BRTBNotes - December 2001, Issue 38
December 2001, Issue 38
Contents
2001 Baltimore Regional Transportation Plan Approved
After more than a year of intensive work and numerous public involvement opportunities, the BRTB unanimously approved the 2001 Baltimore Regional Transportation Plan (BRTP) at their October 23, 2001 meeting.
The public played a greatly enhanced role in the development of this long-range transportation plan. In keeping with federal requirements for early and continued public involvement, the public was included in each stage of the development process. The BRTB held four public work sessions at key stages in the process. At each stage, citizens were provided with an opportunity to comment and shape the direction of the 2001 BRTP. In June 2001, the BRTB held six additional public workshops throughout the region as it unveiled the first draft preferred alternative. As a result of these meetings, public comment succeeded in removing two highway projects from the plan.
During the final draft review period, the BRTB received numerous positive comments by the public on various aspects of the plan. Mr. Dan Pontious, executive director of the Baltimore Regional Partnership, expressed his satisfaction by stating that “this plan is significantly better than the 1998 plan, including the significant increases in transportation demand management (TDM) and transit funding.” *
The BRTB members also believe the 2001 BRTP is a move in the right direction. Significant commitments have been made to TDMs and transit compared to the 1998 BRTP. In the 2001 BRTP, $708 million has been dedicated to TDMs compared to $165 million in the 1998 BRTP. Similarly, transit funding has increased significantly, as well. In the 2001 BRTP, $1.57 billion has been dedicated to fixed guideway transit compared to $963 million in the 1998 plan. In addition, $240 million has been dedicated to other transit related improvements in the 2001 BRTB.
The 2001 BRTP and accompanying air quality Conformity Determination are awaiting federal approval from the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Also approved as an element of the 2001 BRTP, was the Regional Bicycle, Pedestrian and Greenways Transportation Plan and the Regional Job Access and Reverse Commute Transportation Plan. Finally, the 2002-2006 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Conformity Determination of the TIP and BRTP were also approved on October 23, 2001.
BMC staff display BRTB information at a workforce development conference
For more information, contact Lisa Sirota of BMC’s Transportation Planning Division at 410-732-0500, ext. 1047 or lsirota@baltometro.org.
back to topRegional Job Access Plan Approved
The Regional Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) Transportation Plan was approved by the BRTB in October. Beginning this summer, BMC staff took the plan on the road. The largest venue visited so far was the Workforce Development Coalition’s first annual conference held October 10that the Maritime Institute of Technology in Linthicum Heights, Maryland. This all-day event attracted 240 people, including representatives from private sector and government agencies.
At the conference, staff presented information about the plan for the “Building Partnerships to Remove Transportation Barriers” workshop. In addition to participating in the workshop, BMC sponsored an information table at the conference where information about the BRTB was distributed.
The approved plan, revised with full-text and color maps, is available on the BMC website. The document may also be purchased from the Regional Information Center. The plan is intended to guide the development of future project proposals. Projects submitted to BRTB will be prioritized for funding and implementation primarily based upon the recommendations set forth in the plan. The process to select potential grant recipients for the Federal Transit Administration’s JARC Program for Fiscal Year 2003 is currently underway. Funding proposals for job access and reverse commute transportation services in the Baltimore region will be reviewed for consistency with the plan. For more information, contact Jennifer Willman of BMC’s Transportation Planning Division at 410-732-0500, ext. 1053 or jwillman@baltometro.org.
back to topBWI Parking Lot Survey
The 2001 BWI Parking Lot Survey report was recently completed, identifying the origins of vehicles using the parking facilities at BWI Airport. The survey that contributed to this report was conducted over a three-day period in May, 2001. This report is an update of a similar study conducted in 1999. These surveys have assisted the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) in keeping abreast of consumer needs with regard to the airport’s parking facilities. The purpose of these surveys is to identify the origins of the trips made to BWI, with trip origins compared by jurisdiction and by defined region. Though Maryland users are dominant, BWI attracts a fair measure of its business from outside the State. The 2001 survey showed that 38 percent of all vehicles using the facilities originated from Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, or the District of Columbia. An additional 8.6 percent of all surveyed vehicles were from other states beyond these areas. Within the State of Maryland, the largest number of vehicles was from Montgomery County.
Over the three-day survey period, nearly 7,000 vehicles with Maryland license plates were parked at the facilities. Virginia had the next largest representation, with 1,753 vehicles. Overall, 43 percent of all vehicles surveyed were from the Washington region, with the Baltimore region accounting for 34 percent.
The new report highlights changes in the airport’s provision of parking services. The number of parking spaces has increased by nearly 29 percent since the 1999 survey, from 16,800 to 21,600 spaces. A new feature of the parking garage is the Automated Parking Guidance System. This system uses ultrasonic sensors mounted above each parking space that monitor the occupancy status of the space. Data are sent back to a central computer which activates illuminated signs at the end of each parking row to let patrons know if there are spaces available in that aisle. Upon driving into the aisle, the patron sees red and green lights above the parking spaces. A red light indicates an occupied space; a green light indicates an available space. Blue lights guide disabled patrons to accessible parking places.
MAA feels that marketing the parking facilities is critical to the public’s perception of BWI as a user-friendly airport. The 2001 survey pointed out that 43 percent of those parked at BWI had traveled more than 30 miles to get there. This is a testimonial to the drawing power of BWI. It is especially pleasing to MAA to see the numbers from Virginia and Washington, since Dulles and National airports are competing for many of the same travelers as BWI. MAA will use these findings to target future marketing efforts.
For more information, contact Keith Batcher of BMC’s Transportation Planning Division at 410-732-0500, ext. 1032 or kbatcher@baltometro.org.
back to topAround the Region
- The Transit Association of Maryland cited Howard Transit, Howard County’s local bus system, as the “Best Fixed–Route Bus System in Maryland.” The number of riders has increased 53 percent in the last year as a result of “dramatic improvements.” Capital improvements have occurred as well as expanded hours of service, additional areas of service and redesigned route schedules. Route schedules are available on-line at www.co.ho.md.us and can be accessed from the Customer Service, Public Transportation button.
- In mid-October, the Maryland State Highway Administration celebrated the opening of a new 128-space park-&-ride lot at the intersection of MD 7 (Old Philadelphia Road) and Belcamp Road adjacent to the I-95/MD 543 interchange (Exit 80). This lot provides additional opportunities for residents of Harford County to share a ride. For information on other state-owned park-&-ride lots call 1-800-323-6742. Harford County residents may obtain rideshare information by calling Chad Shrodes at 1-800-924-8646.
back to top| New Website The Baltimore Metropolitan Council recently updated its website in an effort to make it more visually appealing and user-friendly. You can check out the new website at: www.baltometro.org Information on the BRTB can be found by going to the Transportation Planning section. |
back to topRestaurant Grease for Your Gas Tank?!
Can you run your car on left-over, used, restaurant grease? Maybe, if your car runs on diesel.
Most cars and trucks on our roads run on gasoline or diesel. However, a whole breed of “alternative” fuels exists. One such fuel is biodiesel which uses natural oil or fat (restaurant grease has been used in small applications) to displace some petroleum diesel. The Veggie Van logged 25,000 miles on used vegetable oils from fast food restaurants (www.veggievan.org). Cars, trucks, transit buses, construction equipment, school buses, and many other vehicles have been running effectively on these cleaner, alternative fuels for years.
These alternative fuels are cleaner and often more cost effective than conventional gas and diesel. Also, these fuels are mostly domestically produced so using them is good for the economy. In Maryland, you can get tax breaks for specific vehicle purchases and possibly assistance in converting to alternative fuel use for larger fleets. Using clean fueled vehicles
- Reduces US Dependence on Foreign Oil
- Promotes the Health of the Chesapeake Bay
- Helps Maryland citizens breath better through reduced air pollution
- Boosts the American Economy through domestic production of fuel
| Fuel | What is it? | Where is it used? |
| Propane | Liquefied petroleum gas | Forklifts, Construction fleets – pickup trucks, School buses, Shuttle buses, Public works vehicles (i.e., street sweepers) |
| Biodiesel | Typically a combination of any natural oil or fat blended with petroleum diesel | Transit & School buses, Construction & Agricultural equipment, Boats/marinas (any applications where petroleum diesel is used. |
| Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) | Composed primarily of methane extracted from underground reserves | High mileage/high fuel use fleets, Transit buses, Taxis, Shuttle buses, Local delivery fleets, School buses, Light Duty Vehicles |
| E-85 | Liquid alcohol fuel produced from grain or agricultural waste (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) | Large, centralized fleets, Light duty vehicles |
For more information on how to purchase and/or receive financial assistance for purchasing alternative fueled vehicles in the Baltimore region, contact Dale Baxter of the Maryland Energy Administration at 410-260-7655, or visit www.energy.state.md.us (click on Alternative Fuel Vehicles).
back to topBRTB Meets
At the October 23, 2001 meeting, the BRTB unanimously approved Resolution #02-2, adopting the 2001 Baltimore Regional Transportation Plan (BRTP). Two additional elements of the BRTP were also approved under this resolution including the Regional Bicycle, Pedestrian and Greenways Transportation Plan and the Regional Job Access and Reverse Commute Transportation Plan. Also unanimously passed was Resolution #02-3, approving the Baltimore Region 2002-2006 Transportation Improvement Program and Conformity Determination of the BRTP and TIP. No formal resolutions were acted upon at the November 20, 2001 meeting.
back to topLocal Organizations Awarded for Clean Air Efforts
The actions of several organizations in the Baltimore region were highlighted at this year’s Clean Air Partners Annual Meeting on November 7, 2001. Clean Air Partners, a public/private coalition working to improve air quality in the Baltimore/Washington area, awarded four organizations in the Baltimore region for their efforts. The organizations and their efforts are listed below:
- Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics and Surveillance Systems – Marine Systems
- Provided daily ozone forecasts and recommended actions during ozone season on employee website
- Provided a free soda with lunch purchase in on-site cafeteria on Code Red Days (to discourage driving for lunch)
- Is currently working with landlord to postpone lawn services and other maintenance activities on Code Red Days
- Maryland Port Administration (MPA)
- Sponsored three kick-off events to educate employees about ozone and public health and encourage voluntary actions on bad air days
- Sponsored a children’s poster contest with prizes and poster display at MPA headquarters
- WJZ Television Station
- Provided ozone information during weather reports and information on individual actions to take to reduce ozone pollution
- Broadcast two-part series on ground-level ozone
- Baltimore Magazine
- Published comprehensive article in June 2001 issue, including forecasting efforts, health effects, and cause of pollution
The City of Alexandria received an award in the Washington region for efforts including distributing information via mail and internet, flying an Ozone Action Days flag, and providing free bus service on Code Red Days. Clean Air Partners also recognized several other organizations that make special efforts to help improve our air quality.
For more information, contact Russ Ulrich at 410-732-9575 or see http://www.cleanairpartners.net.
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Inclement Weather Policy In the event that Baltimore County schools are closed systemwide, all meetings (a.m. and p.m.) of the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board and its subcommittees will be cancelled for that day. If the school system closes during the day, any meetings scheduled for the remainder of the day or evening are cancelled.
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Did You Know?
One of the best ways to keep your auto insurance costs down is to have a good driving record. Listed below are a number of other things you can do right now to lower your insurance costs.
For more information, contact Russ Ulrich at 410-732-9575 or see http://www.cleanairpartners.net.
back to topInclement Weather Policy In the event that Baltimore County schools are closed systemwide, all meetings (a.m. and p.m.) of the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board and its subcommittees will be cancelled for that day. If the school system closes during the day, any meetings scheduled for the remainder of the day or evening are cancelled.
back to topDid You Know?
One of the best ways to keep your auto insurance costs down is to have a good driving record. Listed below are a number of other things you can do right now to lower your insurance costs. - Shop around – Prices vary from company to company, so it pays to shop around.
- Before you buy a car, compare insurance costs – Your premium is based in part on the car’s sticker price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record, and the likelihood of theft.
- Ask for higher deductibles – By requesting higher deductibles, you can lower your costs substantially.
- Reduce coverage on older cars – It may not be cost effective to continue to buy collision and/or comprehensive coverages on cars worth less than 10 times the amount you would pay for the coverage.
- Buy your homeowners insurance and auto coverage from the same insurer – Many insurers will give you a break if you buy two or more types of insurance from them.
- Take advantage of low mileage discounts – Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive a lower than average number of miles a year.
- Ask about group insurance – Some companies offer reductions to drivers who get insurance through a group plan from their employers, through professional, business and alumni groups, or other associations.
- Seek out safe driver discounts – Companies offer discounts to policyholders who have not had any accidents or moving violations for a number of years.
- Inquire about other discounts – You may get a break in your insurance if you are over 50, or in some cases 55, and retired or if there is a young driver on the policy who is a good student, has taken a drivers education course, or is at a college out of the area.
Source: Insurance Information Institute, www.iii.org
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Transportation Steering Committee
Funding for this newsletter is provided in part by member jurisdictions, grants from the US Department of Transportation and the Maryland Department of Transportation. Communication material in alternative formats can be arranged given sufficient notice by calling Joan Gorsuch at 410/333-1750 ext. 237 or by e-mail at jgorsuch@baltometro.org.
BRTB Notes can be found on the internet via the Baltimore Metropolitan Council homepage: http://www.baltometro.org.
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Your comments & questions are welcome. BRTB Notes
Lisa Sirota, Editor
Baltimore Metropolitan Council
2700 Lighthouse Point, East
Suite 310 Baltimore, MD 21224-4774
410/732-0500 ext. 245 FAX 410/732-6522
e-mail: lsirota@baltometro.org
back to top| Vision 2030 Continues The Vision 2030 process continues to offer opportunities for the public to participate in developing a vision that will help to shape the future of mobility and growth in the Baltimore region. The pace of activities over the next several months will increase with the work of the subcommittees that are focusing on social equity, environment, economic development, and government and public policy. Stakeholder interviews added significantly to a broader understanding of issues and concerns in the Baltimore region. The results of these discussions were characterized in a document titled “Strengths and Weaknesses,” identifying issues and concerns by topics such as natural environment, public policy, open space, transportation, mobility/job access, and leadership. This document is available on the BMC website under Vision 2030. This part of the process was also designed to identify the single most frequently stated theme expressed by the public—concerns about the impact of growth in the region. On October 3, 2001, a citizens’ workshop was held to stimulate regional thinking on growth and land preservation. Ninety-four percent of workshop participants indicated that they preferred future growth to occur within Maryland’s locally identified priority funding areas. Of those, 24 percent preferred future growth be focused in Baltimore City. In protecting future land from development, workshop results indicated that 18 percent (252,000 acres) of the region’s undeveloped land should be preserved and permanently protected from development. Utilizing the strengths and weaknesses list and stakeholder workshop recommendations, the next step in the Vision 2030 process began in November with the first meeting of the four thematic subcommittees. The consultant, American Communities Partnership, provided an overview of the charge to the subcommittees, and described the challenges they face as they help develop a regional vision. Each subcommittee will review the strengths and weaknesses list to develop principles that should be addressed in developing a regional vision. The subcommittee will also examine alternative future growth strategies to assess the impacts on issues and concerns identified in the strengths and weaknesses list. This part of the process will provide an opportunity to identify solutions to address the issues and concerns. The final product of the subcommittees’ work will combine previous recommendations into a preferred scenario or scenarios to assist in the development of a vision statement.  Important upcoming events include 17 public meetings now scheduled to begin in April, 2002. These important public participation events were delayed to provide more time for the subcommittees to complete their tasks, and provide an opportunity for the Vision 2030 Oversight Committee toa review the subcommittee recommendations. Overall, this important regional process is being strengthened by allowing considerable time for public participation. For more information, contact Stoney Fraley of BMC at 410-732-0500, ext. 1041 or sfraley@baltometro.org. All reports produced by the BMC are available at the Regional Information Center. Please call ahead. 410-732-9570 |
back to topTransportation Steering Committee
| Member | Empowered Representative | Representative's Phone Number |
Hon. Dean Johnson, City of Annapolis | Jon Arason | 410-269-0064 |
Hon. Janet Owens, Anne Arundel County | Harvey Gold | 410-222-7434 |
Hon. Martin O’Malley, City of Baltimore | Jeff Drinkwater | 410-396-1670 |
Hon. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger,Baltimore County | J.Craig Forrest, Chair | 410-887-3554 |
Hon. Julia Gouge, Carroll County | Jeanne Joiner | 410-386-2145 |
Hon. James Harkins, Harford County, Vice Chair | Pete Gutwald | 410-638-3103 |
Hon. James Robey, Howard County | Carl Balser | 410-313-4310 |
Jane Nishida, Secretary, Maryland Department of the Environment | Anne Marie DeBiase | 410-631-4806 |
John Porcari, Secretary, Maryland Department of Transportation | Marsha Kaiser | 410-865-1275 |
Roy Kienitz, Secretary, Maryland Office of Planning | David Whitaker | 410-767-4564 |
Funding for this newsletter is provided in part by member jurisdictions, grants from the US Department of Transportation and the Maryland Department of Transportation. Communication material in alternative formats can be arranged given sufficient notice by calling Joan Gorsuch at 410/333-1750 ext. 237 or by e-mail at jgorsuch@baltometro.org.
BRTB Notes can be found on the internet via the Baltimore Metropolitan Council homepage: http://www.baltometro.org.
back to topYour comments & questions are welcome. BRTB Notes
Lisa Sirota, Editor
Baltimore Metropolitan Council
2700 Lighthouse Point, East
Suite 310 Baltimore, MD 21224-4774
410/732-0500 ext. 245 FAX 410/732-6522
e-mail: lsirota@baltometro.org
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 30 December 2008 09:40