The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) along with the Intelligent Transportation Society of Maryland (ITSMD) held its joint Annual Meeting and BRTB Traffic Signal Forum on Thursday, November 4. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the event was held virtually this year.
The event brings together traffic and transportation professionals from the public and private sectors from across the state and region. The morning keynote address was delivered by Dr. Tim Kerns, Director, Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Highway Safety Office, to focus attention on the troubling trend of increasing highway crashes, fatalities and serious injuries and challenged the attendees to work with state and local partners to help reverse the trend. Mr. Todd Lang, Director, Transportation Planning, Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) delivered the closing keynote, on topics ranging from safety and signal operations to long range planning and the infrastructure bill being debated in congress.
Breakout sessions focused on signal operations and safety, connected and autonomous vehicles, and Transportation Systems Management & Operations (TSMO). A panel discussion on what a post-COVID transportation landscape might look like featured experts from freight, law enforcement, traffic data analysis, and private industry.
The virtual forum had 220 registered attendees. Guests included staff from local and state departments of transportation and public works, traffic engineers, signal engineers, planners, transportation system operators; private sector companies involved in consulting, providing/installing/maintaining/designing traffic signal equipment and ITS equipment, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and academia. The event also included several exhibitors from public and private sectors.
For more information and to see the program, presenter bios, list of attendees, sponsors and exhibitors, please visit https://itsmd21.kujenga.tech/.
The Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) held their annual conference from Tuesday, October 5th through Friday, October 8th, 2021. The conference attracted over 300 attendees from 80 metropolitan areas.
The BRTB participated in many ways throughout the conference. BRTB Chair, Ramond Robinson, moderated a session on Transit Planning and Travel Behavior, where presenters discussed the Regional Transportation Commission’s (Southern Nevada) On-Board Mobility Plan process and Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s (MWCOG) strategies on how to encourage commuters to reconsider transportation options and habits.
BRTB Vice Chair, D’Andrea Walker, moderated a session on Transit, where presenters discussed the Fredericksburg Area MPO’s attempt to understand mode choice and MWCOG shared how they are advancing aspirational transit projects.
BMC Transportation Director, Todd Lang, moderated a panel on Activity Based Modeling, exploring AMPO’s ActivitySim consortium model and project progress to date, and more.
BMC Assistant Transportation Director, Regina Aris, moderated sessions on Partnerships and Core Products featuring Memphis Area MPO and the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Presenters shared best practices for Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) planning, programming, project tracking, coordination and using scenario planning for their long-range transportation plan update.
BMC’s Bala Akundi presented on implementing a Safe Systems Approach. This panel discussion explored opportunities for MPO’s to integrate a new FHWA framework, the Safe System Approach.
The BRTB was largely engaged in sessions, participating in many panel discussions while sharing strategies, experiences, learnings and challenges. Our staff and board took advantage of the opportunity to, yet again, be in a space where we could learn from peer MPOs and provide guidance on our unique methodologies that have brought us success over the last year.
Mr. Lang is in the final year of his elected position on the AMPO Board of Directors and with the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Metropolitan Planning Subcommittee.
The AMPO is a resource for MPOs throughout the country, providing a platform for training, education, case studies, networking, peer-exchange and more.
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The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), as the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Baltimore region, seeks public comments through Tuesday, October 12 on the draft goals and strategies for Resilience 2050: Adapting to the Challenges of Tomorrow.
Details about the draft goals and strategies for Resilience 2050, and how to provide comments, are available below.
About the Resilience 2050 Goals and Strategies
As part of the development of the next long-range transportation plan, Resilience 2050, to be adopted in 2023, the BRTB is considering a revised set of regional goals and strategies.
The proposed goals represent broad aspirations for the regional transportation system, including:
| Goals that address the basic functions of transportation | Goals that address the conditions or effects of transportation | Goals that address the transportation decision-making process |
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The BRTB is also considering multiple strategies for each goal. Strategies are approaches or policies to help the region to implement a goal. For example, “eliminate hazardous or substandard conditions in high-crash locations and corridors” is a specific strategy that can help the region to “improve system safety,” the regional goal.
View the draft goals and strategies | Watch an overview of the Goals and Strategies
Share Your Thoughts
Public comments are welcome from Wednesday, September 8 through Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at noon. The BRTB will vote on the Resilience 2050 goals and strategies on Tuesday, November 30, 2021.
To share your thoughts and ideas, send all comments in writing to:
| SURVEY | TEXT | VOICEMAIL | FAX | ||
| publicinput.com/resilience2050goals | Text “resilience2050goals” to 855-925-2801 to take our survey |
855-925-2801 x 8248 | resilience2050goals@PublicInput.com |
Use: |
410-732-8248 |
Comments are also welcome during the public comment opportunity at the BRTB meetings at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 28 or Tuesday, November 30 (scheduled vote).
View
Comments Received | BRTB Response to Comments
For more information:
Zach Kaufman, zkaufman@baltometro.org
Notice
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410-732-0500.
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), as the metropolitan planning organization for the Baltimore region, seeks public comments from Thursday, September 30, 2021 through Friday, October 29 on the preferred alternatives for a new section of the Patapsco Regional Greenway in Carroll County. The BRTB invites the public to learn more about these proposed alignments at a public meeting on Thursday, September 30 at 6:00 p.m.
In 2017, the BRTB approved a concept plan for the Patapsco Regional Greenway, which will be used by bicyclists, hikers, runners, walkers, and in some locations, equestrians. To date, over 12 miles of the greenway have been completed. Now, the BRTB seeks your input on the preferred alignments for the Sykesville to McKeldin Segment, which will add another 8.5 miles to the greenway.
Details about the comment period and how to provide comments are available below.
About the Patapsco Regional Greenway
The Patapsco Regional Greenway maps the main alignment of a 40-mile, shared-use trail traveling through the Patapsco Valley from Sykesville in Carroll County to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The trail, when completed, would pass through or near the communities of Sykesville, Marriottsville, Woodstock, Daniels, Oella, Ellicott City, Catonsville, Elkridge, Halethorpe, Baltimore Highlands, and Cherry Hill. The Patapsco Regional Greenway will serve as a region-wide asset and provide nearby communities with a sustainable transportation route and miles of recreational trails.
About the Sykesville to McKeldin Area Project
The Sykesville to McKeldin Segment of the Patapsco Regional Greenway consists of two sections - 1) the western portion near downtown Sykesville and 2) the eastern portion near the McKeldin area of the Patapsco Valley State Park.
In Spring 2021, a comment period was held to gather feedback on the alignment of each of these trail segments. After reviewing comments, a route for each section was selected. Details are below.
Section 1 - Western Portion: Main Street Sykesville to Freedom Park
The western portion will connect downtown Sykesville shops, dining, and residences along Main Street to active and passive recreation opportunities in Freedom Park. This section of the trail is intended for low impact trail users such as walkers and cyclists and will consist primarily of paved shared use paths, on-road facilities, and a boardwalk structure along Sandosky Road.
Two alignment alternatives for Section 1 were considered during the public input period this Spring. The design team considered public comments, steering committee comments, local advisory committee comments, and general design principles in identifying the Sandosky Road alignment as the preferred alignment.
The Sandosky Road alignment is a paved shared use path that travels from Main Street in downtown Sykesville, north along Sandosky Road, crossing MD 32 to Raincliffe Road and finally into Freedom Park via the Buttercup Road intersection.
Section 2 - Eastern Portion: Freedom Park to the McKeldin Area in Patapsco Valley State Park
Users of this section of the trail will encounter dense forest, scenic views, ruins of abandoned structures, stream crossings, and many other points of interest. The design will highlight the natural and cultural wonders of the park integrating high overlooks, rock formations, and archaeological treasures. The natural surface trail will serve hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrian riders with a sustainably constructed unpaved trail.
Similar to the western portion, the eastern portion considered two alignment alternatives through the Patapsco Valley State Park. The eastern portion of the multi-use trail will connect Freedom Park with the McKeldin Area of the Patapsco Valley State Park. Utilizing public comments, steering committee comments, advisory committee comments, and sound engineering judgement, the South Branch alignment was selected as the preferred alignment.
The South Branch alignment begins in Freedom Park and meanders through Patapsco Valley State Park towards the Heart of Maryland Bowhunters Club property. From there, the multi-use trail veers south towards the South Branch of the Patapsco River crossing over the historic Henryton rail tunnel, through the historic Henryton Sanitorium, paralleling Henryton Road and finally crossing Marriottsville Road before ending in the McKeldin area of the Patapsco Valley State Park.
Share Your Thoughts
The public is invited to share their feedback on the preferred alternatives for the Patapsco Regional Greenway: Sykesville to McKeldin Segment from Thursday, September 30, 2021 through Friday, October 29, 2021.
A virtual public meeting was held on September 30, 2021 to share information about this project and the preferred alternatives.
View the Recorded Presentation
There are also several ways you can provide comments in writing:
- Add your comments to our project page at https://publicinput.com/prgsykesville
- Email your thoughts to prgsykesville@PublicInput.com
- Text prgsykesville to 855-925-2801 to share your comments
- Call us at 855-925-2801 x 3163 and leave a voicemail with your feedback
- @BaltoMetroCo @BmoreInvolved | Use #BRTBlistens
For more information:
Contact Keith Kucharek, Transportation Planner, by email at kkucharek@baltometro.org, or by phone at 410-732-0500 x1052.
Notice
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410- 732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), as the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Baltimore region, seeks public comments through Friday, July 9 on two transportation-related documents – the draft 2022-2025 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the associated Air Quality Conformity Determination.
Returning this year is an interactive project map, in which the public can view projects and offer comments. Staff have also created an interactive story map to offer the public an easy way to learn more about these plans. Details about the TIP and Conformity Determination, and how to provide comments, are available below.
Draft 2022-2025 TIP | Draft Air Quality Conformity Determination | How to Comment
Draft 2022 – 2025 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
The draft 2022-2025 TIP is the list of regional transportation projects requesting federal funding in the near term. It includes $4.04 billion in proposed funding (federal, state, local, toll revenue) for highway, transit, bicycle and pedestrian projects during the next four years. The funding goes toward maintaining, operating and expanding the transportation system. These projects support regional goals such as accessibility, safety, and prosperity. Funding identified in the TIP is based on funding reasonably expected to be available from all sources.
The draft 2022-2025 TIP includes 129 projects, 6 of which are new. Highlights include:
- Anne Arundel County is dedicating $14 million in funding for a multi-modal transportation center in Parole at the Westfield Annapolis Mall to serve existing local and regional bus service, with possible future connectivity to modes such as bikeshare, carshare, and ride hailing services;
- Baltimore City, in partnership with the state of Maryland, is investing $12.6 million in an East-West Priority Bus Corridor, which will provide a comprehensive suite of investments facilitating more efficient transit trips, improving multimodal connections, and addressing existing safety issues.
- Baltimore City is also moving forward on vital roadway rehabilitation investments, including bicycle and pedestrian improvements, on portions of Belair Road, 25th Street, Fremont Avenue, Madison Street, Park Heights Avenue, Patapsco Avenue, and Pennington Avenue.
- Carroll and Harford Counties are dedicating federal and local funding for 20 essential bridge improvement projects.
- Howard County continues progress on a $27 million project at the US 29 and Broken Land Parkway Interchange which will provide new direct connections from the westbound US 29/Broken Land Parkway interchange ramp to a new road (Merriweather Drive) and to Little Patuxent Parkway. The project will also provide a direct connection from Merriweather Drive to Broken Land Parkway.
- MDOT SHA is dedicating $281 million in the draft 2022-2025 TIP on expanding the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) from I-70 to MD 43 by converting the inside shoulder into a new travel lane from I-70 to MD 43 and on reconstructing the interchange of I-695 and I-70.
- The Maryland Port Administration is partnering with CSX to leverage federal grant funding to reconstruct the 125-year-old Howard Street Tunnel in order to create double-stack rail access to and from the Port of Baltimore.
- The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is investing $102 million in toll revenues through 2027 on a project at the I-895/Baltimore Harbor Tunnel Toll Plaza replacing the existing toll booths with an overhead gantry which will eliminate traffic queues, improve vehicular and employee safety, and reduce vehicle emissions and fuel consumption.
- MDTA also continues engineering and construction on a $1.1 billion project in Baltimore and Harford Counties adding two additional Express Toll Lanes on I-95 from north of MD 43 to north of MD 24. This project is funded with toll revenues.
Please view the draft 2022-2025 TIP through the BRTB’s interactive project map or learn more in our story map. The draft 2022-2025 TIP is also available in PDF format for download:
Draft 2022-2025 TIP
Introduction and Background | Financial Plan
Projects by jurisdiction: Low-income and Minority Concentration | Appendices
Projects in the draft TIP are also available to review in pdf format by project sponsor, either a local jurisdiction or state agency:
Anne Arundel County | Baltimore City | Baltimore County
Carroll County | Harford County | Howard County
Maryland Port Administration | Maryland Transportation Authority
MDOT MTA | MDOT SHA and the Office of the Secretary
Analysis of Air Quality Conformity
The Baltimore region does not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and so must review its current transportation plans and programs to ensure conformity with the State Air Quality Implementation Plan (SIP).
The Air Quality Conformity Determination report details a comprehensive analysis of Baltimore region mobile source emissions as a result of implementing the draft 2022-2025 TIP. Highlights of the report include:
- Staff from BMC and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) used the Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES) 2014a model, developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to analyze the amount of mobile source emissions generated from vehicle travel associated with the implementation of the projects in the draft TIP.
- The report addresses mobile source emissions of VOC and NOx, which are precursors of ground-level ozone emissions.
- Adopted forecasts for population, housing, and employment in the Baltimore region were used for this conformity analysis.
- Current data about the types and purpose of vehicles, fuel data, and meteorological data were used as input into the analysis.
- This Conformity Determination shows that transit ridership is projected to increase from 2022 to 2045.
- Projected mobile source emissions for draft 2022-2025 TIP are well below the motor vehicle emission budgets set in the state implementation plan, or SIP.
- Implementation of the projects proposed in the draft 2022-2025 TIP will not worsen the region’s air quality or delay the timely attainment of national air quality standards.
The conformity determination is available in PDF format for download. Download the Draft Conformity Determination of the draft 2022-2025 TIP:
Conformity Determination | Appendices
Share Your Thoughts
Public comments are welcome from Tuesday, June 8 through Friday, July 9, 2021. The BRTB will vote on these documents on Tuesday, July 27, 2021.
Public Comments Received | BRTB Response to Comments
Join Us for a Virtual Public Meeting
Those interested in learning more about the draft 2022-2025 TIP and Air Quality Conformity may do so during a virtual public meeting on:
To share your thoughts and ideas, send all comments in writing to:
| ONLINE | VOICEMAIL | FAX | ||
| https://publicinput.com/H2050 | H2050@PublicInput.com | @BaltoMetroCo @BmoreInvolved #BRTBlistens |
855-925-2801 x 8248 | 410-732-8248 |
Comments are also welcome during the public comment opportunity at the BRTB meetings at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 22, or Tuesday, July 27 (scheduled vote).
Note: MDOT MTA, in lieu of a separate mandated public comment period, has exercised its option to use the procedures of the BRTB’s public involvement process for the 2022-2025 TIP. The public participation process for the TIP meets the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) public participation requirements for MDOT MTA’s Program of Projects (POP).
For more information:
Contact Regina Aris, assistant transportation director, by email at raris@baltometro.org, or by phone at 410-732-9572.
Notice
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410-732-0500.
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), as the metropolitan planning organization for the Baltimore region, seeks public comments through Friday, June 11 on a new section of the Patapsco Regional Greenway in Carroll County and Howard County.
In 2017, the BRTB approved a concept plan for the Patapsco Regional Greenway, which will be used by bicyclists, hikers, runners, walkers, and in some locations, equestrians. To date, over 12 miles of the greenway have been completed. Now, the BRTB seeks your input on the Sykesville to McKeldin Segment, which will add another 8.5 miles to the greenway.
Details about the comment period and how to provide comments are available below.
About the Patapsco Regional Greenway
The Patapsco Regional Greenway maps the main alignment of a 40-mile, shared-use trail traveling through the Patapsco Valley from Sykesville in Carroll County to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The trail, when completed, would pass through or near the communities of Sykesville, Marriottsville, Woodstock, Daniels, Oella, Ellicott City, Catonsville, Elkridge, Halethorpe, Baltimore Highlands, and Cherry Hill. The Patapsco Regional Greenway will serve as a region-wide asset and provide nearby communities with a sustainable transportation route and miles of recreational trails.
About the Sykesville to McKeldin Area Project
The Sykesville to McKeldin Segment of the Patapsco Regional Greenway consists of two sections - 1) the western portion near downtown Sykesville and 2) the eastern portion near the McKeldin area of the Patapsco Valley State Park.
Section 1 - Western Portion: Main Street Sykesville to Freedom Park
The western portion will connect downtown Sykesville shops, dining, and residences along Main Street to active and passive recreation opportunities in Freedom Park. There are two alignment alternatives for Section 1 - Western Portion: Main Street to Freedom Park.
- Alignment 1: Sandosky Road
A shared-use trail travels from Main Street in downtown Sykesville, then north along Sandosky Road to Raincliffe/Buttercup Road intersection, and finally into Freedom Park. - Alignment 2: MD 32
Begins on Main Street in downtown Sykesville and travels south. The shared-use trail crosses the Patapsco River and turns onto West Friendship Road. The trail then turns onto River Road and travels south. The trail re-crosses the Patapsco River along an abandoned vehicular overpass and continues north along MD 32 to rejoin the sidewalk on Raincliffe Road. And finally the trail travels briefly south from the Raincliffe/Buttercup Road intersection into Freedom Park.
Both options will explore sidewalks and paved pathways to accommodate safe and comfortable use by pedestrians and bicyclists.
Section 2 - Eastern Portion: Freedom Park to the McKeldin Area in Patapsco Valley State Park
The eastern portion of the shared-use trail will connect Freedom Park with the McKeldin Area of the Patapsco Valley State Park. There are two alignment alternatives for Section 2 - Eastern Portion: Freedom Park to McKeldin Area.
- Alignment 1: South Branch
Meanders through Patapsco Valley State Park towards the Heart of Maryland Bowhunters Club property. From there, the shared-use trail veers south towards the South Branch of the Patapsco River. The trail then follows the South Branch to Marriottsville Road and crosses Marriottsville Road before ending in the McKeldin area of the Patapsco Valley State Park. - Alignment 2: Piney Run
Follows the same path as Alignment 1: South Branch until the shared-use trail passes beyond the Heart of Maryland Bowhunters Club property. The trail then travels north up and around the League of Maryland Horsemen property towards Piney Run. The trail veers south and parallels Piney Run until the trail reaches Marriottsville Road. After crossing Marriottsville Road, the trail follows the Alignment 1: South Branch before ending in the McKeldin Area of the Patapsco Valley State Park.
Both options will follow a similar path through the Patapsco Valley State Park encountering dense forest, scenic views, ruins of abandoned structures, stream crossings, and many other points of interest. The design will also celebrate the natural and cultural wonders of the park integrating high overlooks, rock formations, and archaeological treasures. The natural surface trail will serve hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrian riders with a sustainably constructed unpaved trail.
The purpose of this project is to explore the opportunities and challenges of the alignments, identify design details, engage the public in key decisions, and prepare a 30% design document that will carry the project into final design and construction.
View the alignment options in our StoryMap |
Share Your Thoughts
The public is invited to share their feedback on the alignment alternatives for the Patapsco Regional Greenway: Sykesville to McKeldin Segment from Thursday, May 6 through Friday, June 11.
There are six ways you can comment:
- View the StoryMap and take our survey
- Join us for a public meeting on Thursday, May 27 at 6:30 p.m.
- Email your thoughts to M503@PublicInput.com
- Text M503 to 73224 to share your thoughts
- Call us at 855-925-2801, x 7772 and leave a voicemail with your feedback
- Share your thoughts via Twitter at @BaltoMetroCo | @BmoreInvolved | #BRTBlistens
For more information:
Contact Keith Kucharek, Transportation Planner, by email at kkucharek@baltometro.org, or by phone at 410-732-0500 x1052.
Notice
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410- 732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.
[Baltimore, MD, April 22, 2021]
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) will host a virtual public forum and panel discussion to inform and garner public feedback on the Baltimore Region Transit Governance & Funding Study on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 6 pm.
The panel discussion will feature transit professionals and experts from organizations across the nation who will discuss their experience and insight into the transit operations, funding and related issues as well as share their knowledge on issues related to transit governance.
Panelists include:
- David Bragdon, Executive Director of TransitCenter
- Naomi Doerner, Director of Equity and Inclusion, Nelson\Nygaard
- Paul Lewis, Vice President of Policy and Finance, Eno Center for Transportation
- Diane Jones Allen, Professor, University of Texas, Arlington
The public forum will provide attendees an opportunity to hear directly from national experts and to better understand how Baltimore can take lessons learned to propose changes that better meet the region’s goals. The public will also be offered the opportunity to share their thoughts after the presentation.
Registration is now open at https://publicinput.com/e1101.
Those who cannot make the virtual public forum and panel discussion, but would like to offer input, can complete the online survey by visiting publicinput.com/e1101 or by texting X032 to 73224. Comments will also be accepted by email at: X032@PublicInput.com or Twitter @BaltoMetroCo, @BmoreInvolved, or #BRTBlistens.
What is the Baltimore Region Transit Governance and Funding Study?
The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) is one of the few state run transit systems in the country and is facing funding challenges.
The Baltimore Region Transit Governance & Funding Study will develop potential alternatives for the structure, organization, and funding of public transit in the Baltimore region including scenarios to enhance and balance local jurisdiction engagement and potential contributions to achieve regional and local public transit performance goals. These scenarios will be developed and considered in the context of public transit funding structures in the State of Maryland.
The study is being developed through a collaborative process between the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) members and regional stakeholders, and is supported by research and analysis.
The goal is to develop four (4) potential governance options that are:
- Based on an understanding of transit’s historical development in the region
- Realistic about constraints
- Creative in providing opportunities for change
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The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) works collaboratively with the chief elected officials in the region to create initiatives to improve the quality of life and economic vitality. BMC, as the Baltimore region’s council of governments, hosts the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), the federal metropolitan planning organization (MPO), and supports local government by coordinating efforts in a range of policy areas including emergency preparedness, housing, cooperative purchasing, environmental planning and workforce development.
BMC’s Board of Directors includes the executives of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford and Howard counties, the mayor of the City of Baltimore, a member of the Carroll County and Queen Anne’s County boards of commissioners, a member of the Maryland State Senate, a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, and a gubernatorial appointee from the private sector.
The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (“BMC”) has released a Public Access Database for the Maryland Travel Survey (MTS) that it recently conducted on behalf of MDOT.
The Maryland Travel Survey is BMC’s primary source for demographic and travel data. Individual and Household demographics (e.g., gender, income, employment status, age, and number of children) have more influence over people’s travel activity and travel need than any other factor. Demographics are important for planning all transportation modes and are particularly important for planning transit service, where data on demand for transit service is aggregated by cohorts, e.g., young adults, elderly, etc.
The MTS Public Access Database (PADB) is available to researchers and the general public. It provides access to the MTS Survey data at a level of detail that allows for in-depth analysis of demographics and travel behavior, while also protecting the confidential information of Survey households.
“The MTS Public Access Database will make the results of the Maryland Travel Survey, which encompassed the Eastern Shore, the Baltimore Region, and Western Maryland, available to a much larger audience,” said BMC Director of Transportation Planning, Todd Lang.
Those wishing to access the PADB should follow the link to the BMC Website and complete the online Request Form, making sure to provide their contact information. Once BMC receives your request, we will email the PADB to you.
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) welcomes comments on its draft Budget & Work Program for Fiscal Years 2022-2023 through Thursday, March 11, 2021.
The BRTB is scheduled to vote on the final Budget & Work Program on Friday, April 16.
What is the UPWP?
The BRTB’s Budget & Work Program is known as the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) for Transportation Planning. It is a federal requirement that details projects, studies and other activities to be completed by BRTB members and staff of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC.)
The BRTB develops this list of regional transportation planning activities every two fiscal years. This UPWP includes a budget for FY 2022 of $9,000,000 and an estimated FY 2023 budget of $6,290,000.
UPWP funds support staff for regional planning activities with some consultant assistance. New projects for FY 2022 include:
- Patapsco Regional Greenway – Funds consultant services to advance the design and planning for a segment of the Patapsco Regional Greenway, the proposed 30-mile trail from Sykesville in Carroll County to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Segment: Guinness Open Gate Brewery to the Southwest Area Park.
- Corridor Analysis to support Implementation of the Central Maryland Regional Transit Plan – to begin the corridor feasibility study phase by defining and evaluating preliminary alternatives for a number of the corridors identified in the RTP. Analysis may include routes, service patterns, alignments, levels of service, potential modes and system requirements. Evaluation could include elements from the FTA Capital Investment Grant program and/or a P3 screening mechanism.
View the draft FY 2022-2023 UPWP or a list of Frequently Asked Questions
B’More Involved
The public is invited to provide feedback on these proposed regional transportation planning activities through Thursday, March 11, 2021.
To learn more about the UPWP and the proposed updated budget and projects, please view a recorded presentation.
Please send all comments in writing to:
| ONLINE | FAX | |||
| BRTB Comment Form | comments@baltometro.org | @BaltoMetroCo @BmoreInvolved #BRTBlistens |
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board 1500 Whetstone Way, Suite 300 Baltimore, MD 21230 |
410-732-8248 |
The public may also provide feedback during the Public Comment Opportunity at the BRTB monthly meetings on Tuesday, February 23, Tuesday, March 23, or before the BRTB votes on Friday, April 16. Due to the public health concerns presented by the Coronavirus (COVID-19), all scheduled meetings will take place virtually. Please check the calendar for an updated schedule and links to attend the virtual meetings.
View:
The BRTB is the federally recognized metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for transportation in the region. BMC provides the BRTB with staff support.
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410- 732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), as the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Baltimore region, seeks public comments through Monday, January 11 on a part of the Patapsco Regional Greenway in Howard and Baltimore Counties.
Earlier this year the BRTB sought feedback on three options or “alignment alternatives” for the Elkridge to Guinness connection. Based on that feedback, a modified Patapsco Route was selected and now the BRTB seeks your input on future design considerations such as seating, bike racks, educational opportunities along the route, overlooks, pet stations, and signage.
Details about the comment period and how to provide comments are available below.
About the Patapsco Regional Greenway
The Patapsco Regional Greenway envisions a 40-mile, shared-use trail running through the Patapsco Valley from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to Sykesville in Carroll County. This trail, when completed, would pass through or near the communities of Cherry Hill, Baltimore Highlands, Halethorpe, Elkridge, Catonsville, Ellicott City, Oella, Daniels, Woodstock, Marriottsville, and Sykesville.
About the Elkridge to Guinness Project
The purpose of the project is to develop preliminary design drawings for a segment of the Patapsco Regional Greenway connecting Patapsco Valley State Park, Main Street in Elkridge, and the Guinness Open Gate Brewery.
The goals of this project are to:
- build a low-traffic bicycle and pedestrian facility
- improve access to the nearby natural environment
- create a new gateway to downtown Elkridge to support economic development
Choosing the Best Pathway
Earlier this year, the design team presented three options or “alignment alternatives” for the Elkridge to Guinness connection for your review and comments:
- Alternative 1: The Patapsco Route
- Alternative 2: The Northern Link
- Alternative 3: The Elkridge Spur
Based on input from the public and project partners, a modified version of the Patapsco Route was chosen as the selected alignment and preliminary design drawings were developed.
The Patapsco Route, modified, will provide a practical, constructible and impactful investment. It will provide new pedestrian and bicycle access connecting Howard and Baltimore Counties via a scenic bridge crossing over the Patapsco River, while also leveraging Howard County’s existing investments in the transportation network and the general comfort levels of Main Street and Levering Avenue for biking and walking.
The BRTB currently seeks your input on future design considerations such as seating, bike racks, educational opportunities along the route, overlooks, pet stations, and signage.
In 2021, following the conclusion of public comment and preliminary design, Howard and Baltimore Counties will apply for a grant to complete the design.
Based on your input, and the input of our project partners, the project team will choose a preferred alignment and complete a preliminary design. Once 30% design is completed, Howard and Baltimore Counties will apply for a grant from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) to complete the design.
Share Your Thoughts
The BRTB invites the public to share their input on future design considerations through Monday, January 11, 2021.
There are four ways you can comment:
- View the StoryMap and take our survey @ https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9YBWMVZ
- Email your thoughts to comments@baltometro.org
- Call us at 410-732-0500 x 1042 and leave a voicemail with your feedback
- Share your thoughts via Twitter at @BaltoMetroCo | @BmoreInvolved | #BRTBlistens
For more information:
Contact Sheila Mahoney, senior transportation planner, by email at smahoney@baltometro.org, or by phone at 410-732-0500 x 1042.
Notice
The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410- 732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.