Maryland Transit Administration Launches Next Phase of Southern Maryland Rapid Transit Project
Public Meetings Will Explore Transit Solutions Along the MD 5 (Branch Avenue)/US 301 (Crain Highway) Corridor in Prince George’s and Charles Counties

By PRESS OFFICER
Maryland Transit Administration

BALTIMORE (May 15, 2025)—The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration invites residents, business owners and stakeholders to attend the upcoming open house meetings for the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit (SMRT) Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) Study. These meetings offer an opportunity to learn about potential mode and route alignment options, key project considerations, technical updates and to provide community input. A regional planning priority for Southern Maryland, this PEL Study will assess how a new transit service could enhance access and economic development in the region. To learn more about the project and PEL study, visit smrtmaryland.com.

“Expanding transit options across Maryland and moving people more efficiently and safely is one of my top priorities,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “A rapid transit option in the ever-growing Southern Maryland region aligns closely with these goals. Thanks to Governor Moore's budget, and the support of the General Assembly, MDOT is making historical investments in transit to increase safety, reliability and spur economic growth.”
 
The MD 5 (Branch Avenue)/US 301 (Crain Highway) corridor in Charles and Prince George’s counties represent some of the most congested roads in the Southern Maryland area. The proposed Southern Maryland Rapid Transit project will improve regional mobility, reduce congestion, foster economic development and support sustainable growth. The PEL Study will evaluate previously identified and new potential transit solutions for the corridor based on current and planned development and growth in the area, comparing the potential benefits and impacts.

“The rapidly growing Southern Maryland community deserves reliable transit options,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “By directly engaging with residents and analyzing travel patterns, we’re working to develop transit solutions that meet the needs of this thriving region.”

The agency will hold two in-person and one virtual meeting. The first meeting will be held in Charles County on June 5 and the second in Prince George’s County on June 10. A virtual meeting will also be held on June 11. The public comment period will remain open through July 11, 2025. Meeting details follow:

Charles County

Thursday, June 5, 6–8 p.m.

The Greater Waldorf Jaycees Community Ctr

3090 Crain Highway

Waldorf, Maryland 20601

Prince George’s County

Tuesday, June 10, 6–8p.m.

Francis T. Evans Elementary School

6720 Old Alexandria Ferry Road

Clinton, Maryland 20735

A virtual meeting also will be held on June 11 at 6 p.m. Details for that are available on the project website https://smrtmaryland.com/ Please contact the project team via email at SMRT@mdot.maryland.gov if you have additional questions about the study, meetings or require assistance.

The Governor’s investments in transportation funding supported by the Maryland General Assembly enables the agency to advance both the current Planning and Environmental Linkages study and the completion of the project review under the National Environment Policy Act (NEPA). The FY2025-FY2030 Consolidated Transportation Program invests nearly $35 million for the SMRT program, including $10 million in Federal funds obtained through two Congressionally Directed Spending awards.

This study will consider a wide array of rapid transit modes including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT) and other transit alternatives such as those that include dedicated transit-only right-of-way and mixed-traffic operations, aimed at providing an alternative to congestion along the corridor. Public open house meeting attendees will learn about the potential transit solutions and will be encouraged to share their feedback with the project team.

The Maryland Transit Administration is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States, and operates local and commuter buses, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train service and a comprehensive Mobility paratransit system. The goal of the Maryland Transit Administration is to provide safe, efficient and reliable transit across Maryland with world-class customer service. To learn more, visit mta.maryland.gov, check us out on Facebook or YouTube and follow us on Twitter/X and BlueSky.

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Emerge Maryland Graduates Newest Cohort of Women Ready to Run, Win, and Lead

By PRESS OFFICER
Emerge Maryland

BALTIMORE (May 20, 2025)—Emerge Maryland proudly announces the graduation of 14 dynamic women from its premier Signature Training Program. Representing diverse communities across the state, these trailblazers have completed the intensive 70-hour, six-month program designed to equip Democratic women with the tools, training, and network to run for public office—and win.

The newest graduates of Emerge Maryland’s Class of 2025 include:

• Erica Puentes – Baltimore City

• Crystal Parker – Baltimore City

• Ashley Esposito – Baltimore City, School Board Commissioner

• Joanna Bartholomew – Baltimore City

• Marsha Briley – Baltimore County

• Yvonne Harper – Baltimore County

• Jacqueline Scott – Howard County

• Christa Tichy – Montgomery County
 
• Josie Callabero – Montgomery County

• Delegate Teresa Woorman – State Delegate Montgomery County

• Sakinda Skinner – Prince George’s County

• Molly McKee-Seabrook – Prince George’s County

• Megan Outten – Wicomico County

• Jamie Shopland – Frederick County

Over the course of the program, participants received hands-on training in campaign strategy, fundraising, public speaking, field operations, and communications, while gaining confidence and community in a powerful statewide network of women leaders.

“These women have demonstrated the commitment, resilience, and leadership needed to make a difference in their communities,” said Diana Emerson, Executive Director of Emerge Maryland.

Emerge Maryland continues its mission of transforming politics and advancing representation by building a pipeline of Democratic women leaders across the state.

Applications for the 2026 cohort will open in June 2025. For more information, visit www.emergemaryland.org.

Emerge Maryland is the state’s premier organization that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for public office. As part of the national Emerge America network, Emerge Maryland has trained hundreds of women who now serve in elected and appointed offices at every level of government.

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