The Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee voted unanimously Thursday to advance a bill that creates a local process for public transit providers to request access to private property for bus stops and related transit infrastructure.

CB73, as amended, directs the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPWT) to establish an application and review procedure and gives the County Council authority to adopt a resolution authorizing a “transit access permit” after DPWT refers the application and any property‑owner responses to the council. The bill includes procedural protections for property owners and requires DPWT and the Office of Law to issue implementing regulations within 90 days.

The measure was prompted by disputes in which property owners declined permission for bus stops previously located on their land; sponsors said the ordinance is intended to create a clear, transparent and time‑limited review path. Vice Chair Oriada, the bill sponsor, said the ordinance would give the council a role where property rights and transit access clash and let the parties negotiate conditions before the council acts.

The bill preserves explicit exceptions for emergency vehicles and recognizes WMATA’s legal role; the committee adopted three technical amendments to emphasize collaborative siting, to reflect WMATA’s authority under interstate compact law and to allow the council to impose reasonable alternative options (for example, a private shuttle provision for multi‑family properties) as part of a permit.

Mr. Battle, committee staff, said the Office of Budget and Management reviewed the measure and described the fiscal impact as neutral to minimally negative depending on construction responsibilities; the county executive signaled support. DPWT staff urged a work group to develop a comprehensive policy and to coordinate with WMATA and property stakeholders.

The committee voted 5–0 to move CB73, as amended, forward to the full council.