Deadline Nears On County's Microtransit Survey

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — The clock is winding down on a survey seeking input on the future of public transit in the county.

The online survey is asking residents a total of 24 questions that range from their family size to the number of cars they own, their usage of public transportation, and their familiarity with microtransit, among other inquiries.

Unlike the run-of-the-mill public transportation services, microtransit focuses more on flexible, on-demand transportation.

While the questions are open to all residents, officials are specifically looking for input for those living in the county's more rural areas, such as Parkton, White Hall, Hereford, Glencoe, Monkton, Jacksonville and Kingsville.

Opposition to the microtransit service has surfaced since the survey was first issued. Some residents have urged the county against the change, arguing in favor of keeping the areas as they are at present.

While one Facebook user said "people live in these places because we don't want public transportation," another wrote that the service simply wasn't needed.

Sen. J.B. Jennings, who represents the 7th District, urged residents to submit their feedback, even if the survey "is invasive."

Matt Fox, a candidate for State Senate, has blasted the survey and is instead urging that the focus in the region should be on making cars more affordable to communities.

The Department of Public Works and Transportation is calling on residents to submit their responses by Thursday.