Transportation

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 Wednesday, October 16th at the Maritime Conference Center in Linthicum. The two events are held jointly every two years.

The forum welcomed a record breaking 250 attendees and examined the conference theme of Smart Mobility: Moving Safely, Moving Ahead. 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 26 exhibitors from public and private sectors.

The forum commenced with a welcome video from Chrissy Nizer, Maryland Motor Vehicle Administrator and welcome keynote from Neil Pedersen, Executive Director of the Transportation Research Board. Pedersen provided an informative overview of completed research on strategies, challenges, and issues related to implementation of connected vehicle and automated vehicle technologies.

Following the opening address, the group split into two tracks of sessions. The first focused on transportation technologies, including emerging trends such as shared mobility and micro mobility (e-scooters) and transportation system management. The second focused on traffic signal operations, data, and technologies.

During lunch, keynote speaker Shailen Bhatt, President and CEO of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITSA) provided information from a national perspective related to transportation technologies and priorities for reauthorization of federal transportation legislation, which expires in September of 2020.

The final plenary session was a panel on smart mobility featuring representatives from CISCO, Ford, BOSCH, and Lyft, who shared their perspectives and observations of implementing emerging technologies and new forms of mobility.

The day concluded with an exhibitor-sponsored reception, which provided more time for networking and discussions with exhibitors.

Guests received a wealth of new information, training, discussion and networking as a result of the Joint ITSMD Annual Meeting and BRTB Traffic Signal Forum.

BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, July, 24th, 2019) - The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), as the federally recognized metropolitan planning organization for the region, voted to adopt two plans totaling $15.66 billion in key transportation projects planned for the region over the next 25 years. The action was taken at the BRTB’s meeting yesterday held at the Randallstown Community Center in Baltimore County. The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) provides staff support to the BRTB in its regional transportation planning efforts.

 

Over 200 projects are outlined in the two regional transportation investment plans – Maximize2045: A Performance-Based Transportation Plan and the 2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The BRTB and BMC staff hosted eight public meetings and accepted public comment between May 9 and June 18.

 

"We appreciate the staff, government partners and members of the public whose input shaped these important plans." said Michael B. Kelly, BMC’s Executive Director. “These guiding documents will help our region deliver a strong, accessible and connected transportation system that helps all people lead regional lives.”

 

Maximize2045 contains a list of major capital transportation projects totaling $12 billion, which the region expects to implement from 2024 to 2045. Maximize2045 includes $65 billion in planned investment overall, with $53 billion allocated for operations and preservation of transportation systems in the region. The plan also establishes the region's broad transportation goals and performance measures, which serve as guiding principles as the region plans and carries out projects. Developed over a two-year period, Maximize2045 takes into account anticipated funding levels through 2045, as well as future trends and demographics.



The 2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program details more than $3.66 billion in proposed federal, state and local money for maintaining, operating and expanding highway, transit, bicycle and pedestrian networks during the next four years.



As part of the development of these plans, the BRTB conducted a comprehensive Air Quality analysis, published in a Conformity Determination. The analysis shows that implementation of the projects in Maximize2045 and 2020-2023 TIP will not delay the timely attainment of national air quality standards.  

Other business on the BRTB’s agenda included a vote to install new executive officers for FY2020. Carroll County will serve as chair of the board this year, represented by Board of Commissioners President Stephen Wantz and empowered representative Lynda Eisenberg, Director of Planning. Anne Arundel County will serve as vice-chair, represented by County Executive Steuart Pittman and empowered representative Ramond Robinson, Transportation Officer.

 

The BRTB 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.

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On behalf of the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board, thank you to everyone who sent comments and attended our series of public meetings on Maximize2045: A Performance-Based Transportation Plan, the 2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and the Air Quality Conformity Determination.



Over 200 projects estimated at $15 billion are part of two regional transportation investment plans covering the next 25 years. The BRTB is scheduled to vote on these plans at their next meeting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23 at the Randallstown Community Center (3505 Resource Dr, Randallstown, MD 21133).  Visit maximize2045.com to learn more. 

RESPONSE TO COMMENTS

The BRTB is continually striving to improve the transportation planning process based on the comments received to deliver effective plans and programs. As such, all comments received have been considered by the BRTB members.



A response to all comments has been published by the BRTB and can be viewed via the link below.  



Those who wish to make additional comments prior to the BRTB's vote on Maximize2045 may do so during the public comment opportunity at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23.  

View the record of comments and the BRTB's Response to Comments

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) and its state and local partners are happy to announce the launch of its new, regional pedestrian and bicycle safety campaign for the Baltimore Region – LOOK ALIVE, featuring Signal Woman.  The campaign launched on Monday June 3, 2019 at Olympian Park in Towson. Speakers included Baltimore Metropolitan Council Executive Director Mike Kelly, Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski, Jr., Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, MDOT State Highway Administration Office of Traffic and Safety Director Cedric Ward, and Baltimore County Police Department Captain Joseph Donahue.

LOOK ALIVE, is a new campaign in the greater Baltimore region to raise awareness and educate drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists on how to be safe on our roads. The campaign is a collaboration between BMC, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s (MDOT MVA) Highway Safety Office and State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA), Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems and regional transportation and law enforcement officials from Baltimore City, and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard, Harford, Carroll, and Queen Anne’s counties.

Click here to download and share LOOK ALIVE resources with your community.

While traffic fatalities in Maryland declined last year overall, the number of pedestrians killed on state roads in 2018 was 133, an increase of 12 percent from 2017.

According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, the biggest factors in pedestrian and bicyclist deaths are vehicle speed, distraction, time of day and alcohol use. The LOOK ALIVE campaign, which runs through the fall, relays a message of safety and awareness.

Efforts such as traffic calming, making crosswalks more prominent and visible, shifting lanes, lowering speed limits where appropriate, and providing more protective space for pedestrians and bicyclists are regional and statewide priorities for MDOT SHA.

LOOK ALIVE integrates several components, including television, outdoor, digital engagement, community outreach, and media relations. Education is coupled with high visibility enforcement waves, in which police put an added emphasis on enforcing traffic safety laws to protect people walking and biking in the greater Baltimore region.

For more information, please visit www.lookalivemd.org. 

 

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) seeks qualified firms or organizations to provide professional services to: (1) develop a strategy for a Congestion Management Process (CMP); and (2) develop a template for corridor studies for the Baltimore region.



Proposals must be received by BMC no later than Friday, June 28, 2019, at 2 p.m. 



Written questions about this procurement should be sent to Regina Aris at raris@baltometro.org or  (410) 732-8248 (fax) no later than Monday, June 17. Answers to questions will be posted on the BMC website no later than Wednesday, June 19.   

 

View the RFP

TRANSPORTATION MATTERS; SO DOES YOUR OPINION.

BRTB seeks public comments on regional transportation plans totaling over $15 billion in projects

You have the chance to help shape the future by sharing your thoughts on $15.66 billion in key transportation projects planned for the region over the next 25 years.

Over 200 projects are part of two transportation plans open for public comment from Thursday, May 9 through Tuesday, June 18.

Maximize 2045  |  2020-2023 TIP  |  Air Quality Report  |  Share your thoughts

The projects are part of two regional transportation investment plans covering the next 25 years:  Maximize2045: A Performance-Based Transportation Plan and the 2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Also available for review is the associated Air Quality Conformity Determination. The BRTB is scheduled to vote on these documents on Tuesday, July 23.

Let the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) know what you think about its plans to invest in the future of transportation. Details are below. 

About Maximize2045: A Performance-Based Transportation Plan

Maximize2045: A Performance-Based Transportation Plan is a regional long-range transportation plan that seeks to make the best use of—or maximize—the resources that make up and support the Baltimore region’s transportation system.

Maximize2045 contains a list of major capital transportation projects totaling $12 billion, which the region expects to implement from 2024 to 2045. Maximize2045 includes $65 billion in planned investment overall, with $53 billion allocated for operations and preservation of transportation systems in the region. The plan also establishes the region's broad transportation goals and performance measures, which serve as guiding principles as the region plans and carries out projects. Developed over a two-year period, Maximize2045 takes into account anticipated funding levels through 2045, and future trends and demographics.

Download Maximize2045 Chapters:

T.O.C./Exec. Summary/Ch.1 - Requirements | Ch. 2 – Factors & Trends/Ch. 3 – Emerging Tech.

Ch. 4 – Goals/Ch. 5 – Perf. Meas. | Ch. 6 – Financial Plan/Ch. 7 – Major Capital Projects

Download Appendices:

App. A – Glossary/App. B – Project Eval.   |   App. C – Potential Effects

App. D – Congestion Mgmt./App. E – Public Outreach

About the 2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)

The 2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program* details more than $3.66 billion in proposed federal, state and local money for maintaining, operating and expanding highway, transit, bicycle and pedestrian networks during the next four years. The TIP is fiscally constrained.

View the draft 2020-2023 TIP through BRTB’s interactive project map or:

Download the 2020-2023 TIP  |  Introduction and Background  |  Financial Plan 

Projects by jurisdiction: Environmental Justice |  Appendices

Projects in the TIP are also available to review in pdf by project sponsor, either a local jurisdiction or state agency.

Anne Arundel County  |  Baltimore City  |  Baltimore County   |  Carroll County  |  Harford County  |  Howard County

MDTA  |  MDOT MTA  |  Maryland Port Administration

MDOT SHA and the Office of the Secretary

Analysis of Air Quality Conformity

The Baltimore region has been designated as not meeting 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 effects that the draft 2020-2023 TIP and the draft Maximize2045 have on the Baltimore region. The report addresses ground-level ozone emissions.

The conformity results show that implementation of these projects will not worsen the region’s air quality or delay the timely attainment of national air quality standards.  

Read the Air Quality Conformity Determination |  Appendices

Share Your Thoughts

Thursday, May 9, through Tuesday, June 18, 2019.  Those interested in commenting on projects may do so during a public meeting:

Light refreshments will be served and activities for children will be provided.

Comments are also welcome during the public comment opportunity at the BRTB meetings at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28, Tuesday, June 25, and Tuesday, July 23 (scheduled vote). Please check the BMC website for meeting locations.

To share your thoughts and ideas, submit all comments to:

Online: Via the BRTB Comment Form

Email:  comments@baltometro.org

Twitter: @BaltoMetroCo and @BmoreInvolved using the hashtag #BRTBlistens

Mail:     The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board
              Attn: Public Involvement Coordinator
              1500 Whetstone Way, Suite 300
              Baltimore, MD 21230

Fax:       410-732-8248

For more information:

Contact Regina Aris, Assistant Transportation Director, by email 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 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 2020-2023 TIP. The public participation process for the TIP will also meet the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) public participation requirements for the MTA’s Program of Projects (POP). 

You have the chance to help shape the future by sharing your thoughts on $15 billion in key transportation projects planned for the region over the next 25 years.
 

Over 200 projects are part of two transportation plans that will be open for public comment from May 9 through June 18 - the Maximize2045 Long Range Transportation Plan and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) will vote on these plans on July 23, 2019.

Let us know what you think about our plans to invest in the future of transportation at one of our public meetings.

Join Us for a Meeting in Your Community
 

Monday, May 20 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. 
Harford County Govt Ctr, Room 157 
220 S Main St, Bel Air, MD 21014

Tuesday, May 21 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.  
Enoch Pratt Free Library, Pennsylvania Ave Branch*
1531 W North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217

Thursday, May 30 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.  
Kent Island Senior Center 
891 Love Point Rd, Stevensville, MD 21666

Tuesday, June 4 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. 
Arundel Mills Mall, Harmons Community Room 
7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD 21076

Wednesday, June 5 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. 
CCBC Essex. Administrative Building 
7201 Rossville Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21237

Thursday, June 6 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.  
Carroll County Govt Ctr, Reagan Room #3 
225 N. Center St, Westminster, MD 21157

Monday, June 10 from noon to 1p.m.  
Online Meeting- REGISTER at  https://bit.ly/2IVCzpG

Tuesday, June 11 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.  
Elkridge Public Library, Belmont/Hockley Room 
6540 Washington Blvd, Elkridge, MD 21075

Learn more at maximize2045.com or download a meeting flyer (English) or Spanish (en Español). 

Back to Top

On behalf of the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), thank you for your interest in our activities and efforts to update the region's long-range transportation plan - Maximize2045:  A Performance-Based Transportation Plan.  For many, the importance of the long-range transportation plan is the identification of major projects the region expects to implement over the next 20-25 years.



In late spring, the BRTB will release a draft Maximize2045, along with the 2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and related air quality analysis, for public review. We share with you our steps along the way and invite you to get involved in the process by learning more about the steps and staying tuned for upcoming events and the public comment period.

How Projects are Evaluated

The BRTB approved a process for evaluating and scoring individual candidate projects for Maximize2045. This process is a tool the BRTB uses to compile a set of projects that will benefit the region based on its adopted goals and policies.

Aside from project scores and the need to maintain fiscal constraint, the BRTB considers other factors in establishing the list of projects for Maximize2045. These factors might include such considerations as how ready a project is to move forward in the project development process or how a project might address issues of particular local concern in a specific jurisdiction

A project’s total score consists of two parts:

• a policy score that is a combination of (a) how much of a priority (high, medium, or low) a project is to the submitting jurisdiction or agency and (b) whether or not the project has received financial support from MDOT

• a technical score based on criteria derived directly from the region’s adopted goals and policies.

The technical scoring criteria cover the following areas:

• Roadway safety (does a project include features to reduce injuries and fatalities?)
• Roadway accessibility (does a project incorporate Complete Streets features? does a project support access to an activity hub?)
• Transit accessibility (does a project improve an existing transit station/stop or provide a new transit station/stop?)
• Roadway mobility (will a project improve short- and long-term level of service?)
• Transit mobility (does a project provide additional transit options focused on moving riders reliably and efficiently? is a project expected to increase the average number of daily transit riders?)
• Environmental conservation (will a project avoid effects to ecologically significant lands or historic properties? does a project include features that reduce greenhouse gas emissions?)
• Security (does a project fall on an existing evacuation route or improve a critical link to an existing evacuation route?)
• Investment in priority areas (does a project lie within or connect to a Priority Funding Area or a designated Sustainable Community?)

This evaluation and scoring process supports the BRTB’s federally mandated responsibility to develop and carry out a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning process for the metropolitan area.

Submitted Projects

BRTB members have submitted a list of projects they’d like to have included in Maximize2045.  Here are a few highlights: 

• Freight related: Construct a full interchange at I-695 and Broening Highway
• Bridge Preservation: Replace the Howard Street Bridge over I-83, rail lines, Falls Road, and the Jones Falls
• Transit related: Add Bus Rapid Transit along U.S. 29 from Ellicott City / Downtown Columbia Transit Center to MD 198

Check out the full list of projects being evaluated

What's Next?

The next steps of the process to develop Maximize2045are:

• Project Evaluation Results – Project Evaluation Results - BMC staff have evaluated the submitted projects and completed the technical review. Based on the combined policy and technical scores, the BRTB selected the best scoring projects that could be implemented over the next 20-25 years given the amount of money available. Using modeling and analytical tools, BMC staff are now determining the potential effects of these projects on the region’s transportation network. These tools include (a) travel demand modeling, (b) air quality conformity modeling (in coordination with the Maryland Department of the Environment), (c) analyses to determine how the projects might benefit or burden Environmental Justice populations, and (d) consultations with resource agencies to identify issues related to potential effects on natural and cultural resources.
  
   
• Draft Plan Released for Public Comments – A draft of the plan will be made public for a comment period during May and June 2019 and we’ll hold a public meeting in each jurisdiction in the Baltimore region. 
  
   
• Respond to comments and vote on a final plan – The BRTB will then review and respond to public comments and vote on a final plan in July 2019. 

On behalf of the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), the Baltimore Metropolitan Council invites you to the New Mobility Transportation Forum.

Innovative services that capitalize on mobile communications, cash payments, artificial intelligence, and big data — such as applications for ride-hailing; car, scooter, and bikeshare; and trip planning — are changing how we travel. Come hear and ask questions of National and local experts on the forces of change and recent technological and social trends that are impacting the way people and goods move and are propelling changes to public policy, regulations and site and curb design. Intended to bring together transit, auto, shared mobility, freight, and IT leaders to discuss opportunities and challenges and share state-of-the-art strategies that might help the Baltimore Region's transportation network better serve the Region.

• Continental breakfast provided 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM.
• Certified planners may earn certification maintenance credits (pending).

Agenda

Date And Time

Wednesday, March 13, 2019
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT

Location

University of Baltimore
H. Mebane Turner Learning Commons Town Hall
1415 Maryland Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21201

View Event Materials Presentations and video from this event are provided in the box to the right. Thank you for joining us.

Jake sion - transit Derek pankratz - Deloitte  Maggie Gendron - Lime William Burns - Spin Sandra Brecher - Montgomery County New Mobility Forum Video Video Overview

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) welcomes comments on its draft Budget & Work Program for Fiscal Years 2020-2021 from Tuesday, February 12, to Thursday, March 14, 2019.

The BRTB is scheduled to vote on the final Budget & Work Program on Tuesday, April 23. 

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 UPWP includes both local and regional activities. The BRTB develops a list of regional transportation planning activities every two fiscal years. This plan includes $7.89 million in funding for FY 2020 and $6.28 million in funding for FY 2021 for planning activities from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021.

UPWP funds support staff and several local planning activities. Highlighted new regional projects include:

• Elderly Trip Characteristics and Patterns – The intent of this $100,000 study is to provide policy-makers and planners with an understanding of transportation issues that affect the growing population of those individuals 65 years and older. The purpose of the study is to: identify areas of concentrated elderly populations; conduct an examination of travel behaviors, while identifying patterns and trends; and identify specific policy implications and ways to address current and future needs.
• Regional Traffic Impact Study Guidelines – The intent of a traffic impact study is for a jurisdiction or agency to review how proposed development will affect the surrounding transportation network. This $180,000 project will develop regional traffic impact study guidelines.
• Development Review Practices for Changing Mobility – The popularity of new mobility – such as the ridesharing services of Uber/Lyft, carsharing services of Zip Car, or alternative mode-sharing services of Lime/Bird bicycles or scooters – affects the curb and sidewalk space of public roads and private developments. The intent of this $180,000 study is to: review how jurisdictions in the Baltimore region address new mobility company requests for curb and sidewalk space; identify best practices; analyze the potential shift toward a more flexible use of curb and sidewalk space; and recommend potential improvements to the process.
• Pedestrian Safety and Roundabouts – The intent of this $100,000 study is to increase safety for non-motorists by: analyzing available data to characterize safety concerns for pedestrians in traffic roundabouts; identifying crash trends; and develop recommendations for improving the design of roundabouts.
• Congestion Management Process – The intent of this $200,000 project is to create a step-by-step congestion management process for the Baltimore region, based on the federal guidelines.

Download the Budget & Work Program for FY 2020-2021 or visit BMC to view a printed copy.

View FAQ about the FY 2020-2021 UPWP

B’More Involved

The public is invited to provide feedback on these proposed regional transportation planning activities through Thursday, March 14.

Please send all comments in writing to:

Email: comments@baltometro.org

Twitter:  @BaltoMetroCo   @BmoreInvolved    #BRTBlistens

Mail:    The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board

             1500 Whetstone Way, Suite 300

             Baltimore, MD 21230

Fax: 410-732-8248

The public may also provide feedback during the Public Comment Opportunity at the BRTB monthly meetings on Tuesday, February 26, Tuesday, March 26, or before the vote on Tuesday, April 23. All meeting are scheduled to take place at BMC at 9 a.m.

The BRTB is the federally recognized metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for transportation in the region. BMC provides the BRTB with staff support.

The BRTB 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.