3CATSAILOR
Well-Known Member
The Republician Commissoners think they are Democrats. Now they decided to give out free STS rides. They don't mention the cost assoicated with it.
The St. Mary's County Commissioners meeting held on March 11, 2025, focused on several key topics, including the installation of new bus shelters, the transition to fare-free public transportation, and enhancements to the Specialized Transportation Program (S STEP).
The meeting began with an update on the installation of concrete pads for three new bus shelters located at the Great Mills Pool, Great Mills Library, and a U-Haul site near Westbury. All necessary permissions and easements have been secured for these installations. Additionally, the Community Development Corporation (CDC) plans to add two more shelters on Great Mills Road, bringing the total to five in that area. However, discussions revealed that there are currently no plans for additional shelters in other parts of the county, despite previous studies suggesting a need for more.
Commissioners expressed disappointment over the limited number of shelters, particularly in areas like Leonardtown, where residents often wait for buses in inclement weather. The conversation highlighted the challenges of identifying suitable locations for shelters, as many property owners have declined to host them.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the upcoming transition to fare-free public transportation, set to begin on July 1, 2025, pending the approval of the operational budget. This initiative aims to increase ridership and improve access to public transit for residents, particularly those in low-income brackets. The commissioners discussed the potential financial implications of this change, including how it might affect state funding based on ridership numbers.
The S STEP program, which currently restricts rides to two days a week, will also see significant changes. The program will expand to allow rides five days a week, improving access for residents needing transportation for medical appointments and other essential services.
The St. Mary's County Commissioners meeting held on March 11, 2025, focused on several key topics, including the installation of new bus shelters, the transition to fare-free public transportation, and enhancements to the Specialized Transportation Program (S STEP).
The meeting began with an update on the installation of concrete pads for three new bus shelters located at the Great Mills Pool, Great Mills Library, and a U-Haul site near Westbury. All necessary permissions and easements have been secured for these installations. Additionally, the Community Development Corporation (CDC) plans to add two more shelters on Great Mills Road, bringing the total to five in that area. However, discussions revealed that there are currently no plans for additional shelters in other parts of the county, despite previous studies suggesting a need for more.
Commissioners expressed disappointment over the limited number of shelters, particularly in areas like Leonardtown, where residents often wait for buses in inclement weather. The conversation highlighted the challenges of identifying suitable locations for shelters, as many property owners have declined to host them.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the upcoming transition to fare-free public transportation, set to begin on July 1, 2025, pending the approval of the operational budget. This initiative aims to increase ridership and improve access to public transit for residents, particularly those in low-income brackets. The commissioners discussed the potential financial implications of this change, including how it might affect state funding based on ridership numbers.
The S STEP program, which currently restricts rides to two days a week, will also see significant changes. The program will expand to allow rides five days a week, improving access for residents needing transportation for medical appointments and other essential services.
