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County approves $4.8 million supplemental for Flash US‑29 Bus Rapid Transit expansion into Howard County
Summary
Montgomery County approved a $4.8 million supplemental appropriation to fund four zero‑emission buses and the county’s share of operating costs for an agreed expansion of the Flash US‑29 Bus Rapid Transit service into Howard County; funding depends on a Federal Transit Administration grant and an executed MOU with Howard County.
Montgomery County Council members approved a $4,800,000 supplemental appropriation to the FY2025 capital budget to fund Montgomery County’s portion of an agreement with Howard County to extend the Flash US‑29 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service into Howard County.
The supplemental appropriation covers the purchase of four additional zero‑emission buses and related county expenses. Council staff described the funding breakdown as $3,350,000 in federal aid and a $1,450,000 intergovernmental transfer from Howard County. “This is gonna be a really exciting update,” a committee member said during the presentation.
Council staff reported the appropriation and a related amendment to the FY2025–2030 capital improvements program are tied to an agreement with Howard County. According to the presentation, Howard County will construct new stations and on‑road infrastructure inside Howard County, and Howard County will pay for Montgomery County’s additional operating costs required to run the extended service. The Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice’s Racial Equity Impact Assessment included in the packet found the project is likely to advance racial equity and social justice in Montgomery County.
County staff and council members clarified that the $3.35 million in federal funds have not been deposited because the Federal Transit Administration requires a memorandum of understanding (MOU) executed by Howard County and Montgomery County before finalizing the grant agreement in the FTA system. “FTA is requiring that we have the MOU executed with Howard County prior to being able to finish the grant in their system,” a county staff member said. Council members were told the county will not requisition the buses until the federal grant agreement is finalized.
Committee discussion focused on the rationale for extending the BRT line (noting a large share of peak traffic on Route 29 originates in Howard County), the funding split, and safeguards if federal funding were delayed. A committee member asked whether other funds would be at risk if the federal grant did not materialize; staff replied no requisitions have been made and purchases will wait until the grant agreement is in place. Without objection, the committee supported the supplemental appropriation.
Implementation steps noted by staff include execution of the MOU with Howard County, finalization of the FTA grant agreement, procurement of four zero‑emission buses, and integration of the vehicles into the existing Flash US‑29 service. The county identified Montgomery County Department of Transportation as responsible for operating and maintaining the buses once placed into service.
