Data Analytics and Statistics Hub

Reliable and Accessible Infrastructure

Increase number of RTA passenger boardings to 1 million by FY 2025

320,000 

FY21 Actual


FY20 Actual
575,978

Objective Description

This measure represents the number of one-way trips (total count of individual boardings) on local and regional routes. The Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) delivers public transit in Anne Arundel County, Howard County, northern Prince George’s County, and the City of Laurel provide an option to the private automobile in accessing jobs, medical services, recreation, and shopping, and reducing congestion and air pollution. The number of one-way trips does not include trips for local routes in Anne Arundel County, northern Prince George’s County, and the City of Laurel.

Trend Analysis

RTA ridership declined drastically between 2019 and 2021 due to Covid-19 related public health travel restrictions and service reductions. Despite the pandemic, the County continues to invest in the bus fleet with the purchase of 11 transit buses, 5 light-duty buses, bus stop accessibility and amenity improvements, real-time bus arrival and trip planning, and mobile fare ticketing for riders. These improvements will further increase the reliability, convenience and comfort of our transit service. Additionally, the RTA will be restoring the vast majority of service by spring 2022 and is planning additional service modifications that should result in increased ridership.

Strategies

  • Implement the Consolidated Transit Plan's recommendations.
  • Expand and adjust transit routes to improve service, efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Incorporate transit-related recommendations into review comments on development applications.
  • Improve the reliability of Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) service by adding new buses to the fleet and maintaining older vehicles.
  • Upgrade bus stop facilities, including shelters and sidewalk connections.
  • Work with Howard County Public Schools to increase usage by public high school students living near and going to schools located on existing or previously planned route.

Source: Office of Transportation

Target = 1,000,000

Detailed Analysis


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