The MTA is taking a fresh look at current and future travel operations and demands to understand how different modes of transit, such as Light Rail Transit (LRT), Hybrid Rail (YR) and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) could be implemented to improve the corridor and support surrounding areas.
As part of the PEL study and the development of alternatives, MTA is working closely with Charles County, Prince George’s County, the Maryland Department of Planning and other stakeholders to develop transit improvement alternatives that are compatible with state and local Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) policies and goals. This process will help ensure that transit alignment, transit mode, station location, and land use decisions are made together to maximize the potential for success of future transit and associated development around the stations.
Each of the alternatives being considered will incorporate enhancements for walking, biking, and local transit use within the corridor, to support future development plans and to link to Metrorail. All findings in this study will be supported by:
- engineering and environmental analyses;
- ridership forecasts;
- cost estimates
- economic analysis;
- stakeholder coordination;
- public engagement; and
- other technical studies and coordination efforts.
Alignment and Station Locations
Each of the alternative modes – LRT, YR and BRT – being developed in this study will be considered along dedicated right-of-way, separated, but parallel to the MD 5 or US 301 roadways. In the southern portion of the study area (the Waldorf vicinity) the dedicated LRT, YR or BRT right-of-way would be along the existing CSX railroad. In addition, BRT will be considered within the existing right-of-way of MD 5 or US 301.
Station locations will be developed at approximately 13 locations to support the existing and proposed land use, including transit-oriented development; have multi-modal accessibility; and promote higher ridership, while maintaining the travel time objectives of a rapid transit system.
Modes
Variations of BRT, LRT and YR are being considered that may deviate from individual characteristics shown below, including options on dedicated guideway and, in the case of BRT, options within existing right-of-way.
Light Rail Transit (LRT)/Hybrid Rail (YR)
Light rail transit (LRT) uses electric-powered cars or short trains on fixed rails to provide quick, cost-effective transportation in metropolitan areas. LRT systems are designed to link major trip generators, regional centers, and county cores, and are intended to fill the gap between local buses and heavy rail.
Hybrid Rail (YR) operates primarily on the National system of railroads, but not with the characteristics of commuter rail. This service typically operates light rail-type vehicles as diesel or other non-overhead wire electric multiple-unit trains. If these trains do not meet Federal Railroad Administration standards, they must operate with temporal separation from freight and other rail traffic.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a high-quality bus system that aims to provide faster, more reliable, and more convenient transportation than traditional bus service. BRT systems often include elements of light rail, such as stations, dedicated bus lanes, and priority at intersections. Since BRT utilizes rubber tire vehicles along existing corridors, BRT provides a wide range of options for implementation. Like LRT, BRT can be constructed in a dedicated right-of-way; but BRT can also be applied within or immediately adjacent to existing corridors, enhancing roadway function with a mix of dedicated bus lanes, managed lanes, transit signal priority, and queue jump treatments that can provide improved operating capabilities at a significantly reduced cost and implementation time frame.
LRT, YR & BRT Amenity and Design Elements
Amenities for LRT, YR and BRT stations may include seating, lighting, canopies, trash/recycling, real-time information signs, stations signage, fare machines, video surveillance, bike/scooter storage, emergency call boxes, wayfinding signage, and interactive kiosks. Other design elements may include level boarding, enhanced crosswalks, landscaping and greenery, fencing, and existing bus stops for parallel routes.
