The Office of Transportation’s primary focus is to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of public transportation services, walking, and bicycling in and around Howard County and ensure that connectivity is front and center in land use planning and site development.
The Office oversees the followings programs:
- Public Transportation
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning (Bike Howard and WalkHoward)
- Howard Commuter Solutions
- Jobs on Board
- Transportation Plans and Projects
- Howard County Public Transportation Board
- Complete Streets Policy Implementation
The Office of Transportation coordinates closely with the Department of Planning and Zoning and the Department of Public Works on a number of transportation planning and construction projects.
The fixed-route and paratransit services are provided through the Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA) a private non-profit organization. The rideshare and vanpool services are provided through the Office of Transportation. The reverse commute service is provided through the BWI-Business Partnership.
The web site that includes information on all the Howard County public transit programs and the supplemental services that are available is also coordinated by the RTA and can be accessed at www.transitRTA.com
The Public Transportation Board advises the County Executive and County Administration on transportation matters, particularly involving the County’s local bus system contractor, Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland.
The Office of Transportation provides support for supplemental services to provide additional transportation services.
Howard County is developing a Complete Streets Policy and creating a Complete Streets and Bridges Design Manual. This initiative was recommended in both the Howard County General Plan (PlanHoward) and the Howard County Bicycle Master Plan (BikeHoward).