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University Boulevard bus lanes draw community ire; delegates cite inadequate engagement
Summary
Delegates and residents told MDOT and SHA they believed painted bus lanes on University Boulevard were a pilot to be evaluated and later learned the lanes were made permanent; officials acknowledged lessons learned and agreed to coordinate further community engagement tied to zoning/sector plan work.
Delegates and community representatives from District 19 told MDOT and the State Highway Administration that residents along the 2.4‑mile University Boulevard corridor were surprised when bus lanes painted in February 2024 were characterized as permanent later in 2024.
Delegate Collison presented a timeline alleging limited community involvement before the striping, resignation of a county community liaison in August 2024, and a December 2024 announcement that the lanes would be made permanent despite a public expectation of a pilot and a December 2025 evaluation. Collison said roughly 400 community members attended a single meeting to discuss the lanes and that many residents remain unconvinced their concerns were heard.
State Highway Administrator Will Pines told the delegation SHA had published performance data showing bus time savings and relatively smaller vehicle delay but acknowledged the perception and community engagement gaps. Pines said lessons from University Boulevard informed the Georgia Avenue project and SHA is willing to continue public engagement coordinated with Montgomery County planning and DOT staff. County director Chris Conklin and SHA affirmed they will follow up on mitigation options once sector planning work is further advanced.
What happens next: SHA and Montgomery County DOT agreed to coordinate outreach tied to the ongoing sector/zoning planning process. MDOT and county staff will identify timing for further public meetings and consider mitigation options where the lanes affect neighborhood access.
