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Commissioners review 5‑year transit plan; approve consolidation plat for transit facility
Summary
Washington County Transit presented a 5‑year Transit Development Plan outlining service adjustments, fare updates and technology improvements; commissioners also approved a consolidation plat to reunify parcels at the transit administration and fleet maintenance site, contingent on City of Hagerstown plan review.
Washington County Transit presented a five‑year Transit Development Plan (TDP) outlining short‑ and medium‑term recommendations to improve local routes, accessibility and fare purchasing. Commissioners also approved a consolidation subdivision plat to combine parcels at the Transit Administration and Fleet Maintenance Facility to enable future facility work.
Andrew Ashland, Director of Public Works, said the TDP updates were prepared with consultant KFH Group and summarized key findings about current ridership needs: 50.6% of surveyed riders reported annual incomes under $20,000; 62% of respondents do not have a driver’s license; and only about 5% said they would be able to drive themselves if transit were unavailable. Sean Hartwell, Transit Director, said many recommendations are cost‑neutral operational changes (route modifications, more fixed stops, improved reliability) while others (expanded services) would require new funding. The TDP also recommends updating a fare structure that has not changed in over 30 years and implementing mobile ticketing.
Matt Mullenix of the Metropolitan Planning Organization explained the MPO’s role in programming federal transit and highway funding and said the region’s funding formulas are competitive; he noted state funding priorities and formula allocations can constrain small local transit providers.
Separately, the board approved the recordation of a consolidation plat for the Transit Administration and Fleet Maintenance Facility, contingent on City of Hagerstown plan review approval. Staff described the lot consolidation and alley quitclaim as preparatory steps to permit future renovations or expansions to the existing maintenance and administrative facility.
Ending: Transit staff said they will move forward with near‑term operational changes where feasible and with additional outreach about fare modernization; staff will finalize the consolidation plat once city plan review is complete.
