Transportation Planning Unit

The Transportation Planning Unit's mission is to optimize the transportation system for end users by:

• Providing information on County transportation options and services
• Planning multimodal mid- to long-range transportation and transit operations 
• Developing and managing grants
• Monitoring transportation conditions
• Envisioning the future and identifying emerging issues
• Developing and analyzing appropriate solutions in cooperation with the community-at-large and policy makers
• Maintaining the County's transportation data
• Representing the County on various metropolitan task forces

BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN

The County is currently in the process of updating the 2006 Bicycle and Pedestrian plan in order to expand facilities and accommodate new technology. The character and design of the public right-of-way near transit stations is critical to promoting transit use and active transportation in general. Ensuring improved accessibility, comfort and safety for all users of the roadway should be a primary goal for new development near transit. Streets designed to provide a high-quality experience for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users benefit both the surrounding community and the transit agency:

• Provide adequate sidewalks and sidewalk widths in key transit area
• Provide safe and convenient crossings, minimizing distances and providing sufficient time to cross
• Improve comfort and safety elements, such as street trees, benches, lighting, etc.
• Create pedestrian-oriented building frontages
• Enhance corridors and connections to transit, streets and stations
• Improve ADA curb ramps
• Create comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian circulation systems
• Improve signage and information to highlight key destinations or transit stations
• Provide convenient and secure bicycle parking or storage facilities (commercial, residential, government and transit stations)
• Provide lockers, showers and changing facilities in businesses
• Provide bike share services or systems

BENEFITS OF WALKING AND CYCLING

The quality of pedestrian and bicycle circulation conditions can affect travel activity, including transit ridership. Public improvements that prioritize pedestrian and bicyclist travel create visual cues for motorists and by default, create safe and comfortable facilities to neighborhood centers and transit hubs. Additionally, including pedestrian and bicycle amenities to station areas and connecting those facilities to the surrounding area can create a more accessible transit environment, encouraging new riders.

Improved walking and cycling conditions tend to increase non-motorized travel, increase transit travel and reduce automobile travel. Bicycle infrastructure and pedestrian-friendly design has been shown to decrease the vehicle miles traveled per household. Furthermore, improved walkability around transit stops has been shown to increase transit travel.

PUBLIC AND MASS TRANSIT

The Baltimore County Transportation Planning Unit is not presently responsible for Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) bus or subway service. Public buses in Baltimore County are operated by MTA and the City of Baltimore. Get more information on bus routes and schedules. The MTA maintains city bus shelters while DOT maintains streets and sidewalks. Bikes are allowed on MTA buses. The MTA operates the subway system, issues fare cards and operates within the County right of way.

• CharmPass—The official mobile ticketing app for MDOT MTA used to pay for BaltimoreLink local buses, Light RailLink, Metro SubwayLink, MARC Train and Commuter Bus services directly from your smartphone.
• Commuter Choice Maryland—Maryland Department of Transportation's (MDOT) Travel Demand Management Program that enables MDOT to address key goals, objectives and strategies that will maximize traveler choices, and deliver transportation solutions and services that can enhance the quality of life for everyone while saving you money and reducing stress.
• CountyRide—Provides specialized transportation services to Baltimore County residents 60 years of age or older, persons with disabilities ages 18 to 59 and rural residents of all ages.
• MobilityLink—Paratransit service is for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use the MTA fixed-route system, which includes CityLink, LocalLink, Metro SubwayLink or Light RailLink service.
• Moovit—Access multiple modal options for trip planning purposes in the area.
• Transit App—The official app for using MTA and other services in Maryland.

RIDESHARE SERVICES

Rideshare is the communal use of transportation. We aim to provide a multimodal approach to your commute so that you can arrive at your destination efficiently, sustainably and enjoyably, while reducing traffic congestion, pollution and time wasted on freeways.

Metro Ride Share is offered to commuters and employers to find services that will make your life easier and your businesses greener. Through policy, programming, advocacy and education we can develop our shared mobility resources and change the paradigm for transportation in Baltimore County.

PARKING

As a limited resource that’s often in high demand, on-street parking spaces must be managed to move people and goods efficiently, support business district vitality, create livable neighborhoods, and balance the competing needs of public transit, residents, visitors and businesses.

PUBLIC PARKING

The County's Revenue Authority Parking Division manages public parking facilities (five public-operated lots, metered surface parking lots and metered on-street parking spaces).

PRIVATE PARKING

There are also privately-operated lots strategically located throughout the County. The majority of the off-street spaces within garages and surface lots are owned, maintained and managed by the private sector. We encourage the use of off-street parking through signage and promotional materials.

ROADS AND SIDEWALKS

Report infrastructure issues and locations through the BaltCoGo app.

TRAFFIC

For traffic updates, review 511 Traveler Information or live traffic cameras.