NEWS RELEASE

Mayor Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Jeanette Eleff, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, April 18, 2002

MAYOR DOUGHERTY ENCOURAGES CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AT A PUBLIC HEARING HELD BY MARYLAND TRANSIT AUTHORITY

ON APRIL 24 IN FREDERICK

Mayor Jennifer Dougherty is encouraging citizens to attend the public hearings that will be held in April by the Maryland Transit Authority (MTA).

The purpose of the public hearings is to allow riders the opportunity to give input to MTA on the No. 991 commuter bus line, which operates between Hagerstown, Frederick, and the Shady Grove Metrorail station.

“During our Community Roundtables, we heard concerns on traffic and public transportation,” stated Mayor Dougherty. “Attendance at a public meeting is a great way for citizens to be heard. I applaud the MTA for reaching out to its riders to obtain feedback on the services.”

In November and March MTA implemented the following changes in the No. 991 commuter bus service:

• Two express trips to/from Hagerstown
• A new midday trip to Hagerstown
• An additional round trip for Frederick
• Extending selected trips to/from Rock Spring Business Park in North Bethesda
• A stop at Urbana in Frederick County
• Moving the Frederick stop from the Francis Scott Key Mall to the Monocacy MARC Station

The changes were implemented on a trial basis to address immediate overcrowding on some trips and to respond to commuters’ requests for additional service, such as midday and express trips.

Public hearings will be held in Frederick on Wednesday, April 24, in the Winchester Room of Winchester Hall from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. and in Hagerstown on Monday, April 22, at the Motor Vehicle Administration, 18306 Colonel Henry K. Douglas Drive, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Further questions or requests for presentations prior to the public hearings can be directed to Mr. Glenn Hoge, Senior Service Planner for MTA at 1-888-218-2267.

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