Baltimore County Wins $1.65 Million Grant for Towson Circulator

Funding Requested to Support New Buses, Infrastructure for Towson Circulator Pilot

Baltimore County has won a federal grant award to support the launch of a Towson Circulator pilot. The $1.65 million award, announced today by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger and John Sarbanes, was requested by County Executive Johnny Olszewski's administration as it seeks to create innovative transportation options for Baltimore County residents.
 
"The Towson Circulator will be a critical project that will better connect residents between where they live, work, study, and play," said County Executive Olszewski. "We commend our Congressional delegation on supporting our request for this critical funding to move forward with this first-of-its-kind integrated transportation project in Baltimore County."

In his Fiscal Year 2020 Budget, Olszewski included funds to begin planning a Towson Circulator pilot, with plans to expand to other communities. In addition, the administration has named the first ever transportation planner and is in the process of hiring a deputy in the Department of Public Works to oversee transportation efforts and strategy.

"We are excited to announce this federal investment to help kick-start the Towson Circulator, which will provide a new, much-needed transit option to downtown Towson and the surrounding community. Maintaining a safe, reliable and convenient public transit system is critical to Baltimore County and we will continue working to expand and modernize transportation systems throughout Maryland," the federal lawmakers said.   

Today's award, announced as part of a nearly $14 million federal, statewide investment announced from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program, will support the purchase of new buses and infrastructure for the Towson Circulator.

"With little room for new roads, a Circulator is essential to improving mobility in Downtown Towson," said Councilman David Marks. "I thank County Executive Olszewski and our federal partners for their support of this initiative."

More details on the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program may be found on the Federal Transit Administration's website.