LA PLATA, Md. (March 19, 2010)—The Charles County Commissioners approved unanimously the fiscal year 2011 (FY11) Annual Transportation Plan. Each year, Charles County is required to submit an Annual Transportation Plan (ATP) application for transit operating and capital grants to support public transportation programs. No passenger fare increases are proposed in the FY11 Annual Transportation Plan.
The ATP application process is in the form of a comprehensive document which details current operations, fleet, budget, and operating policies. In addition, capital replacement schedules and operating plans are forecast for the next four years.
The State has advised staff to expect flat funding for FY11. Accordingly, the same operating assistance approved for FY10 is being requested for FY11 with no changes to the scope of service levels planned. Throughout the year, adjustments and schedule changes within the current service levels may be made to maximize efficiency and improve service to patrons.
Charles County's ATP requests $2.2 million in combined State and federal transit operating assistance. The ATP also requests $364,758 in combined State and federal transit capital assistance for capitalized preventive maintenance, bike racks for fixed route transit buses, passenger amenities (signs, shelters, benches, etc.), security cameras, and replacement bus shelter at La Plata transfer point.
In fiscal year 2009, 607,373 passenger trips were provided, nearly a 16% increase over the previous year. Revenue totaling $337,000 was generated from passenger fares and advertising.
Source: Charles County Government