Olszewski Releases Resident Transportation Survey

As Baltimore County Looks to Expand Transit Access, Survey Will Gather Resident Input and Ideas

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today released a transportation survey that will allow County residents to share information about the transportation challenges they face, and solicit input and ideas about how those challenges can be addressed.

The survey is a step in a larger effort to increase transit options for County residents and identify other opportunities to help people get around more easily and efficiently.

"How easily people can get around has a major impact on quality of life, but for too long Baltimore County has been focused on roads alone," Olszewski said. "We're changing the narrative by investing in things like transit and bike lanes and looking for innovations that can better serve County residents."

The Baltimore region is one of the 20 most congested areas in the United States, with the average commute time topping 30 minutes. For residents who travel by MTA bus, commute times are often much longer. However, while some other large jurisdictions in Maryland operate extensive Locally Operated Transit Systems, Baltimore County's CountyRide is limited in service and scope. CountyRide operates on-demand rather than with fixed routes, and it serves only the county's older adults and residents with disabilities.

Investing in the Transportation Infrastructure

In his Fiscal Year 2020 Budget, Olszewski included funds to begin planning a Towson Circulator pilot, with plans to expand to other commercial corridors.

In addition, in his Consolidated Transportation Program request to the Maryland Department of Transportation, Olszewski asked for state support in line with what other counties receive in order to invest in the infrastructure to begin expanding the County's transit system.

The request also included items to address traffic concerns in areas around the County and accommodate past and future planned growth, including a long-needed interchange at Interstate 795 and Dolfield Boulevard-a request the County has made since 2007.

Beyond transit and roads, Olszewski included in his budget the first ever line item for bike and pedestrian features.

In addition, Olszewski has taken steps to add capacity within government to more effectively plan transportation projects and identify opportunities for innovation. He has hired a lead transportation planner within the Department of Public Works and taken steps to build a transportation bureau within the department.

Residents can take the survey online. For more information about transportation in the County, listen to the latest episode of The County podcast.