Towson Circulator public-input meetings scheduled

News release from Baltimore County:

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today announced major updates for the Towson Circulator, the planned pilot localized transit service which will provide public transportation to Towson’s core destinations and main attractions.

“Easy access to efficient, reliable transit is an essential element to building a better quality of life,” Olszewski said. “The Towson Circulator represents a critical step toward a 21st century transportation system within Baltimore County and we are proud to have jumpstarted this long-awaited program to better connect residents with where they live, work, study, and play.”

“After so many years of planning, I applaud the County Executive for working to making the Circulator a reality,” said Baltimore County Councilman David Marks. This will improve mobility in Downtown Towson, an area where it is impossible to build more roads to relieve traffic.”

REVISED PILOT FEASIBILITY STUDY COMPLETED

Baltimore County announced the completion of a revised feasibility study which reflects recent growth in Towson and provides recommendations. This new study, completed by Sabra & Associates Inc., updates the prior feasibility study initiated in 2015.

According to the Feasibility Study, ridership is currently estimated to be between 200,000 and 300,000 riders per year.

FREE CIRCULATOR SERVICE

Olszewski announced today that the Towson Circulator will be free for all riders.

PROPOSED ROUTE CONCEPTS RELEASED

Based on the results of the market analysis and guidance from officials, the study team developed two primary route concepts.

Towson Circulator Concept Routes

These proposed routes will complement existing MTA service and better connect residents with surrounding major anchors, including Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Goucher College, Sheppard Pratt Health Systems, St. Joseph Medical Center and Towson University, as well as retail destinations.

Proposed route concepts may include minor adjustments as a result of the ongoing planning process, which will include community input.

OPERATING HOURS

The Towson Circulator would operate between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. on weekdays, and between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Saturday, with no Sunday service.

During the ongoing planning process, including consideration of community input, proposed hours may be adjusted.

TWO PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS ANNOUNCED

Baltimore County will host two public input meetings to provide a forum for public discussion focused on the updated feasibility study and will ensure community members have opportunities to provide input on the proposed routes, bus stop locations and hours of service.

Meetings will be held:

Tuesday, November 10, at 1 p.m. (hosted online, via Webex)

Thursday, November 12, at 6 p.m. (hosted online, via Webex)

Details and links to these public input meetings are also available on the Towson Circulator webpage.

BUS FLEET ORDERED

Baltimore County has submitted an order for the Towson Circulator pilot bus fleet, which includes 12 ADA accessible buses, which are expected to be delivered in 2021.

ABOUT THE TOWSON CIRCULATOR

After stalling for years, County Executive Olszewski provided the first dedicated funds for planning of the Towson Circulator in his FY20 budget. In addition, the administration named the County’s first Deputy of Transportation at the Department of Public Works to oversee transportation efforts and strategy. In November 2019, Baltimore County won a $1.65 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support the Circulator. In his FY21 budget, Olszewski continued his commitment to actualizing the program, providing new operating funding.

The Towson Circulator pilot program is expected to begin in the fall of 2021.

More information is available on the Towson Circulator webpage. Questions can be directed to TowsonCirculatorPilot@baltimorecountymd.gov.