Committee discusses barriers to fixed-route service onto Pax River; staff proposes outside‑gate stops and continued outreach

Committee members raised long‑standing questions about whether county fixed‑route buses can serve Naval Air Station Patuxent River (Pax River).

A staff member clarified "we transport paratransit on base. We do not have fixed route on base," adding that paratransit trips require that passengers have base access credentials and that transporting non‑badged riders onto the base is not permitted. The staff member and others said base security rules and Department of Defense budgeting decisions have constrained shuttle and fixed‑route access since a 2012 DOD budget cut that removed many base shuttle services.

The group discussed operational alternatives. Staff said they had approached the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum about creating a stop in the museum parking lot to give riders a short walk to Gate 1; the museum was "very receptive," staff said. Staff and committee members also noted Gate 2 access is complicated by local intersections and by the Knox Building, and that any outside‑gate stop would require study of safety and traffic impacts.

Committee members encouraged renewed outreach to the base, but staff said progress depends on base offices and CPLO (community planning liaison officer) engagement. The committee has no formal decision authority over base security or DOD transport policy; staff characterized the work as long‑term advocacy and study rather than an immediate change in fixed‑route service.

No formal action was taken; staff said they will include gate/study items in route‑feasibility work and will explore stakeholder outreach to Navy CPLO and base security officials.