations statewide,” said MDOT MTA Administrator Holly Arnold. “We are pleased to provide funds to local jurisdictions developing innovative transit projects that enhance the rider experience through improved access, reliability and safety.”
The STIG program has distributed more than $2.7 million to fund 17 projects since the program launched in 2018. This year’s STIG grants are being awarded to:
- Howard County ($500,000) to support startup and operation of a microtransit pilot project along the U.S. 1 corridor. Service would be provided by three ADA-accessible vehicles operating for 13 hours a day on weekdays.
- Montgomery County ($263,000) to purchase driving simulators and develop a five-week training program that prepares bus operators to better handle challenging traffic and road conditions to improve safety for operators, riders and other roadway users.
- Baltimore City ($136,000) to replace three temporary bus bulbs with three permanent bus bulbs along Harford Road. Bus bulbs are a type of curb and sidewalk extension that allows buses to stop and board passengers without leaving the driving lane.
- City of Salisbury ($79,977) to conduct a feasibility study on ridership and benefits of a local transit service consisting of fixed routes and microtransit to complement the existing regional Shore Transit System.
The STIG program funds cost-effective public transportation projects that reduce delays for people and improve connectivity between regional and economic population centers. The projects may incorporate bus, rail or other transit modes.
