County Seeks Feedback on M Route Bus

County transportation planners are seeking feedback from residents about the new M Route bus that shuttles between Piney Orchard and the Odenton MARC station.

The county will hold a public meeting on Nov. 9 to get ideas on how to improve service and increase ridership.

George Cardwell, the county’s transportation planning administrator, said ridership has varied since the service began in March, but that about 130 people ride the bus each week. The county had hoped for about 160 riders a week at this point.  

Cardwell also said there have been some complaints about service, including buses arriving late and missing train runs, and some drivers being unaware of the proper $1 fare. Some riders also complained about the bus being poorly marked.

“We just need to talk this stuff out,” he said.

The M Route is designed as a rush-hour service for Piney Orchard residents. It makes 16 stops in Piney Orchard and operates to connect riders with MARC trains during the morning and evening rush hours.

Central Maryland Regional Transit operates the route. The county used more than $300,000 in federal stimulus money to pay for the buses.

The meeting about the bus service will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 9 at Piney Orchard Elementary School.