Array of Bus Options Available for Fort Meade Workers

This week, Odenton Patch has been highlighting the different commuting options for workers based at Fort Meade.

Today, we examine some of the bus routes that might prove helpful.

Those living in Odenton, Severn or Hanover can catch the K Route, which picks up hourly at Arundel Mills and makes frequent stops along Route 713 and Route 175, including one in front of Fort Meade at Reece and Annapolis Roads. A ride from Arundel Mills to the Fort Meade gate takes 11 minutes. The last pickup from Fort Meade is at 10:50 p.m.

While the K Route might not be the best option for those living outside the area, it does serve many communities locally, including Seven Oaks, Meade Village and Pioneer City, and also picks up and drops off at the Odenton MARC Station. It costs $2 to ride.

There is no direct route from Piney Orchard to Fort Meade, but workers can catch the new M Route bus and then connect at the Odenton MARC Station to a free shuttle to Fort Meade. The M Route bus, which costs $1, runs during rush hour and has 16 stops in the community. The Fort Meade shuttle is free.

Central Maryland Regional Transit operates most of the bus routes in the area. Check the company’s schedule to see if other buses might also help you in your commute.

Those living further away from Fort Meade could catch the Maryland Transit Administration’s Intercounty Connector Bus. 

The Route 202 ICC Bus, which made its debut in the beginning of March, makes its way from the Gaithersburg Park N Ride to Fort Meade, with six stops on base including the headquarters of the Defense Information Systems Agency. The bus also stops at the Shady Grove Metro Station, the Norbeck Park and Ride and the Savage MARC Station.

 The ICC bus has three rush hour departures in the morning and three in the afternoon, as well as a mid-day route. It costs $5 per ride or $38.25 for a ten-trip pass and $144.50 for a monthly pass. Riders can also use a TransitLink Card, which includes unlimited MARC and Metro rides for $241.50. The fares are reimbursable for most federal workers.

Employees from the Defense Information Systems Agency could also take advantage of a new subscription bus service. Based on demand, the bus will begin service as far south as Potomac Mills in Virginia and drop off at DISA offices on Fort Meade. DISA is hoping to fill several subscription buses, with several different routes including the I-95 and I-66 corridors and from Waldorf.  The buses cost between $290 and $400, depending on the bus, and most of the cost can be covered by federal transit subsidies.

Editor's Note: This is Part IV of a special series examining commuting options to Fort Meade. Earlier this week, we looked at , and options. Tomorrow, we wrap up the series with a story on walking, biking and telecommuting options.