Laurel, MD – During the economic downturn that has challenged virtually every organization throughout the country, the Central Maryland Regional Transit Corporation (CMRT) has managed to maintain service levels and fares on the Connect-A-Ride public transit service.  Unfortunately, a combination of increasing costs and decreasing funding will result in a number of changes on Connect-a-Ride beginning July 1, 2011.

Connect-a-Ride is the local bus service that operates in and around Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Prince George’s County, and the City of Laurel.  CMRT manages Connect-A-Ride, Howard Transit, and HT Ride providing a seamless approach to regional transit in Central Maryland.

During the CMRT Board of Director’s meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2011, a number of deficit reduction scenarios were discussed.  Pending the outcome of a public meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 8, 2011, the following changes will go into effect July 1,
2011:

• The elimination of the “F” route which operates from the City of Laurel to the National Security Agency (NSA);
• The elimination of free transfers;
• The elimination of the monthly pass;
• A reduction in the base fare from $2 to $1.50.

“I am sure that the first question that individuals will ask is, “why are we reducing the base fare if we need to increase revenue?”” said John Powell, Chief Executive Officer of CMRT.  “The answer is simple: it is to balance the elimination of free transfers.”

“Currently, over 53% of our customers are using transfers to ride Connect-A-Ride services,” Powell added.  “Given the frequency of Connect-A-Ride service, this percentage is unrealistically high, suggesting that many passengers are using the transfers as a free fare.  However, because the number of individuals legitimately transferring is unknown, the CMRT Board of Directors felt that balancing the elimination of transfers with a reduction in the base fare would minimize the impact on those who are using the transfers as intended.”

CMRT’s transfer policy, like all other transit systems, is intended to assist those individuals who need to access more than one route to reach their destination. Unfortunately, too many customers are using these transfers for free fares and CMRT is faced with one of two choices; fund an extensive marketing and outreach effort and then staff buses with individuals to ensure that the transfers are being used correctly, or eliminate the transfers.  Due to the need to offset over $310,000 in FY2012, implementing an effort that increases costs is not defendable.

“We need to offset our deficit through fare increase or service reductions” Powell added. “With such a high transfer rate, suggesting wide misuse, eliminating transfers becomes an appropriate option.” The monthly pass is also scheduled to be abolished.  Currently, CMRT averages about three monthly pass sales each month.

The one service elimination proposed involves the “F” route.  The “F” route operates two trips in the morning and two trips in the afternoon between the City of Laurel and NSA and is averaging around 6-passengers per trip.  CMRT has worked with the customers
and NSA to encourage vanpools that could continue to provide transportation to current “F” route customers.  Other options, including coordinating with taxi providers, are being considered.

“We have been fortunate to maintain our level of service during a period when local and state funding has been constant” said Becky Mangus, President of the CMRT Board of Directors.  “We are now faced with a significant deficit and must take strong action to increase our revenues.  Our only other choice is to significantly reduce service which our organization does not want to do.”

Founded in 1987 as a private nonprofit 501(c) (3) corporation, CMRT has managed public transportation services in the Baltimore-Washington Corridor for more than two decades.  The bus service has supported the transit needs of suburban travelers in portions of three counties – Anne Arundel, Howard and Prince George’s.   

CMRT is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of its transit services on the basis of race, color or nation origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.