Anne Arundel County bus system upgrades make free transportation more accessible

Improving Transit Service in Anne Arundel County

Over the past few years, Anne Arundel County has been making incremental upgrades to its bus system, with a focus on improving accessibility and convenience for residents. These efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, particularly Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Enhancing the Bus System

Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman has been actively working to improve transit service in the county. Recognizing the benefits of a robust bus system, Pittman emphasizes the importance of providing transportation options for residents who do not have cars, as well as the positive impact on the environment. These efforts contribute to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 13: Climate Action.

The county launched its own comprehensive bus system in 2018, and since then, ridership has been steadily increasing. Currently, the system consists of nine fixed routes that traverse the county, providing transportation options on weekdays and weekends. This expansion aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Call N’ Ride Feature

To further improve accessibility, the county introduced the Call N’ Ride feature in 2018. This feature allows residents to hail a bus to their location, addressing transportation challenges in rural areas with limited options. The Call N’ Ride program has been particularly beneficial in addressing poverty-related issues, such as access to grocery stores, in certain regions. By providing reliable transportation, the county is contributing to SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 2: Zero Hunger.

Since its launch, the Call N’ Ride program has seen a significant increase in usage. The county expanded the program to serve a wider area and made it free for residents. The program has been well-received, with a 222% increase in usage over the past year. These efforts align with SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Improving Bus Stops

In addition to expanding the bus system and introducing convenient features, the county has also focused on improving bus stops. Over the past year and a half, approximately 300 bus stop signs were installed throughout the county. Some of the most frequently used stops have been upgraded with additional amenities, including four bus shelters equipped with solar-powered lighting and USB charging outlets. These improvements contribute to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Future Plans

The county has ambitious plans for the future of its transit system. It aims to transition its entire fleet to electric vehicles, with the purchase of up to six electric buses in the spring. The county has secured funding for this transition, including federal American Rescue Plan funding. Additionally, the county is planning to establish a transit hub at the Westfield Annapolis Mall, which will serve bus systems across the central Maryland region. These initiatives align with SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

To support these efforts, the county will implement a 25-cent tax on ride-share services like Uber and Lyft, with the generated revenue going towards the transit system. This innovative funding approach contributes to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

By prioritizing sustainable and accessible transportation options, Anne Arundel County is working towards creating a greener, smarter, and more equitable community. These efforts align with multiple SDGs, demonstrating the county’s commitment to achieving the global goals.

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.